West Siberian Laika vs Schillerstovare - Breed Comparison

The 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

The Schillerstövare originated in Sweden, being named after a Swedish farmer, Per Schiller. After he died, the dog was named Schillerstövare in 1907, and was Sweden's first native dog breed.

The Swedish Kennel Club recognised this dog in 1907 and it is also recognised by the Federation Cynologique Internationale as well as a number of minor kennels and dog clubs.

The dog has always been used as a hunting dog and the English Foxhound is the e foundation for this breed.

The 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.

The Schillerstövare is a medium to large sized dog. They’re athletic and muscular.

Standing at between 53–61cm in height and weighing in the region of 18–25kg, the coat of the dog is fairly short and harsh, with the color being black and tan.Sometimes you’ll see some white markings on the chest and paws.

The head is domed, the eyes brown, bright and alert and the ears of the dog are broad, medium length and floppy. The long tail is carried low or held out when running or alert.

If you allow your Schillerstovare to have puppies, you can expect between 3 to 7.

Temperament:

The Schillerstovare is a calm dog but he can get petty lively when there’s a game to be had. He gets on well with well disciplined children who have been taught to be kind and respectful to animals. He also gets on well with pets in the home. Just like with most other dogs, he will need to be trained and socialized as he is a strong willed, confident, dominant dog.

He is friendly and active but will be somewhat reserved around strangers.These dogs will require a lot of exercise and will need quite a bit of space too. They aren't well suited to small properties in the city. He will need a daily walk but also a chance to get off his leash and run free in the park. Other forms of exercise such as hikes, ball game and swimming will delight him.

1 Children Friendliness – Yes they are ok with children but not unsupervised.

2.Special talents stamina, agility

3.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.

Schillerstovares are social, loving, friendly, loyal dogs who enjoy being around their human family. He’s going to need a lot of exercise, both mental and physical to keep him from boredom and frustration.

He will rely on you for at least a daily walk. He is strong-will and confident and will do well in a family where they are active and where they are firm, patient, kind and consistent in their behaviour towards him because then he ticks all th right boxes for being a splendid pet.

Health 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.

Even though your Schillerstovare is a healthy dog breed, hip dysplasia is a common dog disease that many dogs get.

This is a skeletal disease when a dog’s hip joints become partially dislocated. It can be very difficult for your dog to get around, and he can also develop arthritis. It gets very sad when your dog doesn’t even want to participate in games anymore.

performance, 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.

With his short coat, the Schillerstovare is considered a low maintenance dog and requires a minimal amount of grooming. Brushing should be done twice a week to remove loose hair. The harsh outer coat seems to repel dirt and dust.

Trim your pet’s nails, check inside his ears for signs of redness, make sure his eyes are bright and clear and make sure he doesn’t have any unusual lumps on him.

Make sure his vaccines are up to date to avoid deadly canine diseases. Take him to the vet when you suspect he isn’t his normal self.

Diet:

Dogs, just like humans, do well on good, nutritious diets. Feed a human lots of junk food and sweets and they’ll grow up to be obese and unhealthy. That's exactly how it is with dogs too. Some of the best commercially manufactured dog foods are convenient and they can be good if you look at the top brands. Look for ones that cater for your dog’s age, size, breed and activity levels. This dry kibble can be made more inviting for your pet when you include some homemade food.

Dogs just want simplicity so that they don’t battle with digestive problems. Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will be wonderful for him when you chop the food up and add it into the dry kibble twice a week. See his tail wag and his brown eyes light up when he smells this treat. Some raw meat added up occasionally will also contribute to your pet’s heath.

Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.