Petzlover
Australian Terrier is originated from Australia but West Siberian Laika is originated from Russia. Australian Terrier may grow 35 cm / 13 inches shorter than West Siberian Laika. Australian Terrier may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than West Siberian Laika. Both Australian Terrier and West Siberian Laika has almost same life span. Australian Terrier may have less litter size than West Siberian Laika. Australian Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance. But West Siberian Laika requires Low Maintenance
The Australian terrier, the little terrier, is a breed developed to control vermin. The nature of this dog is very spirited. They are alert, courageous and self-confident but still very human-friendly.
Australian terriers were breed by the mix of the Terrier with the rough coat and Scotch Dog of Great Britain. These breeds were mixed until they produced the muscular and fearless dog for the Australian settlers. Their primary job was to control the number of rodents and snakes. They were taught to tend flocks, be an excellent guard dogs but remain friendly. This breed is still very popular as a working dog, loyal companion and dogs for show, city, home or a farm.
The 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
The Australian terrier has body longer than they are tall. They are small dogs with the long and thick coat with silky undercoat and short little legs. This smart-eyes breed is perfect for persons who live indoors. But, you must know that they really like to bark and communicate that way with everybody. They also have a high need for activity so it will be necessary to take him out so he can run, play and be social with other dogs. They are very intelligent, but not very responsive. They will quickly learn how to fetch, but they will have days when they just feel like fetching.
The 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.
The Australian terrier is very good breed to choose if you have children. They are active and always ready to play, and they will protect the children since they have watchdog gene.
Excellent watch dog. This breed will keep your garden and home vermin free.
They are generally very polite towards strangers and highly adaptable among other dogs, but their adaptability in social life is totally up to the human and the training. They can grow to be adaptable dogs that fit well into almost any environment; city or country, house or apartment.
Since they are an intelligent breed, the Australian terrier may surprise you with their ability to learn new tricks and shock you with their ability to be very strong willed about doing what is told. It’s not that they are not the type to obey and be “a good dog”, they are so playful and silly that they will often forget that they are the god and not the human. You must start training them while they are still pups.
3.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.
A bone disorder, where the hip joint starts to rot caused by decaying of the femur bone which is located in the dog’s hind limb.
Luxating patella is a knee disease where one or both kneecaps can slip out of place.
Rupture of an important ligament in the knee (stifle) joints.
The brain disorder that is characterized by seizures. There are several different types of epilepsy that can affect dogs.
A chronic disease of the metabolism which is characterised as high glucose amount in the blood. This happens when hormone insulin drops below the normal values. This condition results in malfunction of vital organs.
Health 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.
Recommended daily amount is usually found on the type of the food you choose. They like dry food, and if you are not quite sure what brand of the dry food you should choose, seek a vet’s advice. The Australian terrier has a healthy appetite, but he almost never overeats. How much your Australian terrier eats depends on his size, age, metabolism, and activity level.
Their coat requires moderate maintenance. That means that you don’t have to groom your Australian terrier every single day, but being aware of the importance of grooming him at least twice a week is a key because lack of adequate care may lead to skin diseases. Make sure not to bathe them too much, but you can be free with their haircut. They can grow very sharp toenails, so they should be clipped regularly. Ear and teeth must be kept clean.
Lots of outdoor activity. They are lovable kind, so don’t be reserved towards them. It’s important to begin training and socializing your pup as soon as possible. Training sessions need to be consistent, firm, short and clear. Grooming is a must since you will want to prevent the tangles and mats.
Find a place for them where you can take of the leash and let them run free. They love chasing birds, butterflies and anything that flies above. They will chase small rodents, other dogs and cats. After you thought you Australian terrier how to play with other dogs and cats, they will be the most wanted guest in the whole neighbourhood. Find a place where they can dig holes – and they will be so happy that they probably won’t hear you calling them home.
performance, 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.