West Siberian Laika or WSL, is a breed of hunting dog developed by the people of Northern Ural and West Siberia. They used Laikas mostly for treeing squirrels and hunting small predators with valuable fur.
The West Siberian Laika is primarily a hunting dog.
The West Siberian Laika is a large size dog, with males should stand 54 to 60 centimetres (21 to 24 in) at the shoulder and females 52 to 58 centimetres (20 to 23 in). The head is triangular in shape and has little to no stop, with the pricked, triangular ears set high on the skull. The body is broad and strong with pronounced withers and a well-developed chest. The tail is carried over the back in a tight curl.
The West Siberian Laika is a very affectionate and devoted to the master dog. Majority of them barks at strangers approaching the house. The attitude to unfamiliar people varies individually and depending on the situation. Some dogs first bark and then wag their tails greeting the guest and allow to be petted. Many West Siberian Laikas are aloof with strange people, avoid hands and watch him suspiciously. Some dogs become protective over the master, his family and their property. There are many West Siberian Laikas accepting a new owner with difficulty and need time to adjust to a new place.
Everyone who decides on a West Siberian Laika puppy should expect a full package of traits of a typical hunting Spitz. It is an emotional dog, very observant to habits of its master, his mood and often can foresee his intentions. It does not hesitate to express its strong feelings by barking and other noises. The West Siberian Laika likes and needs freedom for physical activity and he also needs to be closer to the master and his family. Some dogs enjoy quiet hours just laying nearby and watching the surrounding. During this time, the dog is alert and guarding. If a West Siberian Laika is used for hunting, it is a great potential to be happy dog, but its happiness is never complete, if it is not a favorite family dog.
The West Siberian Laika is a poor kennel dog. If the dog is left alone locked up in a small backyard or in a pen, some dogs develop a habit to bark seemingly without a purpose. Permanently penned or fenced West Siberian Laikas attempt to dig under the fence or climb over it. Some dogs not trained to stay penned try to bite wires damaging their teeth. Once freed or turned loose such a dog will be hard to control. It will run too far, chase other animals and likely get into trouble. West Siberian Laikas kept well exercised, busy with hunting and contacts with other dogs, animals and people are content, obedient and never bark without a reason. Therefore, to make a happy dog and its owner, the right conditions of the environment for hunting plus time dedicated to the dog must be met.
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