Russian European Laika

Russo-European Laika

Black, grey, white, pepper and salt, dark with white patches, white with dark patches are all acceptable colours
Other names	Russko-Evropeĭskaya Laĭka
Common nicknames	Laĭka
Origin	European part of Russia
Classification / standards FCI Group 5, Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs #304 standard UKC Northern Breed standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

Russo-European Laika (Russko-Evropeĭskaya Láĭka) is the name of a breed of hunting dog that originated in the forested region of northern Europe and Russia, one of several breeds developed from landrace Laika dogs of very ancient Spitz type. The Russo-European Laika itself dates to a breeding program begun in 1944 by E. I. Shereshevsky of the All-Union Research Institute for the Hunting Industry, in Kalinin (now Tver) Province.

The Russo-European Laika is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in the Spitz and Primitive types/Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs Group. The breed is listed as breed number 304, along with two other Russian dogs, breed number 305, the Vostóčno-Sibírskaya Láĭka (East Siberian Láĭka) and breed number 306, the Zapadno-Sibírskaya Laĭka (West Siberian Láĭka).

The Russo-European Laika is described as being of medium size, males being about 54 to 60 centimetres (21 to 24 in) at the withers and females about 52 to 58 centimetres (20 to 23 in). The breed has prick ears and a sickle tail carried over the back. Temperament should be non aggressive. Colour can be any of the normal Spitz-type colours, but red and ticking on the legs is undesirable.

This is a lively breed that enjoys time spent in the great outdoors. As a hunter who frequently trees game, the Russo-European Laika uses its voice to alert the hunter to the treed prey (typically a raccoon or squirrel). It may use its voice freely in the house as well because it is easily excited about things going on around it. The Russo-European Laika has a strong love of family. Once bonded to them, it is quite territorial and makes an excellent guard dog. It is extremely tolerant of children, although not of strangers or other unfamiliar dogs.

Eager to please and with energy to spare, the Russo-European Laika benefits tremendously from training of any kind. Socialization must begin in puppyhood and continue throughout its life. Obedience classes or participation in a working association will give it a sense of purpose and the frequent exercise it requires. With those opportunities, it will learn quickly and become well balanced as a family dog.