MyDogBreeds
Russo-European Laika is originated from Russia but West Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Russo-European Laika may grow 30 cm / 12 inches higher than West Highland White Terrier. Russo-European Laika may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than West Highland White Terrier. Russo-European Laika may live 4 years less than West Highland White Terrier. Both Russo-European Laika and West Highland White Terrier has almost same litter size. Russo-European Laika requires Low maintenance. But West Highland White Terrier requires High maintenance
The Russo-European Laika is a hunting dog that comes from Russia.
It is a dog that has been developed from Spitz type dogs. A breeding program was started for the dog in 1944.
The Russo-European Laika dog is recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in the Spitz and Primitive type group.
The West highland white terrier originated from Poltalloch in Scotland. So they were initially called as Poltalloch terrier and after that they were called as Roseneath terrier. They were initially used for hunting fox, badger, otter and in killing the vermin like rats.
The breed history says that Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was the reason for the Westie's white colour. This is because in 19th centuryhe went for hunting with his dogs and accidentally he shot his dog as its colour was as fox. So he decided to breed only white colour dogs.
The Russo-European Laika is a medium sized dog Spitz dog that stands at between 54 to 60cm in height and weighs in the region of 20 – 23kg.
The dog has quite a strong resemblance to the Karelia Bear Dog. They are sometimes mistaken for each other.
The Russo-European Laika has the typical triangular shaped head with small dark eyes, a black nose and erect, pointed ears. These are deep chested dogs.
As with other Spitz breeds, this dog has a thick fur with a densely furred tail which is curved over the back. The double coat is fairly long and usually a dark grey color or black with some white markings. Sometimes the dog has a white coat.
This is a lively, energetic dog breed that loves to spend time outdoors. It has always been used to alert hunters to prey, using its bark to alert the hunter.Training and socialization will be necessary for the dog if you don’t want it to be barking in the house too.
He makes an excellent guard dog, protecting his human family. It is very tolerant of children too, getting on well with them as well as other pets.
The dog is known for being totally devoted to its family, being an affectionate and loyal breed that doubles as a family pet and guard dog.
The Westie can be said as that a small dog having the talents of the big dog. They are very popular for their obedience. They are also working as therapy dogs and also some in search and rescue teams. The home having Westie will have fun always and be enthusiastic. They will suit them for country or city living, but they like to live with their family. They are well suitable for apartment living, but some training should be given to them for not barking. They can stay in home when you are at work. Westie can be taken to travel, whether it may be long vacation or a short visit.
They are quick learners and so training them is not difficult. Mistakes of them can be corrected patiently since they don't like harsh activities against them. Westie will definitely bark when he sees something or hear different sounds. He will bark on seeing visitors or even other dogs. Sometimes they will bark for very silly things but when given appropriate training in their young stage, they can bark only for alerts.
This is an intelligent dog breed, loving the time he spends with his human family but reluctant to be patted by strangers.
They also get along with pets that they have grown up with. They get on well with kids and make great watchdogs too. Small wonder they make such sought after pets and companions.
The Westie is friendly with children but not all the time. So some care should be taken while they are near children.
They like to chase rodents like rabbits as they are interested in hunting.
They are suitable for apartment living unless they are left alone for a very long time. They love cold weather more than hot.
They can be trained by giving some extra efforts.
These Spitz type dogs are always known to enjoy good health, and owners don’t have to worry too much about their health as only a small number of health issues are reported with this healthy dog breed.
This is a congenital defect in the abdominal muscles and can result in fat or tissues being evident under the skin. A bulge is often seen in the area of the abdomen. Larger hernias will require surgery.
Itchy skin and pyoderma are common in terriers. Skin diseases such as Seborrhea and epidermal dysplasia are also found in them.
Westies have possibilities of getting yeast infections in skin[Malassezia Dermatitis] and due to that hair loss will be more.
This is an energetic dog and will require a good amount of excerise. This dog isn’t suited to living in the city as they are highly active. Apart from wanting large grounds to run around in, he will need walks as well as ball- and rope games to keep him busy.
He is intelligent and needs some form of mental stimulation. There are good quality toys which one can buy for these dogs than can make them think.
Many things can change a dog’s longevity, and diet is one. A good nutritious diet with vitamins and minerals will give your dog less of a chance to get sick.
If you go for the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods, you’ll find that they are both convenient and well balanced.
To provide your dog with just a bit of variety in his diet, some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time will delight your pet.
No need to make preparing the food a huge issue either. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and add small portions of it into the dry kibble.
Try to include a bit of raw meat occasionally and never let your dog be without a constant source of fresh, cool water
The puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times per day as it requires a considerable amount for their growth. Cooked chicken breast and turkey are best for them and also vegetables should be given to them. Beef and chicken should be kept a limit as it will lead to itchy skin and allergies.
The preferable food for the Westie is home cooked. The home food will only contain all the essential nutrients for the Westie.
Eventhough the Westie is suitable for apartment living it is recommended to have a daily walk for him to be active and refreshing.
They should be made to play for atleast 30 minutes per day for their health as to not gain overweight. Grown up children can play with them as they like it.