Russo-European Laika

The Russo-European Laika comes from the forests of northern Russia and the Finnish border, where local hunters used it to track bear, elk and fur game, and the name Laika derives from the word for barking, describing exactly how this type of dog works. Unlike a scenthound, a Laika doesn't chase quarry to exhaustion, it locates it by scent and holds it in place with loud barking until the hunter arrives. The straight, medium-length double coat handles a northern climate's cold well. A male weighs up to 23 kilograms, compact but tireless. The breed was only formally standardized in the mid-20th century, unifying several regional dog populations into one type. Life expectancy runs 10 to 12 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Russo-European Laika: how old in human years?

50–58 cmHeight
17–23 kgWeight
10–12 yrsLife expectancy

Kai Ken

FCI group: Spitz and Nordic/Ancient-type Dogs
FCI section: Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs
FCI: 304
Country of origin: Russia

Energy level

5/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

3/5
Grooming need

3/5

At a glance

Height

Males 52–58 cm

Females 50–56 cm

Weight

Males 18–23 kg

Females 17–22 kg

Life expectancy

10–12 yrs

Coat

double coat, straight medium length (medium-length)

Temperament & Family Life

Russo-European Laika's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 3/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 2/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Russo-European Laika's energy and exercise needs are high.

Energy level 5/5
Exercise need 5/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 5/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Russo-European Laika's guarding and alertness traits are moderate.

Guarding instinct 2/5
Watchfulness 4/5
Barking level 3/5

Grooming & Care

Russo-European Laika's grooming needs are moderate.

Shedding 4/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 3/5

Living with the Russo-European Laika

A squirrel has barely rustled at the top of a pine, and the laika is already standing beneath the tree, eyes fixed upward, barking loud and without a pause. That is exactly what it was bred for: to find game in the trees and tell the hunter with its voice where it is. The hunting drive runs so deep that, off the lead in an unfenced place, it can simply vanish into the forest, and no amount of calling will bring it back while the trail is hot.

Its energy seems close to bottomless. It needs not a stroll but real exercise every day: long hikes, running, nose work, canicross or hunting. A flat won't do; a house with a yard and a high, solid fence is far better. It is clever and quick to grasp what you want, but it listens when it sees the point, so keep training short, varied and rewarding.

With its own people the laika is loyal and likes to be close, but it is reserved with strangers and in no hurry to make friends. It doesn't always get on with other dogs, especially of the same sex, and cats and small pets can look like prey, so make introductions carefully. It is happiest with an owner who loves the woods and doesn't mind rain; for that person it will be a tireless, cheerful companion.

Grooming and coat

The Russo-European Laika wears a straight, medium-length coat over a dense undercoat, built for the cold and damp of northern forests. Once a week, comb right down to the skin, especially around the ruff, the breeches and the curled tail, where the undercoat gathers first. It sheds a fair amount, and during the coat change the undercoat comes out in tufts; comb daily then, and there will be far less of a "second dog" on your floor.

The rest is simple. Baths are rarely needed, since a clean, combed coat sheds dirt on its own and dried mud simply brushes out. After every forest outing, check the skin, the upright ears and between the toes for ticks and burrs, and trim the nails when they start clicking on the floor.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (23 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 280 g of dry food a day, from €15,29 a month For a neutered, normally active 20 kg dog. Calculate for your dog