The West Siberian Laika is considered the most versatile hunting companion, and no other dog can compete with it in this regard. Laikas are extremely popular in Russia. The main reason for this interest is their low maintenance requirements. Laikas become very attached to their owners, taking on the lion's share of hunting duties. These animals demonstrate all their natural skills while hunting a wide variety of animals and birds native to our country.
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Description of the breed
Likes are medium-sized dogsThey differ from other breeds in their well-developed physique and medium build. Males typically stand no more than 62 cm at the withers, while females are 55 cm tall. In males, the height at the sacrum is always 1-2 cm lower than the withers, and in females, 1 cm lower.
Dogs of this breed can be identified by two characteristic features.
- First of all, these are the ears, which are erect. They resemble triangles, elongated in height. Most representatives of this breed have almond-shaped eyes, but sometimes they are slanted. However, they are always deep-set. All West Siberian Laikas have brown eyes.
- Additionally, the West Siberian Laika can be recognized by the shape of its tail. It is usually curled or sickle-shaped. If the latter is the case, it should always touch the back.
As for the wool, it is very thick and coarse, has a soft yet dense undercoat. Around the neck and shoulders, the coat begins to lengthen slightly, resulting in a fluffy ruff.
How much does a West Siberian Laika puppy cost?
If an owner is considering purchasing a West Siberian Laika, they are most likely doing so for hunting purposes. Therefore, the dog's purity is paramount, a consideration that buyers should also take into account when choosing dogs of other breeds. When selecting a candidate, the primary consideration is the working qualities of the puppy's parents, or the dog itself in the case of an adult Laika.
Many owners, when purchasing a hunting dog, pay attention to the exterior Only to determine whether they're being offered mixed-breed puppies. However, even experienced hunters can't always determine this from small puppies.
Features of selection
In our country, there are quite a few West Siberian Laikas available from working parents. And most often, these animals are purchased from private breeders. However, buyers aren't always able to determine the sire's origin. Even when shown a pair of Laikas, it's possible that at least one of the animals won't be a representative of the stated breed. However, most people don't pay much attention to this. And given this, it becomes clear why such puppies are offered in such large numbers. Sellers place high prices on them. price at the level of 5 thousand rubles.
Those familiar with the specifics of choosing dogs of this breed know that purity influences both the animal's appearance and its character and behavioral traits. Therefore, to acquire a good companion, it is recommended to contact breeders. They offer vaccinated puppies with a pedigree. If desired, you can purchase puppies from parents with championship titles and numerous diplomas.
However, since most people don't pay attention to purebred quality when choosing a hunting dog, purchasing a puppy from private sellers is more attractive due to the lower cost. This is further exacerbated by the fact that there aren't many breeders in our country, so it's difficult to satisfy all buyers.
Don't expect to be offered a high-quality, purebred West Siberian Laika when you show up at a kennel unexpectedly. You'll need to negotiate first, and then you'll likely have to... wait for a certain amount of timeYou must also have the required amount of money on hand, which is usually quite a lot of money, as prices for these puppies in Moscow start at 10,000 rubles. It's worth noting that even puppies that are similar in appearance can be offered at different prices. This situation arises because they have many differences. Therefore, it's important to know that the price of a West Siberian Laika is influenced by:
- purebred line;
- presence of awards from parents;
- the nursery's reputation.
The cost of a West Siberian Laika puppy
Today, you can find kennels in Russia that sell puppies without birth certificates. In other words, when you apply for ZSL puppies in Moscow, you can purchase, or, for example, receive, a purebred dog as a gift. without providing documentsThis option may suit owners who don't plan to breed Laikas in Moscow or prepare them for shows at various levels. Prices for such puppies in the Moscow region are typically significantly lower, ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 rubles.
If a buyer is interested in purchasing an adult West Siberian Laika in the Moscow region, the price will primarily depend on the animal's size.
- For the so-called "squirrel houses" you will have to pay around 5,000-7,000 rubles.
- Prices for "Sables" in Moscow range from 7,000 to 9,000 rubles.
- If you want to buy a dog in Moscow that can hunt large game, its price will be 2.5 times higher than that of a squirrel dog, so you'll have to pay at least 10,000 rubles.
Can people without experience own West Siberian Laikas?
If you're a new dog owner, we strongly recommend against getting a West Siberian Laika as your first dog, even if you're offered one as a gift. The distinctive characteristics of this breed are: love of freedom and independenceThe owner should already know how to behave with them and therefore be familiar with the basics of keeping and training hunting and sled dogs.
The differences between West Siberian Laikas and service, toy, and herding breeds are very noticeable. This is evident in their disposition, behavior, and habits. Therefore, it is important for anyone considering acquiring a dog of this breed to have prior experience with hunting or sled dogs. Trying to intuitively train a gifted working Laika will likely lead to significant difficulties, and the experiment may even end in failure.
Moreover, it is necessary to take into account that not every person can get along West Siberian Laikas. They are not recommended for people who are naturally homebodies, accustomed to a quiet life, and averse to hunting. West Siberian Laikas will not meet the expectations of those who want to raise a West Siberian Laika puppy to be a loyal guard dog. Furthermore, they are not good companions for humans.
It's possible that a novice hunter might not want to bother raising a West Siberian Laika puppy and, to save time and avoid unnecessary complications, try to buy an adult dog right away. This is a grave mistake, as they need to remember that they're getting more than just a friend, but a hunting companion. It's also important to remember that Laikas bond with only one person. Therefore, it's possible they'll react coldly to their new owner.
West Siberian Laikas feel best in the company of avid hunters Or by people who lead an active lifestyle and live in a private home. In this case, they will be able to maintain the high activity level that the West Siberian Laika so desperately needs.
Conclusion
Many who have seen a West Siberian Laika at least once have been captivated by them. Dogs are often judged by their appearance, with little attention paid to their habits and character. This is crucial, as the West Siberian Laika is a hunting dog, so buying one based on its appearance is a mistake. Although puppies of this breed are available in a variety of ways today, including from private sellers, you shouldn't rush into such a decision.
There's a high chance you'll encounter difficulties when bringing this breed into your home. This especially applies to those who don't plan to use a West Siberian Laika for hunting or don't plan to keep their pet highly active. Without this, it's very difficult to get along with a West Siberian Laika, as this is their nature. As a result, the decision to get this dog will bring not joy, but sheer disappointment.
