Even-tempered and kind toward people, yet bold and self-reliant when hunting. It has a strong drive to find game and can work well away from its owner, deciding for itself how to follow a trail.12
how to spot oneEast Siberian Laika coat and colours
double coat, harsh straight guard hair and woolly undercoat
A strong, rangy spitz-type hunting dog, slightly longer than tall, with pricked ears and a curled tail. Its weatherproof double coat has coarse, straight outer hair over a soft, thick undercoat, forming a ruff around the neck and shoulders and dense tufts between the toes.12
Coloursblack and tanblackblack and whitewhitepiebaldgreyredbrowngrizzle12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for an East Siberian Laika. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
by countryIs the East Siberian Laika legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the East Siberian Laika in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksEast Siberian Laika exercise needs
High. It was bred for long days in the forest, so it needs a lot of daily exercise and ideally real outdoor work such as hunting, tracking or long hikes.12
the hands-on bitsEast Siberian Laika grooming and care
Brush weekly, and more often when the thick undercoat sheds; the coat is naturally weather resistant and needs little else.1
where they are happiestEast Siberian Laika at home
Thrives in cold climates and rural settings with lots of room; a secure yard is helpful given its independent hunting instinct.12
who they like aroundEast Siberian Laika with people and other pets
Friendly and open with people and forms a working partnership with its owner; it enjoys having an active role.12
where it all beganEast Siberian Laika history
Hunters across eastern Siberia long relied on local laikas for hunting, sledding and herding reindeer. In 1947 Soviet cynologists combined several regional types, such as Evenki, Amur and Baikal dogs, into one breed, and systematic kennel breeding followed in Irkutsk and Leningrad.12
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It is used on game from small squirrels and sable up to moose and bear.2
2
Several regional types feed into the breed, including Evenki, Irkutsk, Yakutian, Amur and Tofalar laikas.2
3
Besides hunting, its ancestors pulled sleds and helped herd reindeer.2
4
Thick fur grows between its toes to protect the feet on snow and ice.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name comes from its region of origin: the East Siberian Laika is a Russian laika of spitz type, a hunting dog originating in parts of Siberia east of the Yenisei River.2
The forest calls me before sunrise. I stretch, shake off the pine needles, and sniff the crisp air. Today I track a scent through the ferns, my paws silent on the moss. My human follows, trusting my lead. I pause, ears up, then bound ahead, not to chase, but to show the way. We cross a stream, climb a rocky ridge, and I feel the joy of a job well done. Back home, I curl by the fire, my coat warm, my heart full. Tomorrow, the wild calls again.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard no. 305, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs, with working trial; definitive recognition 3 June 1980; standard published 13.10.2010.3
USSR / RKF
Breed designated in 1947, provisional standard 1949, final standard 1981.1
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my East Siberian Laika, and at what times?
Feed your adult East Siberian Laika at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent times that fit your daily routine work well. Check the food label for portion sizes and ask your vet for a plan tailored to your dog's age and activity level.4
What should an East Siberian Laika eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to an active breed is a good choice. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for specific dietary needs and safe treats.5
How often should I bathe an East Siberian Laika?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 70 days, and you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The coat is naturally weather resistant, so a bath every few months is usually enough. Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect the coat's natural oils.6Pet Wiki plan
How often does an East Siberian Laika need brushing?
Brush your East Siberian Laika weekly, and more often during heavy shedding periods. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every three days, with daily brushing when the undercoat sheds. This keeps the thick double coat healthy and reduces loose hair around your home.1Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim an East Siberian Laika's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding. If you are unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer for a demonstration.6Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does an East Siberian Laika need?
This breed needs a lot of daily exercise, ideally including hunting, tracking, or long hikes. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play. A secure yard is helpful given their independent hunting instinct, and they thrive when they have a job to do.12Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after an East Siberian Laika's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week, ideally daily, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or odor, but never push anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you proper techniques and recommend a dental care routine.6Pet Wiki plan
How long does an East Siberian Laika live?
Lifespan varies by individual health and care; medium to large dogs often live 10 to 13 years. For a more specific estimate for your East Siberian Laika, ask your vet, who can consider factors like genetics and lifestyle.
Is an East Siberian Laika good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are even-tempered and kind toward people, so they can be wonderful with children when properly socialized. However, their strong hunting instinct may make them less suitable for homes with small pets like cats or rabbits. Early and ongoing socialization is important.12
Can an East Siberian Laika be left alone?
This breed is independent and can handle being left alone for moderate periods, especially if they have had plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They form a close working partnership with their owner, so long periods alone may lead to boredom. Provide enrichment and consider a dog walker if needed.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
West Siberian Laika
Russo-European Laika
Karelian Bear Dog