Icelandic Sheepdog vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison

Icelandic Sheepdog vs East Siberian Laika - Breed ComparisonEast Siberian Laika is originated from Russia but Icelandic Sheepdog is originated from Iceland. East Siberian Laika may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Icelandic Sheepdog. East Siberian Laika may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Icelandic Sheepdog. Both East Siberian Laika and Icelandic Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both East Siberian Laika and Icelandic Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Both East Siberian Laika and Icelandic Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
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Russia
Iceland
Height Male:
55 - 66 cm
21 - 26 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Height Female:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 24 kg
44 - 53 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
19 - 22 kg
41 - 49 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
ESL Vostotchno-Sibirskaia Laika
Iceland Dog, Icelandic Spitz
Colors Available:
black, ticked, red and brown of all shades, grey, with light patches (called karamis), patched, Black and tan, white, grizzle
black, cream or chocolate., tan and white, Grey and white or tan and white
Coat:
long and double
Short or long, straight or wavy
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
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.

icelandic sheepdogThere are quite a few different dog breeds that fall under the name of Spitz-type dogs, and in fact they have a number of similar characteristics, one of which is that they have some wolf-like features. They typically have the thick coat with undercoat and the erect, pointed ears and slanted eyes.

There is definitely a strong link between the Spitz type dogs and wild wolves. The tail too is feathery and can curl over the back of the dog.

The Icelandic Sheepdog, a native dog to Iceland, is a Spitz type dog which originates from the dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings. The dogs have always been used to herd sheep, and they resemble dogs found in graves in Sweden and Denmark.

The dog at one time was facing extinction in the late 20th century, but in 1969, the Icelandic Dog Breeder Association was established to restore and preserve the breed. The Icelandic Sheepdog gained AKC recognition in June 2010.

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.

icelandic sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Icelandic Sheepdog is a smallish to medium sized dog standing at 40 to 45cm in height and he can weigh anything between 9 and 14kg.

His double coat can be short or long, straight or wavy and in a mix of colors such as grey and white or tan and white, black, tan and white, cream or chocolate. Even though they come in a number of predominant colors, these colors are always accompanied by white markings.

He has a longish muzzle, much like the wolf, giving him an alert, foxy appearance. He has a muscular, rectangular body with strong, straight legs with dewclaws on both the front and hind legs.

Temperament:

Your social, energetic dog will require socialization and training which does him the world of good, turning him into a well-adjusted, obedient dog.

He is an intelligent dog, and training him won't be difficult as he is eager to please. These are social dogs which love being part of the family and they don't like being left outside day after day with little human intervention. He is a lively, confident breed, gentle and not at all aggressive.

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.

icelandic sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Icelandic Sheepdog is such a good all-round family pet. He is alert, intelligent, social, playful, loyal, loving and brave.

He is friendly too, getting on well with children and any pets you have in the home. He is essentially a working dog, so you shouldn’t think of owning him as a pet if your lifestyle is centered around the TV and the couch for the best part of the day.

This is an energetic dog who wants lots of action during the day. He is a dog that badly wants to be part of the family and in exchange for looking after him well, he’ll promise to be an exceptional pet.

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.

icelandic sheepdog puppies - health problemsYour pet will reach 12 to 14 years of age with good care and is regarded as a generally healthy dog breed. However, they can be prone to a few health conditions, and these include hip dysplasia and diabetes.

Diabetes:

Mercifully for your pet, diabetes is considered a manageable disorder. When your pet doesn’t produce insulin or can’t utilize it normally, his blood sugar levels rise, resulting in hyperglycemia.

If left untreated, your pet can land up with a host of complicated health problems. Diabetes can be classified as either Type 1 or Type II, with the more common form in dogs being Type 1.

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.

Diet:

icelandic sheepdog dogs - caringFeed your energetic Icelandic Sheepdog a diet which is appropriate for his age and activity level. Don't just feed him the best commercially manufactured dog food, but give him some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables mixed into his kibble as a tasty treat. Also, dogs are carnivores, so include some raw meat into his diet from time to time. Clean, cool water should always be available.

Grooming:

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a thick double coat, with the outer coat being longer and the hair being shiny and glossy. These dogs shed quite a bit with seasonal shedding too so twice-weekly brushing will be necessary to keep the fur free of loose hair. His nails should also be checked regularly and his teeth should be brushed a couple of times a week too.

Exercise:

Icelandic Sheepdogs are athletic, active dogs that require a lot of exercise to keep them in good physical shape.

He loves all kinds of games and outdoor activities, one of which will be going with you for a walk every day. He makes a wonderful companion for those people going on long hikes.

Comparison with other breeds

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  30. Icelandic Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  32. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
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  35. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Icelandic Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Icelandic Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison