Also known as the Vostotchno-Sibirskaia Laika, the East Siberian Laika is an intelligent and loyal breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the East Siberian Laika can be traced back to 19th century Siberia. Enthusiasts believe the breed to date back as far as the 17th century, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the East Siberian Laika has been most commonly used for hunting games as all sizes, for sledding, and as a watch and guard dog, proving its superior abilities to work in the harshest of environments and terrain while providing protection and companionship.
Today, while the East Siberian Laika has attained a regional popularity as a working and companion dog, the breed remains rather rare outside of its native Russia.
Personality Traits
Best known for its devoted and obedient nature, the East Siberian Laika thrives on strong and dependable relationships with humans, and often looks to its owner for guidance and leadership. These dogs love playing the part of guardian, and are willing to do anything necessary in order to protect their owner and territory. This breed is very intelligent and generally easy to train. As a pet, the East Siberian Laika is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate. These dogs are not suited for full-time indoor or apartment living, as they enjoy spending time outdoors and taking long walks.
Train-ability
Due to its need for human relationships and willingness to learn, the East Siberian Laika generally responds well to basic training and commands. This intelligent breed has the ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach.
Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the East Siberian Laika. These dogs require a confident, strong, and patient handler with a stern and serious approach to repetitive exercises and tasks.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning an East Siberia Laika, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. This breed is very bright, easy to train, and capable of learning to perform many impressive tricks and tasks. When properly socialized from a young age, the East Siberian Laika gets along well with small children and other pets, often making friends quickly due to its need to belong to a pack. These dogs are alert, protective, and territorial, making incredible watch and guard dogs by announcing the arrival of guests and unwanted visitors, and serving as a deterrent to would-be intruders. The East Siberian Laika is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent working dog, family pet, and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning an East Siberian Laika. These energetic and active dogs require large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play outdoors. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. An East Siberian Laika not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The East Siberian Laika has a strong instinct to hunt and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, these dogs are very quick, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. These dogs must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
As previously mentioned, the East Siberian Laika remains rather rare outside of its native Russia, and can prove difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, extremely high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the East Siberian Laika is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, likeliness to develop cancer, digestive issues, distichiasis – ingrown eye lashes, chronic ear infection, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own an East Siberian Laika? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/e/east-siberian-laika.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/east_siberian_laika
