West Siberian Laika vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

West Siberian Laika vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonBlack Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but West Siberian Laika is originated from Russia. Black Norwegian Elkhound may grow 12 cm / 4 inches shorter than West Siberian Laika. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and West Siberian Laika are having almost same weight. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and West Siberian Laika has almost same life span. Black Norwegian Elkhound may have less litter size than West Siberian Laika. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and West Siberian Laika requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Sporting dog
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Norway
Russia
Height Male:
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
53 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika
Colors Available:
black
gray, white, white with patches
Coat:
Dense, short double coat
double coat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

black norwegian elkhoundThe Black Norwegian Elkhound was first bred in Norway in the early part of the 19th century as a smaller version of the Grey Norwegian Elkhound. The Black version is a Spitz and is very seldom seen anywhere in world but Norway. He is designed for the same job that the Grey Norwegian Elkhound performed. The difference is that the Black Norwegian is smaller, easier to see in the snow and ice of Norway and smaller than the Grey. It is a hunter, a herder, a guard dog and a watch dog. Because of the temperatures in Norway it was very important to have a hunting dog that was able to deal with the cold, the snow and the heavy fall rains in Norway and Scandinavia. The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a powerful and prideful dog. Much more so than the grey, he is independent and strongminded. It is highly intelligent and is one of the most ancient of breeds. He is more durable and more quarrelsome than his cousin the Grey Norwegian Elkhound or the more familiar Swedish Elkhound.

Ancestors of the Black date back to the first days human kind went hunting around 4000-5000BC. There have been skeletons of dogs very much like the Black Norwegian Elkhound found that dated back to that time period. They hunted and guarded for the Vikings and pulled sleds as well. They hunted deer, moose, badger, elk, mountain lions, bears, wolves, lynx, rabbit and reindeer. They are trackers who hold their quarry at bay by barking until the hunter can find them. Today they serve as loved family pets and guard dogs. In a National Emergency the leader of Norway can call up all the privately-owned elkhounds of any kind and assign them to work in a variety of sledding duties. Within the FCI, the Black Norwegian Elkhound is classified as a primitive Nordic hunting dog.

west siberian laikaThe West Siberian Laika come from the Khanty and Mansi tribes of West Siberia and Ural. They are a primitive breed used for hunting and come from the spitz and wolf lines. They retain many of their primitive looks and traits to this day. They were pre-historic companions to human hunters and remain so today in the northern regions of the Russia. They were never sled dogs but pure hunters throughout their journey to a domesticated breed. They hunted in the forests of the mountainous regions and were adapted to hunting in the woods. When their prey was hunted almost to extinction, the Laikas were also in danger of disappearing.

From the early days of the 1900’s through the first World War, there were several campaigns to save the WSL from extinction. A breed standard was developed around the 1930’s. Following the war the breeding programs became more uniformed and followed the standard that was in place. World War II disrupted it again, but once again it was resumed after the war.

The breed was once again threatened by industrialization and deforestation in the early 20th century, as they were replaced by newer, more popular breeds. There were thought to be dozens of aboriginal Laikas with various groups attached to different groups of indigenous hunters.

Following the second World War and the ever increasing detail of breed standards, the Laikas were divided into four pure bred groupings: the West Siberian Laika, the East Siberian Laika, the Russ-European Laika and the Karelo-Finnish Laika. All of these breeds are Laikas because they are bark pointing hunters.

They were imported to the U.S. in the early 1990’s by a Russian immigrant. Vladmir Beregovoy is credited with bringing the breed to the States. There are now about 300-400 West Siberian Laika’sin the U.S. They are a very emotional breed, very in touch with his human’s feelings, habits and intentions. He is a barker for sure who hates to be left alone. An intense breed with the need for companionship and a purpose. They will do anything to escape a pen if left alone for long periods of time.

The breed is protective of its people with other animals and some are wary of strangers. He needs an active family to match his active spirit. They will bark at all wild life including all the squirrels in your yard. So if don’t want a “barker”, don’t get a West Siberian Laika.

They are recognized by the United Kennel Club, the American Canine Association the Dog Registry of American and the Federation Cynologique Internationale

Description

black norwegian elkhound puppy - descriptionThe Black Norwegian Elkhound is a short compact Spitz with dark eyes and a curly tail. It is the coat that sets this dog apart. It is an all-weather coat suitable for the cold, the snow and the rain of Norway. Ears are pointed and erect while the head is wedged and broad. His head is almost like that of a wolf. Its body is strong and compact. Its coat is coarse, short and double. He has a broad black nose with a straight bridge and with black lips and dark brown oval eyes. His legs and withers are strong boned and powerful with well padded feet to protect it from the freezing temperatures of Scandinavia.

west siberian laika puppy - descriptionThe WSL comes from the Spitz line and also directly descendent from the wolf. They look and act a lot like a wolf in many ways. They have retained much of their primitive traits. With a pointed, long muzzle, an almost square head, and square body, they have wolf colored coats of gray and red. They are mostly medium in size but some can be smaller or larger. Their head is shaped like a wedge, their eyes are typical almond shape and set deep in their head. They are brown or even darker. The muzzle is almost as long as the skull. Their lips are thin and black. The ears are straight up and pricked.

They have bodies longer than they are tall with a lot of musculature. They carry their tail high over their backs. With straight legs and forward feet, with gray, red and white coats, they still look like wild dogs.

Characteristics

black norwegian elkhound dog - characteristicsThis dog was made for families. He loves children and is not a one person dogs. He gets attached to everyone in the family. However, he is smart and stubborn. He loves to join in with whatever the family is doing but he does it to please himself not his owner. He loves, loves, loves to play and has the stamina to do so all day long. He is agile, bold, independent, strong, curious and loyal. His loyalty can be territorial, and he can become protective of his home and his family. This makes him an excellent watchdog until your friends come to visit and he won’t let them in the house. You need a high fence to keep him safe in your own yard and away from strangers and even guests till he gets to know them.He tends to be dominant and aggressive with other dogs. They also have strong hunting instincts.

1 Children Friendliness – Yes they are ok with children but not unsupervised.

2.Special talents stamina, agility

west siberian laika dog - characteristics3.Adaptability This is not really an apartment dog though he can adapt. He needs outdoor space to run everyday. So if in an apartment find a dog park for everyday use.

4.Learning ability – Highly trainable and very smart. Independent thinker though might cause some issues.

Health Problems

black norwegian elkhound puppies - health problemsThe Black Norwegian Elkhound is a strong and hardy dog, though he is susceptible to some of the problems many breeds face. These include issues with luxating patella, optical entropion, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and Fanconi syndrome. The most serious of these is the Fanconi Syndrome which is an abnormal functioning in the tubules of the kidneys. This can be a life-threatening situation.

west siberian laika puppies - health problemsHealth wise there are no genetic health issues known today. Since they were so wild, primitive and isolated there was not a lot of inbreeding to any standards. There are however some interesting health facts about the WSL.

• Females only come into estrus once a year, usually in the late winter. They are usually one to two or two and a half years old when this happens. The Russians who know them best frown on breeding them before they are at least two.

• They are subject to many of the same parasites and some diseases like any other canine. But they are not susceptable to any illness specific to their breed.

• Hunting accidents might bet he biggest health threat this breed faces at the moment.

• However with more dogs being bred for the show ring, this could all change and genetic issues could begin to pop up for them.

Caring The Pet

black norwegian elkhound dogs - caringThis is an energetic active dog, or she should be. Feed her high nutritious food twice a day. Do not overfeed.

The most potentially troublesome health issue is Fanconi Syndrome. This kidney disorder can impact the of the body’s absorption of electrolytes, water and nutrients. These nutrients include Sodium, Potassium, Glucose, Phosphate, Amino Acids and Phosphate

The Black Norwegian Elkhound loves to play, and they love to work. Exercise is vital, but it must be one of those two things – play or work. Don’t leave him alone to figure it out for himself or you wont like what this intelligent dog decides to do. She needs a large yard, a long walk daily but jogging with you is even better. Make him heel when on leash or he will think he oversees you. These are roaming dogs who will follow a scent anywhere and ignore your commands for her to come to you. They are better off on a leash unless you are in a dog park or a fenced yard.

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is great at all dog athletics, games and sports such as agility, rally obedience, flyball, tracking, herding.

west siberian laika dogs - caringperformance, working dog food. High in protein and fat is needed to maintain their lean muscle. Don’t over feed them as they will become obese and they will be unhappy if their physical activities are restricted, even if by their own weight. Be sure you break up their day’s food amount into 3-4 smaller meals.

2.Feeding the adult – Almost everything is equally true for the adult. They need a high protein and high fat food – a high performance food. Don’t over feed and give them at least 2 meals per day.

3.Points for Good Health – as previously mentioned this is a hardy and robust breed,

4. Games and Exercises They need a lot of exercise, have a strong prey drive and are very intelligent. A dog with those traits that does not get enough exercise will drive you crazy if he is not stimulated.

Comparison with other breeds

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