East Siberian Laika
eest sy-BEER-ee-an LYE-kah
Russia· Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East
The East Siberian Laika is a large hunting spitz developed by indigenous peoples of eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Large, working environments
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush, more when shedding
Coat length
Medium, double coat
Sheds
Yes, heavily seasonally
Lifespan
10-12 years
Town or country
Rural, working environments only
Garden size needed
Large, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the East Siberian Laika
In the immense, sparsely populated forests of eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East, indigenous peoples relied on large, powerful hunting spitzes able to confront bear and other dangerous game and travel enormous distances in extreme cold. Isolation from other Laika types allowed a larger, heavier build to develop in this eastern population.
- Region
- Eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East
- Climate it was bred for
- Extremely cold, remote taiga and tundra climate
- Original job
- Hunting large game such as bear and elk, and fur-bearing animals across vast remote territory
The long read
About the breed
Its role hunting dangerous large game such as bear across vast, remote wilderness produced a bigger, more powerfully built dog than its western relatives, with great endurance and courage.
It is loyal and capable at home but retains strong independence and hunting drive, requiring an experienced, active owner able to provide extensive exercise and firm handling.
Today it remains a working hunting dog largely confined to Russia, rarely seen as a companion breed and still uncommon even within international Laika circles.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the East Siberian Laika greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the East Siberian Laika is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The East Siberian Laika's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Indigenous origins
Local hunting spitzes were used by peoples of eastern Siberia and the Far East for large game and fur hunting.
1930s-40s
Soviet classification
Soviet researchers began distinguishing eastern Laika populations from western types.
1981
Breed standard adopted
The East Siberian Laika received a formal breed standard in the Soviet Union.
2000s
FCI provisional status
The breed has gained wider recognition though remains less standardised internationally than other Laikas.
2010s
Continued working role
It remains actively used by hunters across eastern Russia today.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Rectangular, powerful and deep-chested.
- coat
- Straight, harsh outer coat with a thick undercoat suited to extreme cold.
- ears
- Erect, mobile and set high.
- eyes
- Small, oval and dark.
- head
- Wedge-shaped, broader than other Laikas, with a moderate stop.
- size
- Dogs 55-64cm, bitches 51-60cm
- colour
- Black, white, grey, red or piebald.
- temperament
- Bold, independent and enduring, with strong hunting instincts and courage against large game.
- general appearance
- Large, powerfully built spitz, heavier and more robust than other Laika breeds, suited to confronting dangerous game.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
East Siberian Laikas added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the East Siberian Laika
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own East Siberian Laika illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
East Siberian Laika Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our East Siberian Laika illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
East Siberian Laika Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the East Siberian Laika illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
East Siberian Laika Mug
Ceramic mug with the East Siberian Laika illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Nail Clippers & Grinder
Safety-guard clippers with a quiet rotary grinder.
Fits any dog
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