Finnish Spitz vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz vs East Siberian Laika - Breed ComparisonEast Siberian Laika is originated from Russia but Finnish Spitz is originated from Finland. East Siberian Laika may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Finnish Spitz. East Siberian Laika may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Finnish Spitz. East Siberian Laika may live 4 years more than Finnish Spitz. East Siberian Laika may have more litter size than Finnish Spitz. Both East Siberian Laika and Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
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Russia
Finland
Height Male:
55 - 66 cm
21 - 26 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 24 kg
44 - 53 pounds
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
19 - 22 kg
41 - 49 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
3 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
ESL Vostotchno-Sibirskaia Laika
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Colors Available:
black, ticked, red and brown of all shades, grey, with light patches (called karamis), patched, Black and tan, white, grizzle
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Coat:
long and double
double
Shedding:
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

east siberian laikaThe East Siberian Laika Is a Russian dog developed for hunting in Siberia. The breed is a spitz type and good hunting large or small prey. It hunted squirrels and grouse as well as moose, mountain lions and bears. In the cold, snowy Siberia it was also a sled dog. There are four types of Russian Laikas: the West Siberian Laika, the Karelo-Finnish Laika, the East Siberian Laika and the Russo-European Laika.

Dog from the Evenki National Territory, the Lake Baikal region, the Maritime Territory, the Irkutsk Province, and the Amur River basin were the breeding groups from which the East Siberian Laika developed. In 1947 the East Siberian Laika was designated as a separate breed from the other Laikas. All 4 Laikas were registered as separate breeds at the All -Union Cynological Congress. Biologist K.G. Abramov is credited with developing the first standard for the breed.

The breed is recognized by the American Canine Association, Inc (ACA), the Dog Registry of America (DRA) as well as the FCI. They are not recognized by the UKC or the AKC. Only the government breeds the East Siberian Laika in Russia.

finnish spitzThe “barking Bird Dog” or Finnish Spitz was Developed in Finland. The breed is fearless and small with a different style than many other hunting dogs. He style of tracking is unusual and he indicated his quarry by barking. He was bred to hunt all sizes of prey from as large as bears to as small as squirrels. He was called the “Barking Bird Dig” because he pointed at the prey by barking and giving the hunter knowledge of the prey and an easy approach to it. In Finland, the Spitz is still a hunting dog. In 1979 The Finnish Spitz became the national dog of Finland.

Spitz-like dogs have been present in Finland for over 8000 years. It is believed that dogs living in higher latitudes had more in common with the Taymyr Wolf od North Asia than with the gray wolf. Tests indicate that the chance of the Spitz being related to the Taymyr is between 1.4&a and 27.3%. The Taymyr is extinct today. This shows that the present day dog descends from more than one type of wolf and more than one area. The Spitz was a favorite of the Finno-Ugrian tribes as he helped them find food. These tribes were pretty isolated until 1880. Then the Spitz were mated with other dogs and were almost extinct as a breed separate from all the other local dogs.

However, like many other breeds the Finnish Spitz found a savior. A Finnish huntsman, named Hugo Roos, noticed the native Finnish Spitz while he was hunting up North. He decided to breed dogs that were genuine Finnish Spitz without the blood of other breeds mixed in. After thirty years the current day Finnish Spitz was born.The latest breed standard was confirmed by the Love Finnish Kennel Club in 1996.

Description

east siberian laika puppy - descriptionWithin the East Siberian Laika there are several different types, but two important ones are the Evenki and Irkutsk. Of all the Laikas, the East Siberian is the most diverse in physique and in color. It is a rangy dog, heavy boned and proportionately appears square. It has triangular, erect ears and a tail that curves over his back. The shape of his head can vary within the regions and the types.

finnish spitz puppy - descriptionThe Finnish Spitz is balanced and symmetrical in body and females are longer than males. They have a very distinguishable prick, foxy ears and face. They have a smiling expression and a curved tail. They are a golden-red color with a double coat. The under coat is dense and soft While the top coat is stiff. Puppies often look like little red fox cubs. When born they are black, grey or brown with a lot of black. As an adult the pups grow up to be a mix of fawn and dark black. Lips, nose and rims of the eyes should be black.

Characteristics

east siberian laika dog - characteristicsThe East Siberian Laika is bred to hunt and hunt large prey as well as small. For this reason, he usually doesn’t get along well with other dogs or other large predators. Other wise he is a calm; well-mannered dog and he can be a very good watch dog. They are very trainable and make great companion dogs.

The East Siberian Laika is the calmest and quietest of the four Russian Laikas. They are very affectionate and loyal to their families. They love to walk, jog, hike, run or camp with their family.

Children friendliness

finnish spitz dog - characteristicsVery child friendly – loves to play with children as long as the children pay attention to them. If not, the Spitz will go elsewhere.

Special talents

They are independent thinkers and close to family but not strangers. They often “yodel” instead of howl.

Adaptability

Needs to be with people, bonds deeply with his humans. Most get along well with other dogs but because of their hunting instinct they are not good with small pets or birds.

Learning ability

They are smart and learn easily. They are great athletes and learn games and competition well.

Health Problems

east siberian laika puppies - health problemsBesides injures related to hunting, the East Siberian Laika is prone to several other conditions including dysplasia and:

  1. Monorcidism
  2. Occasionally seen in puppies where they have only one testicle.
  3. Umbilica Hernia

The contents of the dog’s abdomen come through the abdominal wall at the umbilicas. They are surgically repaired.

finnish spitz puppies - health problemsTypically, a somewhat healthy breed, the Finnish Spitz does struggle with a few genetic concerns. They have been known to suffer from:

  • Elbow dysplasia – Can cause arthritis
  • Patellar luxation – movement in the knee joints can cause lameness
  • Epilepsy – seizures can be controlled with medication
  • Hip dysplasia – Just like elbow dysplasia can cause arthritis

Caring The Pet

Feeding

east siberian laika dogs - caringThis is an active, working dog and should be fed accordingly. Probably 1.5-2 cups of high quality dry dog food, two times a day.

Health issues

The East Siberian Laika is an ancient breed and fairly healthy though prone to dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia

The hip socket is not formed correctly, and the bone cannot fit properly causing lameness and/or arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia

Primary lesions and cartilage surrounding the elbow join and resulting in osteopathic injuries.

Exercise and games

Again, this is a working dog. They need at least a half hour of moderate/vigorous exercise every day. A fenced in ran is a plus. You will also need to play with him to keep him from getting bored. Catch, flyball, or agility would all suit this breed well.

Feeding the puppy

finnish spitz dogs - caringDon’t overfeed the little guy. The Spitz had a good appetite for a dog its size and can gain weight quickly . Feed twice a day about 1/8th of a cup.

Feeding the adult

The same advice hold for the adult dog. Feed 1/4th of a cub of high quality dry food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

When the Spitz is a puppy you should limit strenuous exercise and jumping. Don’t spay neuter at too young an age. Wait until they are mature at 3-5 years of age.

Games and Exercises

Again do not exercise vigorously at too young an age. When older the Finnish Spitz will need a yard to run in and exercise to satisfy his hunting instincts. A long walk every day is a must.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. East Siberian Laika vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  3. East Siberian Laika vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. East Siberian Laika vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. East Siberian Laika vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. East Siberian Laika vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. East Siberian Laika vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. East Siberian Laika vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. East Siberian Laika vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. East Siberian Laika vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. East Siberian Laika vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. East Siberian Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. East Siberian Laika vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. East Siberian Laika vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. East Siberian Laika vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
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  18. East Siberian Laika vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
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  26. Finnish Spitz vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Finnish Spitz vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Finnish Spitz vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Finnish Spitz vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Finnish Spitz vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Finnish Spitz vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Finnish Spitz vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Finnish Spitz vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Finnish Spitz vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Finnish Spitz vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Finnish Spitz vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Finnish Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Finnish Spitz vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Finnish Spitz vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Finnish Spitz vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Finnish Spitz vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Finnish Spitz vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Finnish Spitz vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Finnish Spitz vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Finnish Spitz vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Finnish Spitz vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Finnish Spitz vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Finnish Spitz vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Finnish Spitz vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Finnish Spitz vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison