Wetterhoun vs West Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison

Wetterhoun vs West Siberian Laika - Breed ComparisonWetterhoun is originated from Netherlands but West Siberian Laika is originated from Russia. Both Wetterhoun and West Siberian Laika are having almost same height. Wetterhoun may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than West Siberian Laika. Both Wetterhoun and West Siberian Laika has same life span. Both Wetterhoun and West Siberian Laika has almost same litter size. Wetterhoun requires Moderate maintenance. But West Siberian Laika requires Low maintenance

History

wetterhoun - historyThe Wetterhoun is a water dog developed in the 1500 or 1600s to hunt otters. The breed was developed by the Frisians in the Netherlands near the Northwest corner. In addition to catching otters in the lakes near by, they were also used as gundogs to hunt game. They are a fearless, tough and loyal working dog. They love the water and they are build for it with a waterproof coat and tight tail that is spiraled. They will swim happily in freezing cold weather as well.

The Wetterhoun is rare and not seen outside of the Netherlands. Descendent of the Water Dog, that is now extinct, he is probably a relative of many spaniel types that also call the Water Dog their ancestor. Yet the Wetterhoun is not a spaniel or spaniel type.

The breed almost disappeared during World War II, like many others, they brought back and are now becoming more and more popular. The breed is only recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the United Kennel Club. AKC does not recognize them, but there are many hunting clubs and other registries that do. They are often promoted as one of the rare breeds.

west siberian laika - historyThe 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

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Netherlands
Russia
Height Male:
55 - 59 cm
21 - 24 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
53 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Frisian Water Dog , Dutch Spaniel, Otterhoun
WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika
Colors Available:
black or black & white, Liver & white, Liver
gray, white, white with patches
Coat:
Oily, Thick, Tight curls all over except smooth head, legs and ears. Coat must not be woolly. waterproof
double coat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

wetterhoun puppy - descriptionThe Wetterhoun is a compact, medium sized breed weighing about 55 to 77 pounds. Great water dogs they are athletically built with low set ears hanging next to their heads, a waterproof coat, distinctive eyes with a very serious expression and a tightly curled tail held aloft over the back. Their coat is waterproof, somewhat oily, curly and thick. The fur is of a smoother texture on the ears, head, and legs. They can be solid black, solid brown, brown with white, or black with white.

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

Characteristics

Children friendliness -yes but large and active

2.Special talents loves to swim

wetterhoun dog - characteristics3.Adaptability – not a great apartment dog even though he is not that big. They need space. They need a job and they will finish their job at their own pace no matter what you say. It is impossible to train this trait out of them.

4.Learning ability Very high learning ability, very eager to learn and very smart. He is stubborn about finishing whatever job he is working on

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

wetterhoun puppies - health problemsA hardy and healthy breed they do not have severe health issues. But like every his

  • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness and/or arthritis.

• Ear Infections – like any breed with hanging ears they can be prone to infection. This is particularly true because the dogs are in the water a lot. Be sure to clean and dry them after every water episode and inspect them on a regular basis even if the dog has not been in the water.

• Patellar Luxation – Knee cap issue with movement and inflammation. Can cause lameness and arthritis.

  • Hunting/Swimming Injuries.

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

wetterhoun dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy -This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality puppy food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your puppy in smaller amounts 3-4 times per day.

2.Feeding the adult - This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality adult food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your adult twice per day.

3.Points for Good Health - general excellent health

4. Games and Exercises – This is an active working dog that needs a lot of exercise every day. A 30 minute walk is only the beginning. They need outdoor time to play and run. They need to swim if at all possible.

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. Wetterhoun vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Wetterhoun vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Wetterhoun vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Wetterhoun vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Wetterhoun vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Wetterhoun vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. Wetterhoun vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. Wetterhoun vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. Wetterhoun vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Wetterhoun vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Wetterhoun vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Wetterhoun vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Wetterhoun vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. Wetterhoun vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Wetterhoun vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Wetterhoun vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  17. Wetterhoun vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Wetterhoun vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  19. Wetterhoun vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Wetterhoun vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  21. Wetterhoun vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Wetterhoun vs West Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  23. Wetterhoun vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Wetterhoun - Breed Comparison
  26. West Siberian Laika vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  27. West Siberian Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. West Siberian Laika vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. West Siberian Laika vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. West Siberian Laika vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  31. West Siberian Laika vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  32. West Siberian Laika vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  33. West Siberian Laika vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  34. West Siberian Laika vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. West Siberian Laika vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. West Siberian Laika vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. West Siberian Laika vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  38. West Siberian Laika vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  39. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  40. West Siberian Laika vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. West Siberian Laika vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  42. West Siberian Laika vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  43. West Siberian Laika vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  44. West Siberian Laika vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. West Siberian Laika vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  46. West Siberian Laika vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  49. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs West Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds