Russo-European Laika vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

Russo-European Laika vs Finnish Spitz - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Russo-European Laika is originated from Russia. Finnish Spitz may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Russo-European Laika. Finnish Spitz may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Russo-European Laika. Both Finnish Spitz and Russo-European Laika has almost same life span. Both Finnish Spitz and Russo-European Laika has same litter size. Finnish Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance. But Russo-European Laika requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
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Finland
Russia
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
20 - 23 kg
44 - 51 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
20 - 23 kg
44 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
3 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Russko-Evropeĭskaya Laĭka
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
Dark grey color or black with some white markings. Can have white coat.
Coat:
double
Shortish and dense
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

russo european laikaThe Russo-European Laika is a hunting dog that comes from Russia.

It is a dog that has been developed from Spitz type dogs. A breeding program was started for the dog in 1944.

The Russo-European Laika dog is recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in the Spitz and Primitive type group.

Description

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.

russo european laika puppy - descriptionThe Russo-European Laika is a medium sized dog Spitz dog that stands at between 54 to 60cm in height and weighs in the region of 20 – 23kg.

The dog has quite a strong resemblance to the Karelia Bear Dog. They are sometimes mistaken for each other.

The Russo-European Laika has the typical triangular shaped head with small dark eyes, a black nose and erect, pointed ears. These are deep chested dogs.

As with other Spitz breeds, this dog has a thick fur with a densely furred tail which is curved over the back. The double coat is fairly long and usually a dark grey color or black with some white markings. Sometimes the dog has a white coat.

Temperament:

This is a lively, energetic dog breed that loves to spend time outdoors. It has always been used to alert hunters to prey, using its bark to alert the hunter.Training and socialization will be necessary for the dog if you don’t want it to be barking in the house too.

He makes an excellent guard dog, protecting his human family. It is very tolerant of children too, getting on well with them as well as other pets.

The dog is known for being totally devoted to its family, being an affectionate and loyal breed that doubles as a family pet and guard dog.

Characteristics

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.

russo european laika dog - characteristicsThis is an intelligent dog breed, loving the time he spends with his human family but reluctant to be patted by strangers.

They also get along with pets that they have grown up with. They get on well with kids and make great watchdogs too. Small wonder they make such sought after pets and companions.

Health Problems

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

russo european laika puppies - health problemsThese Spitz type dogs are always known to enjoy good health, and owners don’t have to worry too much about their health as only a small number of health issues are reported with this healthy dog breed.

Umbilical Hernia:

This is a congenital defect in the abdominal muscles and can result in fat or tissues being evident under the skin. A bulge is often seen in the area of the abdomen. Larger hernias will require surgery.

Caring The Pet

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.

Exercise:

russo european laika dogs - caringThis is an energetic dog and will require a good amount of excerise. This dog isn’t suited to living in the city as they are highly active. Apart from wanting large grounds to run around in, he will need walks as well as ball- and rope games to keep him busy.

He is intelligent and needs some form of mental stimulation. There are good quality toys which one can buy for these dogs than can make them think.

Diet:

Many things can change a dog’s longevity, and diet is one. A good nutritious diet with vitamins and minerals will give your dog less of a chance to get sick.

If you go for the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods, you’ll find that they are both convenient and well balanced.

To provide your dog with just a bit of variety in his diet, some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time will delight your pet.

No need to make preparing the food a huge issue either. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and add small portions of it into the dry kibble.

Try to include a bit of raw meat occasionally and never let your dog be without a constant source of fresh, cool water

Comparison with other breeds

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