Finnish Spitz vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz vs East Siberian Laika - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but East Siberian Laika is originated from Russia. Finnish Spitz may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than East Siberian Laika. Finnish Spitz may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than East Siberian Laika. Finnish Spitz may live 4 years less than East Siberian Laika. Finnish Spitz may have less litter size than East Siberian Laika. Both Finnish Spitz and East Siberian Laika requires Moderate maintenance.

History

finnish spitz - historyThe “barking Bird Dog” or Finnish Spitz was Developed in Finland. The breed is fearless and small with a different style than many other hunting dogs. He style of tracking is unusual and he indicated his quarry by barking. He was bred to hunt all sizes of prey from as large as bears to as small as squirrels. He was called the “Barking Bird Dig” because he pointed at the prey by barking and giving the hunter knowledge of the prey and an easy approach to it. In Finland, the Spitz is still a hunting dog. In 1979 The Finnish Spitz became the national dog of Finland.

Spitz-like dogs have been present in Finland for over 8000 years. It is believed that dogs living in higher latitudes had more in common with the Taymyr Wolf od North Asia than with the gray wolf. Tests indicate that the chance of the Spitz being related to the Taymyr is between 1.4&a and 27.3%. The Taymyr is extinct today. This shows that the present day dog descends from more than one type of wolf and more than one area. The Spitz was a favorite of the Finno-Ugrian tribes as he helped them find food. These tribes were pretty isolated until 1880. Then the Spitz were mated with other dogs and were almost extinct as a breed separate from all the other local dogs.

However, like many other breeds the Finnish Spitz found a savior. A Finnish huntsman, named Hugo Roos, noticed the native Finnish Spitz while he was hunting up North. He decided to breed dogs that were genuine Finnish Spitz without the blood of other breeds mixed in. After thirty years the current day Finnish Spitz was born.The latest breed standard was confirmed by the Love Finnish Kennel Club in 1996.

east siberian laika - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Finland
Russia
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
55 - 66 cm
21 - 26 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
20 - 24 kg
44 - 53 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
19 - 22 kg
41 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
ESL Vostotchno-Sibirskaia Laika
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
black, ticked, red and brown of all shades, grey, with light patches (called karamis), patched, Black and tan, white, grizzle
Coat:
double
long and double
Shedding:
Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

finnish spitz puppy - descriptionThe Finnish Spitz is balanced and symmetrical in body and females are longer than males. They have a very distinguishable prick, foxy ears and face. They have a smiling expression and a curved tail. They are a golden-red color with a double coat. The under coat is dense and soft While the top coat is stiff. Puppies often look like little red fox cubs. When born they are black, grey or brown with a lot of black. As an adult the pups grow up to be a mix of fawn and dark black. Lips, nose and rims of the eyes should be black.

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.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

finnish spitz dog - characteristicsVery child friendly – loves to play with children as long as the children pay attention to them. If not, the Spitz will go elsewhere.

Special talents

They are independent thinkers and close to family but not strangers. They often “yodel” instead of howl.

Adaptability

Needs to be with people, bonds deeply with his humans. Most get along well with other dogs but because of their hunting instinct they are not good with small pets or birds.

Learning ability

They are smart and learn easily. They are great athletes and learn games and competition well.

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.

Health Problems

finnish spitz puppies - health problemsTypically, a somewhat healthy breed, the Finnish Spitz does struggle with a few genetic concerns. They have been known to suffer from:

  • Elbow dysplasia – Can cause arthritis
  • Patellar luxation – movement in the knee joints can cause lameness
  • Epilepsy – seizures can be controlled with medication
  • Hip dysplasia – Just like elbow dysplasia can cause arthritis

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

finnish spitz dogs - caringDon’t overfeed the little guy. The Spitz had a good appetite for a dog its size and can gain weight quickly . Feed twice a day about 1/8th of a cup.

Feeding the adult

The same advice hold for the adult dog. Feed 1/4th of a cub of high quality dry food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

When the Spitz is a puppy you should limit strenuous exercise and jumping. Don’t spay neuter at too young an age. Wait until they are mature at 3-5 years of age.

Games and Exercises

Again do not exercise vigorously at too young an age. When older the Finnish Spitz will need a yard to run in and exercise to satisfy his hunting instincts. A long walk every day is a must.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  8. Finnish Spitz vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  9. Finnish Spitz vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
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  26. East Siberian Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  27. East Siberian Laika vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  28. East Siberian Laika vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  29. East Siberian Laika vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  30. East Siberian Laika vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  31. East Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  32. East Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  33. East Siberian Laika vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  34. French Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  35. Flat-Coated Retriever vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  36. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  37. English Water Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  38. Field Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  39. Lagotto Romagnolo vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  40. Formosan Mountain Dog vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  41. Shikoku vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  42. Slovakian Hound vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  43. Small Munsterlander vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  44. Sussex Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  45. Kooikerhondje vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  46. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  47. West Siberian Laika vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  48. Wetterhoun vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  49. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison

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