Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs East Siberian Laika - Breed ComparisonEast Siberian Laika is originated from Russia but Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. East Siberian Laika may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. East Siberian Laika may weigh 46 kg / 101 pounds lesser than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. East Siberian Laika may live 3 years more than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Both East Siberian Laika and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has same litter size. Both East Siberian Laika and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
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Russia
Switzerland
Height Male:
55 - 66 cm
21 - 26 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 24 kg
44 - 53 pounds
60 - 70 kg
132 - 155 pounds
Weight Female:
19 - 22 kg
41 - 49 pounds
55 - 70 kg
121 - 155 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
ESL Vostotchno-Sibirskaia Laika
GSMD, Swissy, Sennenhund
Colors Available:
black, ticked, red and brown of all shades, grey, with light patches (called karamis), patched, Black and tan, white, grizzle
Black, white and rust
Coat:
long and double
Short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

east siberian laikaThe East Siberian Laika Is a Russian dog developed for hunting in Siberia. The breed is a spitz type and good hunting large or small prey. It hunted squirrels and grouse as well as moose, mountain lions and bears. In the cold, snowy Siberia it was also a sled dog. There are four types of Russian Laikas: the West Siberian Laika, the Karelo-Finnish Laika, the East Siberian Laika and the Russo-European Laika.

Dog from the Evenki National Territory, the Lake Baikal region, the Maritime Territory, the Irkutsk Province, and the Amur River basin were the breeding groups from which the East Siberian Laika developed. In 1947 the East Siberian Laika was designated as a separate breed from the other Laikas. All 4 Laikas were registered as separate breeds at the All -Union Cynological Congress. Biologist K.G. Abramov is credited with developing the first standard for the breed.

The breed is recognized by the American Canine Association, Inc (ACA), the Dog Registry of America (DRA) as well as the FCI. They are not recognized by the UKC or the AKC. Only the government breeds the East Siberian Laika in Russia.

greater swiss mountain dogHailing from Switzerland, and one of its oldest dog breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a dubious history in that there are a number of theories as to its origin. He is closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard and Rottweiler.

Of all the theories, the one that says he is descended from large, mastiff-like dogs is a popular one. He used to be a herding- and guard dog, but also was used to pull carts of farm produce.

It was in the 1900s that the dog’s numbers started dwindling. In 1908, canine researcher, Albert Heim recognized the dogs as being large members of the Sennenhund type, a family of four breeds that includes the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

He wanted to see the dogs recognized as a separate breed and the Swiss Kennel Club listed the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1909.

In 1968 they were brought to the United States and a club for them was formed. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 with the dog being recognized as a member of the Working group.

Description

east siberian laika puppy - descriptionWithin the East Siberian Laika there are several different types, but two important ones are the Evenki and Irkutsk. Of all the Laikas, the East Siberian is the most diverse in physique and in color. It is a rangy dog, heavy boned and proportionately appears square. It has triangular, erect ears and a tail that curves over his back. The shape of his head can vary within the regions and the types.

greater swiss mountain dog puppy - descriptionSwissies, as they are often referred to as, are large, robust dogs, standing at 65–72cm and weighing anything between 50 – 70kg, with the females being slightly smaller and weighing a little less.

He has big, rounded paws, medium length floppy ears, a broad chest and a long tail. This is a heavy-boned dog, strong while still being agile.

His dense, double coat is black, white and tan or rust, with black on top of the dog's back, ears, tail and legs. There are two rust dots above each eye. The coat can be short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy. The dog sheds throughout the year with a major shedding a couple of times a year.

Temperament:

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a sociable canine, thriving on being part of a loving human family. While he used to be a working farm dog, today he is essentially a family pet, though he loves to still be busy.

He is generally friendly with strangers, but just like with all other dog breeds, he will need to be trained and socialized to turn him into an even-tempered, obedient dog, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the the home.

Characteristics

east siberian laika dog - characteristicsThe East Siberian Laika is bred to hunt and hunt large prey as well as small. For this reason, he usually doesn’t get along well with other dogs or other large predators. Other wise he is a calm; well-mannered dog and he can be a very good watch dog. They are very trainable and make great companion dogs.

The East Siberian Laika is the calmest and quietest of the four Russian Laikas. They are very affectionate and loyal to their families. They love to walk, jog, hike, run or camp with their family.

greater swiss mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Swissy is an easy going dog and adapts easily into his human family’s lifestyle. He is big, but agile dog known for his gentle temperament.

While he loves the outdoors, he is a social dog and loves nothing more than coming indoors and being close to his human family.

He loves his family and won’t do well if left outside for days without human companionship. Treat him well and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving 4-legged family member.

Health Problems

east siberian laika puppies - health problemsBesides injures related to hunting, the East Siberian Laika is prone to several other conditions including dysplasia and:

  1. Monorcidism
  2. Occasionally seen in puppies where they have only one testicle.
  3. Umbilica Hernia

The contents of the dog’s abdomen come through the abdominal wall at the umbilicas. They are surgically repaired.

greater swiss mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe GSMD or Sennenhund, as his name is shortened to, is a fairly healthy dog breed, with very few health issues.

He has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, and although not likely, he can suffer from minor problems such as gastric torsion as well as female urinary incontinence. If your female dog is dribbling urine in her sleep, there are a number of reasons that can be causing it - bladder infections, a medical condition or a weakened bladder with spayed female dogs.

It is certainly time to get your pet to the vet who will recommend a urinalysis.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

east siberian laika dogs - caringThis is an active, working dog and should be fed accordingly. Probably 1.5-2 cups of high quality dry dog food, two times a day.

Health issues

The East Siberian Laika is an ancient breed and fairly healthy though prone to dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia

The hip socket is not formed correctly, and the bone cannot fit properly causing lameness and/or arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia

Primary lesions and cartilage surrounding the elbow join and resulting in osteopathic injuries.

Exercise and games

Again, this is a working dog. They need at least a half hour of moderate/vigorous exercise every day. A fenced in ran is a plus. You will also need to play with him to keep him from getting bored. Catch, flyball, or agility would all suit this breed well.

Diet:

greater swiss mountain dog dogs - caringThe Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a robust dog and thrives on a diet of kibble to raw meat to some cooked home-made food such as chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

A serious issue with the GSMD is overfeeding, resulting in uncomfortable digestive problems and of course, obesity.

Exercise:

Your GSMD isn’t a dog that is going to require a lot of exercise like some of the other dog breeds there are, but still his working career of the past requires that he still be taken on daily walks, enjoys ball- and rope games and to go swimming.

Grooming:

Brush your dogs coat at least twice a week to remove loose hears. Other grooming aspects include cleaning the ears to avoid infection, clipping his nails and brushing his teeth at least twice a week.

If you’re not sure how to do all these things, there are useful accessories for dogs that allow you to do all this grooming on your own. Your vet can also show you how as these are all things that will require ongoing attention.

Comparison with other breeds

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  37. East Siberian Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. East Siberian Laika vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. East Siberian Laika vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. East Siberian Laika vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. East Siberian Laika vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. East Siberian Laika vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. East Siberian Laika vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. East Siberian Laika vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. East Siberian Laika vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. East Siberian Laika vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. East Siberian Laika vs Akita - Breed Comparison
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