Pet Wiki

West Siberian Laika

Also called Zapadno-Sibirskaya Laika, Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka

A balanced, confident hunting dog with a strong nose and a real passion for work.

SizeMedium
Height51 to 62 cm (20 to 24 in)males 55 to 62 cm, females 51 to 58 cm123
CoatDouble coat, harsh and straight
OriginRussia: the northern Ural and West Siberian forest regions, from the hunting dogs of the Khanty and Mansi peoples.132
GroupFCI group 5
Recognised breedShort profile
keen nose and natural hunting skill
devoted to its family
steady, even temper
123

Personality what they are like

A balanced, confident hunting dog with a strong nose and a real passion for work. It is loving and loyal at home, watchful with strangers, and quick to learn.123

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat, harsh and straight

A lean, wolf-like spitz with a hard, straight outer coat over thick soft underwool. The hair lengthens into a ruff around the neck and cheeks, and tufts grow between the toes for snow and rough ground.123

Coloursgreyredfawnwhitesalt and pepperblackparti-colour12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a West 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 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. It needs plenty of exercise and something to think about, such as hunting, long hikes or scent work; it does not thrive shut away in a kennel.3

Company who they like around

Forms a close bond with its owner and family and likes to be part of daily life.32

The story where it all began

The breed grew out of the hunting dogs kept by Khanty and Mansi people in the Urals and western Siberia. Russian enthusiasts began standardising Laika types in the 1930s and 1940s, and a standard for this breed followed in 1952. It is now the most widespread hunting breed in Russia.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It finds game and then barks to hold it in place until the hunter arrives.2

  2. 2

    In Karuizawa, Japan, trained Laikas helped cut bear incidents from 255 in 2006 to four in 2017.3

  3. 3

    It is the most common Laika breed and the most widespread hunting breed in Russia.1

  4. 4

    Females usually come into season only once a year, like many primitive breeds.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the West Siberian region of Russia, and it was developed from the Khanty (Ostyak) and Mansi (Vogul) hunting dogs of the Ural and Siberian forests.4

Name ideas for your new friend

BelyCedarCossackKaiLunaMishkaNikaOrionRuslanSableTaigaYuri

A day in the life told by a West Siberian Laika

Dawn breaks over the pines, and I am already at the door, my nose twitching with purpose. My human and I set off into the forest; I lead the way, sniffing every root and stone. A squirrel chatters from a high branch, I mark it, but my job is to find the trail. Hours pass in a rhythm of paw and breath. We stop at a stream; I lap the cold water, then sit close, my head resting on a knee. Back home, I patrol the garden once, then curl on the rug, watchful even in sleep. The day was good.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 306, Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 2 Nordic hunting dogs; standard dated 13.10.2010.1
UKC
Northern Breed Group; recognised 1 January 1996.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my West Siberian Laika, and at what times?

Feed adult West Siberian Laikas at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps their digestion, but exact times can fit your routine. Always follow the food label and check with your vet for portion sizes.5

What should a West Siberian Laika eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Never give raw meat, bones, or dairy, and consult your vet for any concerns.6

How often should I bathe a West Siberian Laika?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 70 days, roughly every 2-3 months. You can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty, but avoid over-bathing to protect its double coat.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a West Siberian Laika need brushing?

Brush every 3 days, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. This keeps the thick double coat healthy and reduces loose hair around the home.123 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a West Siberian Laika's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a West Siberian Laika need?

This energetic breed needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as long hikes, hunting, or scent work. Daily walks and play are essential to keep it happy and healthy.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a West Siberian Laika's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily or at least 2-3 times a week with dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks, cleaning gently with a vet-approved solution and never pushing anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a West Siberian Laika live?

Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet for breed-specific expectations. With good care, many dogs live 12-15 years, but no exact figure is available for this breed.

Is a West Siberian Laika good with children and other pets?

It is loving and loyal with its family, but may be watchful with strangers. Early socialisation helps it get along with children and other pets, though individual temperaments vary. Consult a good breeder for advice.123

Can a West Siberian Laika be left alone?

This breed forms a close bond with its family and prefers to be part of daily life. It does not thrive when left alone for long periods, as it needs companionship and activity.32

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 306 West Siberian Laika fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. UKC: West Siberian Laika ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, hunting style
  3. Wikipedia: West Siberian Laika en.wikipedia.orgused for history, care needs, fun facts (secondary)
  4. fci.be fci.be
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.