Hunting with spitz dogs was originally a trapping method used by hunters who traveled alone through the endless forests of the far North in search of food or fur. Even today, one can still encounter such solitary hunters wandering through the Siberian wilderness, relying on their dogs, weapons, and traps to secure enough fur to feed their families upon returning to their village in the spring. However, you will never see these hunters without their dogs, which in the vast majority of cases are spitz breeds, specifically Siberian Laikas.

This type of hunting can also be practiced today in Scandinavian hunting grounds, where hunting with spitz dogs has a deep-rooted tradition and culture that is still maintained. Besides hunting bears and moose—which are among the most important annual events for these hunters—the hunt for capercaillie, black grouse, and hazel grouse is also very attractive. For these hunts, Scandinavians, in addition to their hunting spitz dogs (such as the Jämthund, Finnish Spitz, etc.), often use Eastern and Western Siberian Laikas.

Hunting can be done individually or, more commonly, in groups with these dogs. Moose hunting, in particular, is carried out by positioning the hunters with rifles at wildlife crossing points or pre-marked stands. Once the last hunter takes position, the hunt leader (organizer) signals the dog handler—traditionally at a set time or, nowadays, via radio—to begin the search. Dogs with such acute senses and a strong hunting instinct quickly locate game within the first few minutes and begin to do what is instinctual to them: they bay and attempt to keep the moose, bear, or other game in place, signaling their position to the handler who then tries to approach the animal and take the shot.

The actual kill is a reward for the dogs’ effort. After the shot, they remain with their prey, defending it from other dogs or predators, and often will not allow other hunters to approach. Therefore, it is important to let them satisfy their natural instincts over the prey before the handler intervenes to allow the removal and processing of the game. If the handler does not shoot or the game moves away, this becomes an opportunity for the hunters at the stands. Spitz dogs do not have the instinct to chase prey that escapes beyond their reach—they bay only while in close contact; once the game moves out of range, they stop and begin a new search, baying again when they relocate the game.

Because of these traits, Western Siberian Laikas, as well as other hunting spitz breeds, are nearly ideal dogs for hunting wild boar in Serbian hunting grounds. Here’s why: anyone who has hunted with long-legged hounds knows—or has witnessed—that hounds (except for properly trained dogs, which are rare locally), when released into the hunting grounds, especially those with lower wild boar populations, quickly find roe deer and engage in prolonged chases. The dog handler is left without assistance for several hours, while the hunters at the stands endure long periods of inactivity, often freezing in place, and the deer escape.

In contrast, Laikas show little interest in roe deer; at most, they may follow it for 15–20 meters, and experienced dogs may ignore it entirely. Achieving complete “restraint” with hounds often requires 3–4 years of strict training, whereas Laikas are born with this trait—it is hardwired in their nature. Moreover, when hunting with Laikas, the handler usually has the best chance to make the shot. While the Laikas bay at a herd of wild boars or a solitary boar hiding in brush, the handler can approach to a suitable distance for the kill. After the shot, the herd may flee, and the dogs either stay with the downed prey or follow the rest of the herd, depending on many factors including training and individual characteristics. The hunters at the stands then have the next opportunity to shoot.

Importantly, Laikas do not need to be trained for hunting; this instinct has been inherited over millennia from ancestors for whom hunting meant survival. The handler’s role is simply to raise a healthy, well-cared-for puppy, complete basic household training, and by the time the dog turns one, take it hunting to begin unforgettable adventures, with a Western Siberian Laika leading uncompromisingly.

Text: V. Jevtic