Nenets Herding Laika vs Chinese Chongqing Dog - Breed Comparison

There is a large variety of Laika dogs as the word is almost a generic term for a type of Russian hunting dog. They are found in Northern Russia and Siberia and there are several recognized by the Federation Cynologique International including the East Siberian Laika, the Russian European Laika, and the West Siberian Laika. These Siberia Laika are crosses between the aboriginal dogs of Siberia and northern Russia. The word Laika means a barking dog and comes from the word meaning to bark. These laikas are working dogs, hunting pointers that were bred specifically for their barks.

All the dogs in this category are loyal and affectionate. They are hard workers and hunters/herders and sled dogs. Of the official Laika groups including the Nenets Herding Laika, there is the Karelo-Finnish Laika, the Northeasterly Siberian Laika, the West Siberian Laika, The Russian European Laika, Eastern Siberian Laika. The Laika are wary of strangers, noisy and rowdy.

Nenets Herding Laika

The Laika breed known as the Nenets Herding Laika is also called the Reindeer Herding Laika. The breed is pretty ancient, developed by the Nentry tribe at about the same time that the nomads were developing the Samoyed. Like the Samoyed breed, the Nenets Herding Laika herded Reindeer. The artic breed originates from Russia and can be used for transportation and hauling as well.

While their temperament and history are very much the same as the Samoyed, they are recognized as separate breeds. However there are many aficionados of both breeds believe that the Samoyed and the Nenets Herding Laika are the same breed. For many the Samoyed are simply a white version of the Nenets Herding Laika.

The Nenets Herding Laika is also know as the Samoyed Laika, so you can see how close if not the same, these two breeds are. The Nenets Herding Laika was bred by the Nenet peoples. The Samoyed is all white while the Nenets is any variation of black, gray, piebald, red, white, sable and brown.

The dogs herd and guard reindeer, keeping the herd together and moving them from one pasture to another. They will also stay with a stray reindeer until they are found. They will do this whether they have food or water. They will bark to try to bring the people’s attention to the lost reindeer. They are also an excellent hunting and retrieving, swimming dog.

The Nenets are also known as Yurak Samoyeds and they are the largest group of Samoyedic peoples today. They live on both sides of Russian Ural Mountains in northern Russia and the Yamal Peninsula. They move large herds of reindeer to the winter lands south of the Artic Circle from the north – about 600-900 miles. It is believed that the Herding Laika originated with this group of people but spread beyond them. They were shipped to far northeast Siberia to be bred and shared with reindeer herding tribes there.

There is a longhaired or rough coated variety and a shorthaired variety. The Nenets consider the work routine of both varieties the same, but they believed that the shorthaired version was a more ancient than the longhaired version.

The Chinese Chongquing Dog is a very rare and unusual breed found only in China and now in Canada. The Chongquing is native to the city of Chongquing, China. This is an ancient breed that is believed to have lived in China over 2000 years ago during the Han Dynasty. It was a hunter and protector and still functions in those roles today., although there are very few left in China. Following the revolution and creation of the People’s Republic of China, the CQ Dog was only found in the rural areas of the country.

Pottery versions of the Chongquing Dog and burial figurines have been found in excavation sites from tombs of the Han Dynasty. In this isolated and mountainous area of eastern China, the dogs were unknown throughout the rest of China. Because of this the breed is relatively untouched by human intervention and is today about the same as it was 2000 years ago. There has been no interbreeding to change the natural evolution of the breed. They have their own unique personalities and temperaments.

At this time, it is believed that the Chongquing Dog is more endangered and rarer than the panda. Current breeding is diluting the breed as there are so few true bloods cross breeding and inbreeding is occurring. The knowledge of the exact breeds that contributed to the original Chongquing Dog was lost ages ago. The CQ Dog is known for loyalty, noble character, bravery and protecting its own. Today there is one kennel breeding these dogs outside China in Canada.

This is a medium sized dog , muscular and strong. Slightly smaller than the Samoyed, the Nenets Laika weighs about 40-55 pounds and is 18 inches tall. The ears are typical Spitz ears and the tail is carried up over the back. The Nenets Herding Laika can have gray, piebald, black or tan coats and some can be solid white and look just like a Samoyed. The coat is a thick, double coat with the undercoat very wooly.

This breed is not well known, even in China. However, its likeness has been found in pottery dating back to the Han Dynasty. It is now beginning to be show in select dog shows. The general appearance upon which a current standard is being developed includes:

The Chongquing is a medium sized, compact and square dog that is powerful, muscular and strong. He is unique in appearance, tail and coat. His head is large, broad and flat. There are wrinkles from the muzzle to the forehead between his eyes. His eyes are brown, and the rims are black. He has high set, small ears that are triangle shape. Its frame is sturdy and strong. He is very muscular, and his strength and speed are explosive.

The Chongqing Dog can be one of three sizes: small, medium and large. All are hunters, but each hunted different prey. The appearance of all three sizes are proportionally the same.

Children friendliness

yes

Special talents

mushing

Adaptability

Adaptability not good in apartments or smaller spaces. Needs a fenced in yard.

Learning ability

High but stubborn and independent

The Chongqing Dog is a confident, passionate, fearless and loyal dog. He is brave, alert, thoughtful and elegant. They make good companions for their people, but they are very wary of strangers and are ready to attack in order to protect their people. They are affectionate and loving with their people, including older children. They should never be off-leash in the company of other dogs.

For the most part the Nenets Herding Laika is a healthy breed and very hardy. They do however have some propensities for some illnesses and conditions.

Diabetes Mellitus – can be treated with medication and is usual seen in middle age -after 7 years of age.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Slow loss of vision and this is a genetic disease – leads to blindness.

• Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.
• Skin diseases are possible – autoimmune disease the is idiopathic.

The Chinese Chongqing Dog is a very healthy breed by reason of its isolation and seclusion in the far regions of eastern China. There has been no human intervention in the natural development of this breed and no health issues have followed.

Feeding the puppy

Be careful that your pup doesn’t grow too fast. They are open to injuries if they grow too fast. Low calorie with protein and not a lot of fat. half a cup of high quality medium breed dog food 3X a day.

Feeding the adult

1 1/2 cups high quality medium breed dog food.

Points for Good Health

athletic and agile

Games and Exercises

At leaset a walk or two every day. Don’t get overheated as they are used to cold weather. Would be good at agility and herding exercise.

Feeding

The best food for this dog is made yourself of human grade foods. Either raw or cooked yourself . This will keep their skin, teeth and coat healthy.

Health issues

This is a really healthy breed especially due to the isolation and natural selection of their history.

Exercise and games

He needs about 30 minutes of exercise today. He has no history of participation in canine games.