The West Siberian Laika is primarily a hunting dog. Anyone who decides to get a puppy of this breed can expect all the traits of a hunting “spitz,” which include, among others, courage and bravery, a strong hunting instinct, inexhaustible persistence in tracking, and loyalty to the owner. This is an emotional dog of exceptional intelligence, very attentive to its owner, often able to anticipate their intentions. In short, it is a perfect hunting dog and assistant in the hunt. Since they are easy to socialize, these exceptionally clean and meticulous dogs can be kept indoors without fear of diminishing their hunting qualities. This is evidenced by hunters in Scandinavia, where this is almost the only practice.

West Siberian Laikas are equally successful in hunting small game and predators (pheasants, wild ducks, all types of martens, badgers, wildcats, lynx, and in northern countries, capercaillie and other birds hunted there) as well as large game (bears, moose, wild boar, deer). They are also extremely useful for finding wounded game or tracking blood trails, as well as retrieving shot small game. Laikas can hunt almost any game found in our regions, as well as in northern Europe, Asia, and America, except roe deer and hares, or other animals that flee in panic at high speed when discovered by dogs. Laikas use and combine all their senses equally during tracking, but they never chase the game; instead, they bark at the spot or tree, trying to hold or stop the animal that moves slowly, thus giving the hunter, through their barking, a more or less clear indication of the game’s position.

Puppies from proven hunting Laika lines already show a strong instinct for tracking and barking at both small and large game at just a few months old. The hunter, according to the regulations in their country, decides when to start hunting with their new dog. What is essential is to raise a beautiful and healthy dog. Considering that this is a very vital breed with excellent physical constitution, it is relatively easy to carry out so-called “house training,” and by one year of age, such a dog can hunt successfully. In hunting grounds with abundant game, in many cases, hunting is successful within the first hour or two of releasing the dog. It can be confidently said—something frequently experienced by hunters in Siberia and other far northern countries—that for a successful hunt and a wonderful experience, one hunter and one spitz-dog are often enough.

—Text: V. Jevtić