West Siberian Laika vs Finnish Hound - Breed Comparison

West Siberian Laika vs Finnish Hound - Breed ComparisonFinnish Hound is originated from Finland but West Siberian Laika is originated from Russia. Both Finnish Hound and West Siberian Laika are having almost same height. Both Finnish Hound and West Siberian Laika are having almost same weight. Both Finnish Hound and West Siberian Laika has almost same life span. Both Finnish Hound and West Siberian Laika has almost same litter size. Both Finnish Hound and West Siberian Laika requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Sporting dog
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Finland
Russia
Height Male:
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
53 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Finsk Stovare
WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika
Colors Available:
Black, tan and white tri-color
gray, white, white with patches
Coat:
Short and smooth
double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

finnish houndAs one of Finland’s most popular dogs, the Finnish Hound isn’t particularly well known outside of Finnish borders. Known also as the Finsk Stovare, the Finnish Hound, known for its hunting skills, came about because of a breeding effort which started way back in the 1800s, mixing dogs such as different French, Swedish, and German hounds.

These hounds were used with the idea being to develop a dog that could do well in Finland’s terrain. The Finnish Hound is a great hunting dog but isn’t looked upon as an particularly awesome pet, although some pet owners would beg to differ.

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

finnish hound puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized dog who stands between 52 – 62cm in height and weighs in at 20 to 25kg. The Finnish Hound can have between 4 – 8 puppies.As a scent-hound, the Finnish Hound has a short, smooth double coat which is usually in a tri-color pattern of black, tan, and white.

The attractive dog has an athletic, lean, muscular body full of energy and stamina. The eyes are brown and the dog has a peaceful expression. The medium length ears are floppy and the tail is long and carried low.

Temperament:

The Finnish Hound is friendly, calm and never aggressive. He is an intelligent dog nd will respond to the training and socialization he will require to turn him into an obedient, amicable pet, especially since he tends to be stubbon, independent and strong-willed. He isn’t recommended for small places in the city but will do better in the country with a fairy large piece of ground. The Finnish Hound is not recommended for apartment life. It is moderately active indoors and does best with at least an average-sized yard.

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

finnish hound dog - characteristicsThe Finnish Hound has always been a working dog and so he will require being well exercised.

He makes a good pet with homes where there are other dogs as well as children. As a hunting or working dog, these days the Finnish Hound is also regarded as a companion animal, fitting into family life well, and turning out to be a loving, loyal pet.

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

finnish hound puppies - health problemsThe Finnish Hound is looked upon as a generally healthy breed who can get to 12 years of age if looked after well. Good nutrition plays a huge role towards excellent health.

Check out common health ailments that can affect most dogs such as dental disease, obesity, hip dysplasia and a serious condition for which these dogs are particularly known – cerebellar ataxia. Lesions in the brain affect the dog’s coordination and sight. Get him to the vet as soon as you detect anything unusual with your pet.

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

Diet:

finnish hound dogs - caringAs a medium-sized dog breed, you want to make sure to feed your dog a high-quality commercial dog food – one that has been formulated with the right amount of vitamins and minerals for the type of dog he is.

He is a high-energy hunting breed, so you wan to find a food that is appropriate to his needs. Home cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken can be added into his kibble as a change and a treat from time to time as well as some raw meat occasionally. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

Physically active and mentally balanced and intelligent, the Finnish Hound will require both physical and mental stimulation to prevent him from becoming bored and frustrated.

Grooming:

As an average shedder, your pet's smooth, short-haired coat is easy to keep in tip top condition. All that is really required is to brush the coat down twice a week to keep it in peak condition.

Don’t neglect to check the inside of the dogs ears, as too much dirt and wax can cause nasty ear infections. Also, the teeth need to be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week with special canine toothpaste and toothbrush. This will ward off tooth decay and lots of other problems within the body brought about by bad teeth.

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. Finnish Hound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  8. Finnish Hound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Finnish Hound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Finnish Hound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  26. West Siberian Laika vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. West Siberian Laika vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. West Siberian Laika vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. West Siberian Laika vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. West Siberian Laika vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. West Siberian Laika vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. West Siberian Laika vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. West Siberian Laika vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. West Siberian Laika vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. West Siberian Laika vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. West Siberian Laika vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. West Siberian Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. West Siberian Laika vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. West Siberian Laika vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. West Siberian Laika vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. West Siberian Laika vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. West Siberian Laika vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. West Siberian Laika vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. West Siberian Laika vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. West Siberian Laika vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. West Siberian Laika vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. West Siberian Laika vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. West Siberian Laika vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. West Siberian Laika vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison