Karelo-Finnish Laika vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Karelo-Finnish Laika vs East European Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBoth Karelo-Finnish Laika and East European Shepherd are originated from Russia. Karelo-Finnish Laika may grow 28 cm / 11 inches shorter than East European Shepherd. Karelo-Finnish Laika may weigh 36 kg / 79 pounds lesser than East European Shepherd. Karelo-Finnish Laika may live 3 years more than East European Shepherd. Both Karelo-Finnish Laika and East European Shepherd has same litter size. Karelo-Finnish Laika requires Low maintenance. But East European Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance

History

karelo finnish laika - historyThe Karelo Finnish Laika is a Spitz type hunting dog from the Karelia area of Russia.Some people say the dog developed in Sweden. The dog is from a group of ‘Laika’ breeds and has that typical Spitz-type look – the sharpish face, the erect ears and the tail which curls over the back.

This attractive dog was developed as a hunting dog, and has a thick, weatherproof coat.The Karelo-Finnish Laika breed developed because people wanted a smaller sized hunting dog that could cope well with the weather, and these Laika dogs matched well.

The breed is ancient – centuries old, and after dying out in numbers during the second world war, the breed was revived when Russians imported Finnish Spitzes from Finland and bred them. The dog is similar to the Finnish Spitz, and in 2006 the Finnish Kennel Club and Russian Kennel Federation included the Karelo-Finnish Laika as a Finnish Spitz breed.

east european shepherd - historyThe East European Shepherd is a dog which hails from Russia. The dog was developed in the 1930-1950s as there was a need for a bigger, more robust, weather-resistant type of dog who would perform all kinds of guard duties in the Soviet Union.

This is a rare dog breed, created by mixing Russian breeds such as the Laika, Central Asian Shepherd and Caucasian Shepherd to create a strong working dog that could cope well with the sub-freezing conditions.

The standard breed type was established in 1964. The only major kennel club to grant full recognition to the East-European Shepherd is the Russian Kennel Club. In the United States, the dog is recognized by a number of rare breed registries.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Russia
Russia
Height Male:
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Laika
Belarusian Shepherd, Eastern European Shepherd, Byelorussian Shepherd
Colors Available:
Reddish
Solid colored or fawn or tan with black saddle
Coat:
Longish and coarse
Medium length and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

karelo finnish laika puppy - descriptionWith his wolf-like appearance, the Karelo Finnish Laika is a sharp, intelligent dog and is the smallest Laika in Russia used for hunting. He stands at about 38–48 cm in height and weighs about 11 - 14 kg.

His coat is a reddish color and the fur is fairly long and coarse with a dense, soft undercoat. He looks like a red fox with his sharp, bright face, his erect ears, black nose and bushy tail which curls over the back.

Temperament:

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a sweet dog with a quiet character. Whenever you suggest a game for him, he throws his docile side to the wind and becomes highly energetic and animated. He is an active dog and loves nothing more than a game with his human family members.

He is mistrustful of strangers, he tends to bark easily and he is territorial and all these characteristic go towards making him a good watchdog. He is quite prepared to live peacefully alongside other dogs in the home, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He makes a great friend and pet for families and is more than ready to be loving and loyal to his human family.

east european shepherd puppy - descriptionThe East European Shepherd is larger than a German Shepherd. He is described as a large dog with males and females standing roughly at 66-76 centimeters at the withers and weighing anything between 30–50kg.

The coat with undercoat is medium in length with the standard color being black-and-tan or black-and-red. The dog is solid colored or is light fawn or tan in color with black saddle.

The face of the dog is black and he looks a lot like a wolf in appearance. The ears of the East European Shepherd are medium sized and always erect.The tail is long and hangs low.

Temperament:

The East European Shepherd is an intelligent and confident dog and can be aggressive when aggravated. He is a working dog and to get along with other pets in the home as well as children, the East European Shepherd will need to be trained and socialized, becoming obedient and loyal with his owner.

He is an intelligent dog and training him poses no problem. Loyal and devoted, this dog mostly becomes particularly attached to one member of the family.

There are a number of dog experts who don’t recommend the dog as a family pet as it is a dog reluctant to form a close bond with a child, being irritated by them, especially ill disciplined children.

It is a strong-willed dog too and shouldn’t be the first dog choice for a novice dog owner. They make excellent guard dogs and take their role as protector of the family seriously.

Characteristics

karelo finnish laika dog - characteristicsThe Karelo Finnish Laika is such an energetic dog, full of life and he promises to make an affectionate family dog.

He is a fairly low maintenance dog too and not prone to getting sick easily. Treat this attractive Laika dog like he deserves and you’ll find that he makes a splendid pet.

east european shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East-European Shepherd dogs are balanced, confident, intelligent, loving and playful while also being tough and protective of their owners.

They make fantastic guard dogs, becoming aggressive around strangers whom they don’t trust. When you bring a dog like this into the home, it is essential to have him trained and socialized and to also have a firm owner who can deal with such a strong-willed animal.

He is an active, alert dog who will require regular exercise and will slot into life in the city or in the country so long as his exercise needs are met.

When you look after your East European Shepherd you’ll find in him a devoted, loyal friend who will protect you with his life.

Health Problems

karelo finnish laika puppies - health problemsApart from his good looks, the Karelo-Finnish Laika happens to be a pretty healthy breed and there are no known hereditary health problems with him. Diseases which can affect any dog -

Hip Dysplasia:

Many large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. In hip dysplasia, joint problems cause arthritis and pain and eventually lameness. These days, when buying a puppy, people ask breeders about whether the parents were screened for hip dysplasia.

Obesity:

Any dog fed the wrong diet and who isn’t exercised can become overweight. Obesity in dogs is linked to many health problems in dogs. If you’re in doubt about your pet, consult with your vet on the best food for him.

Cancer:

Many dogs are at risk for certain types of cancer, including lymphoma which is cancer of the lymph nodes. When you are brushing your pet, check him for any unusual lumps so that you can catch cancer early.

Heart Conditions:

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is where the chambers of the heart are stretched out and don't pump blood properly. Sometimes it can go undetected for a while until the dog becomes seriously ill, requiring emergency medical attention. Medications can regulate heart rhythm but there is no cure.

east european shepherd puppies - health problemsRegarded as a tough dog who can reach 10 – 12 years of age, the East European Shepherd is prone to hip or elbow dysplasia. This is a a disease that is more prevalent with German Shepherd type dogs.

Dysplasia is a genetic condition which can lead to inflammation and arthritis and even lameness. Unfortunately it can happen with young dogs too, and the vet will suggest different types of treatment which can include surgery.

Degenerative myelopathy is another degenerative disease which can be found with the East European Shepherd. It is a fatal, progressive degenerative disease of the spinal cord. Unfortunately there isn’t treatment for the disease, leading to paralysis of the limbs.

Caring The Pet

karelo finnish laika dogs - caringThe Karelo-Finnish Laika is a most attractive looking dog and his thick, double coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from dust, grass and burrs. He sheds throughout the year so this brushing will keep the loose dog hair under control.

Diet:

Watch your Karelo-Finnish Laika’s diet as a lean, mean dog can live longer than one who is overfed. Dogs which are overweight are likely to develop joint problems and heart disease.

The quality of food you feed your pet is hugely important. Popping chocolates and peanuts into his mouth because you love him so much will be toxic for him. Apart from his top quality dry kibble, add in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as a tasty treat and mix in a little bit of raw meat also when you can.

Exercise:

Exercise for your Karelo Finnish Laika is a key component to prolonging his life, and he absolutely loves games, walks and action all the way. It will keep him in shape, keep him happy and prolong his life.

Grooming:

east european shepherd dogs - caringThe coat of the East European Shepherd is thick, and while he won’t require any professional grooming, he will require being brushed at least twice a week. This is because he sheds heavily at certain times.

His nails will need to be clipped if they don’t wear down naturally, and his teeth will require regular brushing at least 2 or 3 times a week. Fortunately, because his ears are large and open, he doesn’t easily get an ear infection.

Exercise:

The East European Shepherd is a dog which has always been worked. It is a highly energetic dog and its role as a guard- and herding dog has made it that the dog will require a good dose of exercise.

A long walk may not be enough for this active dog, and he will require intense ball throwing with a tennis racquet to get the ball far away so that he can run far to fetch the ball. Without enough exercise, the East-European Shepherd will develop behavioral problems which will include aggression.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  8. Pumi vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  9. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  10. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  11. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  13. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  14. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  15. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  16. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  17. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  20. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  21. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  22. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  24. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Great Pyrenees vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Presa Canario vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Labrador Husky vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Giant Schnauzer vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Goldador vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Mackenzie River Husky vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. German Longhaired Pointer vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Pyredoodle vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Lurcher vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Maremma Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Sarplaninac vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Himalayan Mastiff vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Mountain View Cur vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Native American Indian Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Greenland Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Komondor vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Fila Brasileiro vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Greek Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Kangal Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Himalayan Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds