West Siberian Laika vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison

West Siberian Laika vs Berger Picard - Breed ComparisonBerger Picard is originated from France but West Siberian Laika is originated from Russia. Both Berger Picard and West Siberian Laika are having almost same height. Berger Picard may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than West Siberian Laika. Both Berger Picard and West Siberian Laika has same life span. Both Berger Picard and West Siberian Laika has same litter size. Both Berger Picard and West Siberian Laika requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Sporting dog
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France
Russia
Height Male:
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
53 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 32 kg
50 - 71 pounds
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
Weight Female:
21 - 31 kg
46 - 69 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Picardy Shepherd • Berger de Picard • Bacardi Shepherd • Berger de Picardie Picard
WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika
Colors Available:
grey, grey-black, blue-grey, red-grey, and light or darker fawn brindle
gray, white, white with patches
Coat:
harsh, waterproof, tough, tusseled
double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

berger picardIn the Picardie region of northeastern France saw visiting Celts/Franks enter the region along with a shepherd dog. They arrived in the Pas de Calais in 800 AD and might be the oldest shepherd dog of France. Named for Pacardy, the Berger Picard is certainly one of the most ancient of today’s French breeds. Some believe this shepherd comes from the lines of Dutch and Belgian Shepherds, while other insist he is related to the Beauceron and Briard.

Never popular as a show dog due to its shaggy appearance, even though it was entered in Frances first dog show in 1863, the breed was almost extinct following the second World War. Currently there are a little under 5000 left in the world with most of them, 3000, in France. The Picard is a good herding dog and loved by the shepherds of the Picardy region. The United Kennel Club recognized the rare breed in 1994, but the AKC did not recognize it until 2016.

The Berger Picard is a loyal, people-oriented dog, good with children and families if socialized as a puppy. In 2006 the Berger Picard Club of America was formed as more and more dogs are being imported from France. There was a genetic study done this year that proposes that 7 breeds of shepherd all descended from a European herding dog that was all over Europe before 1859. This dog was the father of the Berger Picard, the German Shepherd, The Bergamaso Shepherd, the Lupino de Gigante, the Cane Paratore, the Cane da pasore della Lessinia e del Lagorai , and the Pastore d”oropa. After recognition, the Picard was shown for the first time at Krufts in March 2016. They followed that with a best of breed win by Gabby, Guess V.D. Benedicks

west siberian laikaThe 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

Description

berger picard puppy - descriptionThe Berger Picard is a muscular, medium sized, faithful companion. He is especially great with an owner who is athletic and energetic. They have a rugged constitution, slightly longer back, and full tail. The coat is thick, strong and harsh. They are never overweight or bulky. This gives the Berger Picard the look of a mixed breed dog. They have erect ears and thick eyebrows. This lanky looking dog is alert and lively. Movement is efficient, free and tireless. They have strong bones with a sturdy build and a take charge personality.

They have a strong rectangular head that is not massive. His eyes are oval and medium sized, never round or protruding. Eye color should be dark and never yellow. Cheek muscles are strong, and muzzle is smooth, ending abruptly at the nose. Scissors bite, deep chest and round feet. There should not be any dewclaws on the back legs.

west siberian laika puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Characteristics

berger picard dog - characteristicsThe Berger Picard needs to be a part of a pack with an owner who is clearly the pack leader. This is an intelligent, friendly, and sensitive to harsh voice scolding. They are not easy to train, and you need to be calm and patient when working with him. The Picard has a tendency to be stubborn with an owner who appears to be weak. If raised with or socialized to children and other animals, they will live fine with them. They are best in a rural environment rather than a close neighborhood. They are very quiet dogs, but they need a job and they excel at work.

1 Children Friendliness – Yes they are ok with children but not unsupervised.

2.Special talents stamina, agility

west siberian laika dog - characteristics3.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.

Health Problems

berger picard puppies - health problemsThe Berger Picard is not a heavy or extra-large dog, but they still can have hip dysplasia, though it is not nearly as prevalent as it is in larger breeds. Eye infections can present in puppies more than adults and hereditary eye issues such as PRA and RD are all too common. (Progressive Retina Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia)

west siberian laika puppies - health problemsHealth 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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

berger picard dogs - caringThis is an athletic and active breed with a lot of energy. They need a high-quality food that is full of nutrients and not empty calories. Don’t overfeed him as some will have a tendency to become obese. They should be fed twice a day in equal proportions. Treats are good when training but don’t overdo it.

Health issues

Since the Berger Picard has not been overbred, there are not a lot of genetic disorders in the breed. They do have some

  1. Hip Dysplasia
  2. Eye Infections
  3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  4. Retinal Dysplasia

You should have your puppy certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and then the Canine Eye Research Foundation that they do not have these issues and if they do, resolve them. The results of these tests should be published in the OFA registry. This breed is also a participant in the Canine Health Information Center. This means their eyes and hips have been checked and the results published. Their blood is being stored for DNA purposes and one of the following have been evaluated: heart, elbows or thyroid. There is an OFA Berger Picard health survey whose results are available to anyone who asks. This does not track individual dogs but the breed as a whole.

Exercise and games

This is a breed that needs a lot of exercise. She likes to swim, take long walks, take runs with you on your bike. They love to jog with you as well. Agility, obedience and any other type of competition will appeal to your Picard. However, don’t expect them to excel at competition because they are not consistent performers. But if they don’t get enough exercise and fun they will become very destructive. Barn hunt and non-competitive herding activities are perfect for the Picard.

west siberian laika dogs - caringperformance, 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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. West Siberian Laika vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  3. West Siberian Laika vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. West Siberian Laika vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. West Siberian Laika vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. West Siberian Laika vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. West Siberian Laika vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. West Siberian Laika vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. West Siberian Laika vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. West Siberian Laika vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. West Siberian Laika vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. West Siberian Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. West Siberian Laika vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. West Siberian Laika vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. West Siberian Laika vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. West Siberian Laika vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. West Siberian Laika vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. West Siberian Laika vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. West Siberian Laika vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
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  25. West Siberian Laika vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Berger Picard vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Berger Picard vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Berger Picard vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Berger Picard vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Berger Picard vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Berger Picard vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Berger Picard vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Berger Picard vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Berger Picard vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Berger Picard vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Berger Picard vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Berger Picard vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Berger Picard vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Berger Picard vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Berger Picard vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Berger Picard vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Berger Picard vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Berger Picard vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Berger Picard vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Berger Picard vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Berger Picard vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Berger Picard vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Berger Picard vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Berger Picard vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Berger Picard vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison