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SIBERIAN LAIKAS |
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These are the
other two breeds (in addition to the Karelo-Finnish and the Russo-European
Laikas) established by the Russian council in 1947 as hunting/sledding
laikas. They are combinations of types from various native tribes throughout
Siberia.
The West Siberian
Laika is the most numerous of the two, in fact, outnumbering all hunting
dogs registered in the USSR, except the Russian Hound. They are bred by
Khantu and Mansi hunters throughout the giant upper Ir-tysh River basin
in the eastern slopes of the Ural Mountains. These vast forest areas are
hunted for their valuable fur animals: mink, sable, marten, squirrel,
otter and even bear. As the local hunters say, "Without a dog, there
is no hunter!" The most valuable of the dogs hunt sable (in winter
called ermine), the prize termed the "white gold."
This takes tremendous
speed and endurance over snow or in forests littered with fallen trees.
The praiseworthy dog must take one stride for each four or five bounds
of the sable, continuing for long hours. Thus, these Laikas are selected
for size and power with emphasis on being tall and a bit light to work
in deep snow. Even the most accomplished workers "earn retirement
after eight years of hunting," so demanding is their chore. Temperaments
are calm and even.
The last 25
years have seen tremendous progress in the number of uniform specimens,
as well as in the high level of quality work of the West Siberian.
The East Siberian
Laika, on the other hand, is still considered more of a conglomerate
with only a temporary standard in existence. Many laikas are used hi
Eastern Siberia, but the vast territory has created a large variety
of types and strains, each with slightly different appearance and style
of hunting. These dogs are generally larger and tougher than the Western
Laikas.
Large scale
breeding programs for the Eastern form began in the 1980s, and Soviet
breeders hope to consolidate type and improve the skill level of this
breed in the future. Although the overwhelming majority are hunting
dogs, some of these are seen in the cities as companions.
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