West Siberian Laika
A Russian Spitz-type hunting dog used on game from squirrel to elk. Energetic, hardy and devoted, but highly independent, prey-driven and not a beginner's dog.
West Siberian Laika scorecard
Overview
The West Siberian Laika is a Russian Spitz-type hunting dog, developed in the forests of western Siberia to hunt a remarkable range of game from squirrel and marten to elk and bear. Energetic, hardy and devoted to its family, it is above all a serious working hunter — highly independent, intensely prey-driven and built to endure harsh conditions — and is firmly not a beginner's dog.
Recognised by the FCI but not as a separate breed under the UK Kennel Club, the West Siberian Laika is rare in Britain and unsuited to most pet homes. It needs intense exercise, a job to do and experienced handling, and it suits only owners who understand and can meet the demands of a primitive, high-drive hunting Spitz.
Good to know — a West Siberian Laika needs plenty of space and best for experienced owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Save the West Siberian Laika guide
Thinking about a West Siberian Laika? Pop your email in and we’ll send this guide so you can come back to it any time — handy while you compare breeds.
Popular searches for the West Siberian Laika
History & origins
The West Siberian Laika descends from the aboriginal hunting dogs kept by indigenous peoples across the Ural and western Siberian regions of Russia, where Spitz-type "laikas" were essential for survival, used to locate, hold and signal game for hunters. The breed was developed and standardised in the twentieth century from these native hunting populations, with Soviet cynologists working to consolidate the regional types into a recognised breed.
It remains a working hunting dog first and foremost, valued in Russia for its versatility and toughness across a wide range of quarry and terrain. The FCI recognises the breed under Russian patronage, and it retains many of the primitive, hardy characteristics of its ancestors.
Temperament & family fit
With its own family the West Siberian Laika is loyal, alert and devoted, often forming a close bond and showing affection to those it knows. It is a watchful, intelligent dog that takes a keen interest in its surroundings, and its alertness makes it a natural alarm-giver. Properly raised, it can be a steady companion within an experienced household.
However, its defining traits are a very high prey drive and a strong independent streak, both products of its hunting heritage. It is typically reserved with strangers, can be wary or assertive with other dogs, and its instinct to chase makes it unreliable around small animals. This combination demands experienced ownership and careful management; it is not a dog that suits casual or first-time owners.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
The West Siberian Laika is highly intelligent but independent and strong-willed, traits that make training a real challenge for the inexperienced. As a primitive hunting breed it is accustomed to working at a distance and making its own decisions, so it does not offer the eager biddability of many companion breeds. Patient, consistent, reward-based methods and early structure are essential, with realistic expectations about how much control is achievable.
Recall and reliability around prey are perennial difficulties, since its instinct to hunt is exceptionally strong and can override training entirely once it locks onto quarry. Secure containment, long-lines and managing exposure to small animals are practical necessities. Early, thorough socialisation helps, but this is fundamentally a breed for knowledgeable owners who understand high-drive working dogs.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult West Siberian Laika typically needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do a day (roughly 120–180 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The West Siberian Laika has a dense, weatherproof double coat that protects it in extreme cold, with a thick undercoat that sheds heavily, especially during seasonal moults. Regular brushing — at least weekly, and more during the moult — helps manage the substantial shedding and keeps the coat healthy. Otherwise it is a naturally clean, low-odour breed needing only routine nail, dental and ear care.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a West Siberian Laika
Feed a complete, balanced diet matched to this active working dog's high energy needs, adjusting portions to its considerable workload while maintaining a lean, fit condition. A hard-working Laika may need more calories than a typical pet of its size, but body condition should be monitored to avoid both under- and over-feeding. Dividing the ration into meals and consulting a vet for tailored guidance is sensible.
A medium breed
An adult West Siberian Laika typically weighs 18–23 kg, so a healthy West Siberian Laika eats a moderate amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A medium breed is usually done growing at ~12 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 10–14 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
West Siberian Laikas sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through a couple of hours of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
How much should a West Siberian Laika weigh?
Adult 18–23 kgfully grown at ~12 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 2.8–3.5 kg | 15% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 4.5–5.8 kg | 25% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 9–11.5 kg | 50% |
| ~12 months | Fully grown | 18–23 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a medium breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a West Siberian Laika
Complete foods from our range, matched to a West Siberian Laika's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Burns Adult/Senior Weight Control Chicken and Oats
A low-fat weight control dry food for adult and senior dogs, oat-based
£35.99
Simpsons Dog Sensitive Lamb Potato
A grain-free lamb and potato dry food for dogs with sensitive skin or digestion
From£17.05
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Burns Puppy Original Lamb & Rice
Complete Burns lamb and rice puppy food in a 2KG bag for up to 12 months
£14.99
West Siberian Laika health & costs
Before bringing a West Siberian Laika home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The West Siberian Laika is generally a very hardy, robust breed, a direct result of its development as a working hunter selected for toughness, soundness and survival in a harsh environment rather than for appearance. Its primitive constitution and limited popularity have helped it avoid many of the inherited problems seen in more intensively bred breeds.
Breed-specific health data is sparse because the breed is rare outside Russia, so prospective owners should rely on general guidance for active medium-sized breeds. Joint conditions and the usual risks for a high-activity dog are the main considerations, and sourcing from breeders who health-test where possible is advisable. A vet can offer the best individual advice given the lack of large-scale population data.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a heritable joint condition seen across many breeds; screening of breeding stock where possible is advisable.
- Joint and soft-tissue injuries — a tireless, athletic hunter is prone to exercise-related strains and sprains over rough ground.
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) — as with many deep-chested breeds, sudden stomach bloating is a risk to be aware of.
- Obesity — without adequate exercise this high-drive breed can gain weight, harming joints and health.
- Limited breed-specific data — the breed's rarity outside Russia means robust health statistics are scarce, so general active-breed guidance applies.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the West Siberian Laika; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a West Siberian Laika puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior West Siberian Laika
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Tough, tireless working hunter
- Loyal and alert with its family
Things to consider
- Very high prey drive and independence
- Needs intense exercise and experienced handling
Compare the West Siberian Laika
See how the West Siberian Laika measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the West Siberian Laika
Same breed group
Beagle
A merry, pack-loving scent hound — sociable and great with kids, but ruled by its nose.
Dachshund
A bold, characterful "sausage dog" that suits smaller homes but needs careful handling of its long back.
Whippet
A gentle, quiet "sofa sprinter" — happy to lounge at home between short bursts of explosive running.
Greyhound
The ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.
Similar temperament
East Siberian Laika
A robust Russian spitz-type hunting dog from Siberia, used on game from squirrels to bear. Independent, hardy and tireless, with a strong prey drive and a need for cold-weather work; not a typical pet.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
A powerful Arctic sled and hunting dog (Qimmiq) bred for hauling and stamina. Hardy and loyal, but intensely energetic, pack-driven and unsuited to inexperienced or sedentary owners.
Greenland Dog
An ancient Arctic sled dog of immense stamina and a powerful pack instinct. Bold, hardy and energetic, but independent, vocal and unsuited to inexperienced owners.
Pyrenean Sheepdog
A small, wiry French herding dog from the Pyrenees, full of energy and drive. Intensely devoted and quick to learn, but high-strung, wary of strangers and needing constant activity.
Similar size, different type
Border Collie
The ultimate working brain — astonishingly clever and trainable, but needs hours of exercise and a job to do.
Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionately known as the "nanny dog" — devoted, people-loving and famously gentle with children.
Is the West Siberian Laika your breed?
Create your pet profile and get personalised food, toy, insurance and health recommendations — tailored to your dog.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a West Siberian Laika?
The West Siberian Laika is a medium-sized Spitz-type dog, standing roughly 51–62 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 18–23 kg. It is a hardy, well-proportioned hunting dog built to endure harsh Siberian conditions, rather than a heavy or oversized breed.
What is the lifespan of a West Siberian Laika?
A West Siberian Laika typically lives around 10–14 years. Its primitive, robust constitution and limited popularity have helped it avoid many inherited problems, and it is generally regarded as a very hardy breed. Keeping it fit, lean and well exercised supports a long, healthy life.
Is the West Siberian Laika a good family pet?
It is loyal and devoted to its own family but is firmly not a beginner's dog. Its very high prey drive, strong independence and wariness of strangers make it unreliable around small animals and unsuited to most pet homes. It needs experienced owners who understand high-drive working Spitz breeds.
How much exercise does a West Siberian Laika need?
A great deal. Bred for tireless days hunting across rough terrain, it has very high exercise needs and requires intense, sustained activity plus mental stimulation every day. Without it, the breed becomes frustrated, destructive or vocal. Secure space is essential, and it is wholly unsuited to flats or sedentary homes.
Does the West Siberian Laika shed a lot?
Yes. It has a dense, weatherproof double coat with a thick undercoat that sheds heavily, especially during seasonal moults. Regular brushing — at least weekly, and more during the moult — helps manage the shedding. Otherwise it is a naturally clean, low-odour breed needing only routine nail, dental and ear care.
Are West Siberian Laikas easy to train?
Not for the inexperienced. They are highly intelligent but independent and strong-willed, accustomed to working at a distance and making their own decisions. Patient, consistent, reward-based methods and early structure are essential, with realistic expectations. Recall around prey is a perennial difficulty, so secure containment is vital.
Can a West Siberian Laika live with other pets?
Caution is needed. Its instinct to chase makes it unreliable around small animals, and it can be wary or assertive with other dogs. It may coexist with dogs it is raised with under experienced management, but homes with cats or small pets are generally not a good match for this intensely prey-driven breed.
Is the West Siberian Laika recognised in the UK?
It is recognised by the FCI but not as a separate breed under the UK Kennel Club, and it is rare in Britain. Most are still working hunters in Russia, so anyone seeking one in the UK should expect a very small pool of breeders and the demands of a primitive, high-commitment breed.
Are West Siberian Laikas good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, West Siberian Laikas tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a West Siberian Laika need?
As a healthy adult, a typical West Siberian Laika needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do West Siberian Laikas shed a lot?
High shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are West Siberian Laikas easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Best for experienced owners. West Siberian Laikas are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do West Siberian Laikas bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are West Siberian Laikas good with other dogs?
Can be selective with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do West Siberian Laikas suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A West Siberian Laika really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — West Siberian Laika breed standard (No. 306): https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/WEST-SIBERIAN-LAIKA-306.html
- The Kennel Club — Getting a dog and choosing a breed: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/
- PDSA — Choosing the right dog for your lifestyle: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/getting-a-dog
- Blue Cross — How much exercise does my dog need: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/exercise-and-training/how-much-exercise-does-my-dog-need
Recommended for your West Siberian Laika
Matched to a West Siberian Laika's size and their typical need for help with shedding, enrichment & mental stimulation.
Rechargeable Pet Grooming Clipper Kit
A cordless rechargeable pet clipper with an LED battery display, supplied with six guide combs, a styling comb, oil and a cleaning brush. Quiet and easy to handle for trimming and tidying your pet's coat at home.
£26.99
Self-Moving Chew-Resistant Dog Ball
A USB-C rechargeable ball that moves on its own to keep dogs busy and active. Tough E-TPU construction stands up to chewing during supervised play, and the splash-resistant build suits indoor or outdoor use.
£15.99
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Plush Strawberry Snuffle Mat
An interactive foraging mat with removable plush strawberries that hide treats and kibble. Encourages natural snuffling and slows feeding, providing mental enrichment for dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs alike.
From£13.99
Round-Tipped Deshedding Rake Comb
A double-sided undercoat rake with rounded stainless-steel blades that gently cut through mats and remove loose hair. The non-slip ergonomic handle makes deshedding dogs and cats quick and comfortable.
From£8.99
Chase Buddy Boredom Busting Dog Toy
A sturdy chase toy for dogs left alone for short spells, redirecting the energy that turns into barking, pacing and chewed skirting boards into active play.
£23.99
Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.
£14.99
Self-Moving Interactive Dog Ball
A rechargeable self-moving ball that rolls and changes direction to keep dogs engaged. Ultra-quiet (around 35dB) for indoor and apartment use, helping ease boredom and separation anxiety.
£20.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
Got a West Siberian Laika? Save them to a pet profile for tailored picks across the whole site.
Happier, healthier pets — in your inbox.
Breed care tips, seasonal advice and first access to new arrivals. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.