Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Brittany - Breed Comparison

Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Brittany - Breed ComparisonBrittany is originated from France but Karelo-Finnish Laika is originated from Russia. Both Brittany and Karelo-Finnish Laika are having almost same height. Brittany may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than Karelo-Finnish Laika. Both Brittany and Karelo-Finnish Laika has almost same life span. Both Brittany and Karelo-Finnish Laika has almost same litter size. Both Brittany and Karelo-Finnish Laika requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
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France
Russia
Height Male:
43 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
Height Female:
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany
Laika
Colors Available:
tricolor, orange roan, liver roan, black roan
Reddish
Coat:
Flowing Medium length
Longish and coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

brittanyOne of the most intense bird dog breeds in existence is the Brittany, bred for hunt. The breed used to be called the Brittany Spaniel, but since the breed is closer to a setter or pointer, that moniker has been dropped. The Brittany is named for the French Province in which they were originally developed. Sometime from the 17th to the 19th centuries, the breed was developed. Images of a very similar dog can be found on 17th century paintings and tapestries. However, the first written description comes from 1850 by a Reverend Davies, describing a hunting episode. The breed was recognized officially in the early part of the 20th century and made a splash at the 1900 Paris Dog Show.

The first official standards were written in about 1907 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.The Brittany is expected to point to and then retrieve birds and other small ground game. Because the Brittany both points and retrieves they are known in the U.K. as a Hunt, Point and Retrieve breed or an HPR, and they have more Dual Champions than the rest of the AKC Sporting group.

There are actually two types of Brittanys in the minds of many breeders. There is the “French” Brittany and the “American” Brittany. When the breed arrived in the United States in 1931 they became immensely popular in a short period of time. In 1942 American Breeders began the American Brittany Club, rewriting the French standard to fit the dog they knew. Today there are definitely difference between the two sub-sets that can easily be seen. The French dog is smaller than the American dog. The American dog is a runner pacing ahead of the hunter while the French dog works more closely with their human companions. Another visible difference is that the French accept black spotted Brittanys, while in the United States a black spotted coat is considered a fault. Both sub-sets are known for their willingness to follow human directions, their eagerness for the hunt, and their agility and speed.

Unfortunately, the European wars took their toll on this breed as they did on many others. Following the second World War, their numbers in Europe were drastically reduced. The French had stop breeding them altogether during the war. It was in this depleted gene pool that the French agreed to accept the black spotted Brittany. Along with the U.S., Canada also does not recognize the black spotted Brittany.

karelo finnish laikaThe Karelo Finnish Laika is a Spitz type hunting dog from the Karelia area of Russia.Some people say the dog developed in Sweden. The dog is from a group of ‘Laika’ breeds and has that typical Spitz-type look – the sharpish face, the erect ears and the tail which curls over the back.

This attractive dog was developed as a hunting dog, and has a thick, weatherproof coat.The Karelo-Finnish Laika breed developed because people wanted a smaller sized hunting dog that could cope well with the weather, and these Laika dogs matched well.

The breed is ancient – centuries old, and after dying out in numbers during the second world war, the breed was revived when Russians imported Finnish Spitzes from Finland and bred them. The dog is similar to the Finnish Spitz, and in 2006 the Finnish Kennel Club and Russian Kennel Federation included the Karelo-Finnish Laika as a Finnish Spitz breed.

Description

brittany puppy - descriptionThe Brittany is much like other hunting dogs – pointers and retrievers – in size and stature. He is solid and strong but not heavy. He is compact with an average size head and floppy ears, docked tails or short natural tails, and expressively intelligent looking eyes. He is athletic, energetic, and alert. He has a long, elastic and free gait. The French dog is smaller and the dog with black spots is accepted. The American Brittany is larger and only a tri-color of orange, liver and white is acceptable.

karelo finnish laika puppy - descriptionWith his wolf-like appearance, the Karelo Finnish Laika is a sharp, intelligent dog and is the smallest Laika in Russia used for hunting. He stands at about 38–48 cm in height and weighs about 11 - 14 kg.

His coat is a reddish color and the fur is fairly long and coarse with a dense, soft undercoat. He looks like a red fox with his sharp, bright face, his erect ears, black nose and bushy tail which curls over the back.

Temperament:

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a sweet dog with a quiet character. Whenever you suggest a game for him, he throws his docile side to the wind and becomes highly energetic and animated. He is an active dog and loves nothing more than a game with his human family members.

He is mistrustful of strangers, he tends to bark easily and he is territorial and all these characteristic go towards making him a good watchdog. He is quite prepared to live peacefully alongside other dogs in the home, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He makes a great friend and pet for families and is more than ready to be loving and loyal to his human family.

Characteristics

brittany dog - characteristicsThe Brittany is particularly trainable and friendly. They love to play and are sweet-natured. They don’t due well with harsh correction though and a stern look will cause them to wither. Socialize them young or they can become shy around strangers. They are loyal and family oriented. They can easily become attached to their humans.

karelo finnish laika dog - characteristicsThe Karelo Finnish Laika is such an energetic dog, full of life and he promises to make an affectionate family dog.

He is a fairly low maintenance dog too and not prone to getting sick easily. Treat this attractive Laika dog like he deserves and you’ll find that he makes a splendid pet.

Health Problems

brittany puppies - health problemsThe breed is a hardy one and Brittanys are mostly healthy dogs. In Europe 1 in 5 dogs dies of old age and that age is usually 14 or 15 years. They do have a few issues that they may be susceptible to. These would include:

Ears – prone to infections

Hip Dysplasia – bones don’t fit well into joints

Epilepsy – mild or serious seizures are possible.

Hypothyroidism – Low levels of thyroid hormone

Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus – autoimmune disease

karelo finnish laika puppies - health problemsApart from his good looks, the Karelo-Finnish Laika happens to be a pretty healthy breed and there are no known hereditary health problems with him. Diseases which can affect any dog -

Hip Dysplasia:

Many large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. In hip dysplasia, joint problems cause arthritis and pain and eventually lameness. These days, when buying a puppy, people ask breeders about whether the parents were screened for hip dysplasia.

Obesity:

Any dog fed the wrong diet and who isn’t exercised can become overweight. Obesity in dogs is linked to many health problems in dogs. If you’re in doubt about your pet, consult with your vet on the best food for him.

Cancer:

Many dogs are at risk for certain types of cancer, including lymphoma which is cancer of the lymph nodes. When you are brushing your pet, check him for any unusual lumps so that you can catch cancer early.

Heart Conditions:

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is where the chambers of the heart are stretched out and don't pump blood properly. Sometimes it can go undetected for a while until the dog becomes seriously ill, requiring emergency medical attention. Medications can regulate heart rhythm but there is no cure.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

brittany dogs - caringDon’t overfeed your Brittany. Keep him at hunting weight by feeding a half a cup up to 2 cups per day depending on the size of your dog and activity levels. Serve this in two meals not one.

Health issues

Ears – prone to infections – make sure that you check them and wipe them out routinely to prevent infections.

Hip Dysplasia – bones don’t fit well into joints – this can be genetic or otherwise, causing lameness and arthritis. If severe it can require surgery to correct.

Epilepsy – mild or serious seizures are possible. This can be genetic/hereditary but is set off by an infectious disease of the brain, head injury, poison, tumor, or metabolic disorder. There is no cure, but medication can be very effective.

Hypothyroidism – Low levels of thyroid hormone – can cause drooping eyelids, obesity, lethargy, mental difficulties or irregular heat cycles or all of this. Medication is available as it is for humans but must be taken daily for the rest of the dog’s life

Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus – autoimmune disease that is rare in dogs. Cats and humans can also have it. It is a skin disease and does not become the more serious and deadly Systemic Lupus. The Discoid version of this disease causes loss of pigmentation and a scaling on the nose which can then progress to the skin around the ears, eyes and genitals. There could be ulcerated lesions and tissue death in more severe cases. Sun exposure can make the condition worse.

Exercise and games

The Brittany is a hunting dog that acts like a pointer but will retrieve fowl and birds in the water or on land. If you don’t hunt, the Brittany can still be your family dog. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They need a job if they are not going to hunt and expect them to be distracted by every bird they see. Try flyball, agility, FAST CAT, field trials and dock diving. They are very task oriented and have boundless energy. They excel at obedience and confirmation as well.

karelo finnish laika dogs - caringThe Karelo-Finnish Laika is a most attractive looking dog and his thick, double coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from dust, grass and burrs. He sheds throughout the year so this brushing will keep the loose dog hair under control.

Diet:

Watch your Karelo-Finnish Laika’s diet as a lean, mean dog can live longer than one who is overfed. Dogs which are overweight are likely to develop joint problems and heart disease.

The quality of food you feed your pet is hugely important. Popping chocolates and peanuts into his mouth because you love him so much will be toxic for him. Apart from his top quality dry kibble, add in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as a tasty treat and mix in a little bit of raw meat also when you can.

Exercise:

Exercise for your Karelo Finnish Laika is a key component to prolonging his life, and he absolutely loves games, walks and action all the way. It will keep him in shape, keep him happy and prolong his life.

Comparison with other breeds

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