Raising a Karelian Finnish Laika. Karelo Finnish Laika: description and character of the breed. Coat quality and possible colors

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a fiery and incredibly beautiful hunter.

Origin of the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed

The ancestors of the Karelian-Finnish huskies appeared in the century before last on the territory of Finland, which was then part of Tsarist Russia. Suomi dog breeders initially intended huskies to hunt birds and other small game. Over time, huskies showed that they are not first-class hunters and Finnish dog handlers decided to turn them into decorative dogs. Why did they actively take up the appearance of huskies?

In the 20th century, a revolution broke out, the huge empire fell apart, and Finland gained independence. Laikas ended up on both sides of the border and spread throughout the north-west of the USSR, most of all in Karelia. There they were noticed by local hunters. It turned out that this is a very dexterous and swift dog that copes well with the role of a companion for a commercial hunter specializing in fur-bearing animals. The population of huskies has increased. It should be noted that in the USSR they paid tribute not only to the working qualities, but also to the beautiful appearance of dogs. Laikas began to actively participate in various exhibitions.

During the Great Patriotic War, the population of Karelian-Finnish huskies almost completely disappeared. Soviet dog handlers saved the breed and demonstrated the Laika to the country already in the 60s of the last century. Unfortunately, Karelian-Finnish huskies, both then and now, are popular only in the north of the country. It is almost impossible to buy a husky puppy in the southern regions. The main breeders of Karelian-Finnish huskies are concentrated in the Leningrad region.

Photo of the Karelian-Finnish Laika.

Description of Karelian-Finnish Laika

Height characteristics: females - 38-46 cm, males - 45-52 cm. Weight characteristics: females - 8-11 kg, males - 13-15 kg. They live on average about 15 years.

Karelian-Finnish huskies have a small, strong, pointed head. The skull is noticeably widened at the top. Narrow muzzle. The end of the nose is small and always black. Thin closed lips. Strong jaws, and the lower jaw is very developed. White, straight teeth. Scissor bite, extremely tight. Dark eyes, relatively small, slightly slanted. Pointed ears, high-set, small. Stocky neck. Straight and strong back. Sufficiently deep chest. Tail close to the back, curled. Straight strong legs with soft cat paws. There are no wrinkles on the dog's body.

The coat is medium length, hard with a thick, surprisingly soft undercoat, longer on the tail. Acceptable colors:

• fiery;
• red with a golden tint.

Photo of a Karelian-Finnish husky in the forest.

Photo of Karelian-Finnish Laika in the snow.

Character of Karelian-Finnish huskies

Karelo-Finnish huskies are very loyal dogs not only to their owner, but to the whole family. They have excellent intuition. Hardy. They are distinguished by strong nerves and high performance. Independent, sometimes stubborn. They are too active and do not like strangers.

Karelo-Finnish huskies are suitable for keeping in the house. They get along well with other pets and are patient with children.

Dogs of this breed need significant physical activity and long walks in the fresh air, otherwise they can tear the house to smithereens. Ideal for active sports people.

Karelo-Finnish husky on the hunt.

Karelo-Finnish Laika in nature.

Karelian-Finnish huskies are very unpretentious dogs, they do not take up much space and eat little. They are distinguished by good health, but sometimes suffer from diseases such as allergies, cataracts, epilepsy. They need weekly brushing, and daily brushing during the molting period. You need to bathe once a year.

The main diet consists of: raw meat, fermented milk products of medium fat content, bones. Prohibited for consumption: chicken, eggs, thermally processed meat. Adult huskies need to be fed twice a day.

Karelo-Finnish Laika in the snow.

Karelo-Finnish huskies have a loud, beautiful voice, which Finns value very much.

Photos of Karelian-Finnish Laika puppies

Many are well known and loved in our country. Today we will talk about the advantages of the Karelian-Finnish husky, which is rarely found in Russia, although it is native. Experienced dog handlers are sure that this is the most elegant and beautiful dog in its family.

Laika is distinguished by its small size and energetic, cheerful character. Several times representatives of this species found themselves on the verge of extinction, but, thanks to the efforts of lovers and connoisseurs of these animals, it was possible to restore their numbers.

History of the breed

The history of the Karelian-Finnish Laika began in the middle of the 19th century. The dog appeared in Finland when it was still part of the Russian Empire. Therefore, disputes still arise from time to time between Finnish and Russian dog handlers about the “nationality” of this dog.

At first, Finnish experts decided to use this small but very active dog in bird hunting. It even received a corresponding name - bird dog. However, hunting with the Karelian-Finnish husky showed that the dog could not cope with the tasks assigned to it. It was decided to improve the exterior to create an exclusively decorative animal.

Over time, the Russian Empire collapsed. Finland gained independence, becoming a separate state. The countries separated, but the dogs remained on Russian territory. They lived for a long time in Karelia, Leningrad region. Until a certain time, no one paid much attention to them, until at the beginning of the 20th century they became interested in Russian hunters. As it turned out, this small, fast and agile dog shows excellent results in hunting fur-bearing animals. In the middle of the 20th century, Soviet dog handlers became interested in the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed. They began to breed her not only for hunting, but also for participation in exhibitions, as experts noted her outstanding external characteristics.

Nevertheless, in those years she still remained in most cases more of a working dog than a decorative dog. Gradually, the popularity of this cute animal grew, but then the Second World War began, and the population of huskies practically disappeared. Our scientists barely managed to save her.

At the end of the sixties, a large exhibition of hunting dogs was held in the Soviet Union, which included this red-haired beauty. Her first appearance was very impressive. Eyewitnesses recalled that from that time on, her popularity began to grow rapidly. Although it must be said that this concerned only the northern regions of our country. In the south and east of the country, the Karelian-Finnish huskies never spread. Unfortunately, this situation has not changed today. For example, in Rostov-on-Don it is almost impossible to buy such a husky, but in our Northern capital, buying and selling Karelian-Finnish huskies does not cause any problems. Moreover, since the seventies of the 20th century, this breed has been bred in the Leningrad region, and in a factory way.

Purpose

Karelo-Finnish huskies were bred by Soviet dog handlers to hunt squirrel, hare, wild boar, bird, and marten. These animals can be used to bait bears.

A sharp mind, loyalty and excellent appearance over time made it possible to use these dogs as companions. Now they can be kept in apartments and cottages.

Karelo-Finnish Laika: description of the breed

These are small dogs with a rather dense build. The weight of a male dog reaches 15 kilograms, females are slightly smaller - their weight does not exceed 12 kilograms. The height of a male at the withers is 50 centimeters, the female is about five centimeters shorter.

Wool

An important feature of the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed is the quality of its wool. The richer this red coat, which has a thick undercoat, the better. The emphatically smooth coat, its uniform length throughout the body, and the absence of at least small feathering on the tail and hind legs are considered by experts as a defect of the breed, although the standard does not provide a clear definition in this matter.

Color

Light color is an undesirable feature of the breed. What does this definition mean? In the Russian version of the standard, light wool is referred to as an undesirable fawn color. Nevertheless, the phrase “red of all shades...” probably also implies him. But there is another standard that the Karelian-Finnish Laika must meet. The dog breeds (description) in it are slightly different from the Russian version. And this mainly concerns color. The international standard for the Finnish Spitz - the breed's second name - clearly states that the coat should be red or golden brown, preferably a bright color. It must be said that the bright red color is the calling card of the breed.

Character

We would like to make a reservation right away that Karelian-Finnish huskies are not dogs for beginners in keeping animals. They are very intelligent, but have a proud and independent, and sometimes stubborn character. Such a dog needs a morally strong, fair and kind owner, to whom he will be devoted until his last breath.

Karelian-Finnish owners allow this to be said) should be brought up from a very early age. It is good if this is done by a professional or an experienced animal owner. A well-trained dog obeys its owner unquestioningly, perfectly protects him and his property, and becomes an indispensable assistant on the hunt. But you should know that this proud dog will not forgive anyone for cruel or rude treatment: neither the trainer nor the owner.

Training should be carried out strictly but respectfully. If you are planning to raise a hunting assistant, then Karelian-Finnish Laika puppies are trained from a young age - 5 months. This should be done by experienced hunters. Training necessarily includes both the development of theoretical skills and work in the fields.

Karelian-Finnish huskies easily get along with children, but if your child is too small and cannot understand that this is a living creature, then you should refrain from purchasing such a dog. Let us emphasize once again that representatives of this breed have a complex character - they do not tolerate familiarity in any form, preferring only equal relationships. But for a teenager, the husky will become the best friend and a wonderful partner in noisy and fun games.

Care

A luxurious red fur coat, as you may have guessed, requires special care. It is quite fluffy and long, so if you want your four-legged friend to always look good (and this is what all owners want), he will need regular brushing. Otherwise, the husky's fur will become matted. The dog will have to be cut, but its new hair will take a long time to grow. You should not bathe your pet often; two procedures per year are enough. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the teeth, ears and paws of the animal. Ears should be cleaned regularly (as they become dirty). Huskies should have their nails trimmed on their paws, especially if the dog is kept in an apartment.

The Finnish Spitz often develops tartar. In this case, gum disease may begin, which, in turn, will lead to expensive and lengthy treatment. Therefore, from puppyhood, accustom your dog to brushing its teeth, then this problem will not affect you. But remember that “human” toothpaste is strictly contraindicated for Laika. Its use may cause intestinal upset. Special brushes and pastes for dogs are sold in pet stores.

Puppies

If you decide to buy such a red-haired friend, then you need to know that you can pick up a puppy at the age of three months. It is better to do this in a certified nursery. If you need a good hunting dog, do not forget to ask the breeder about the working qualities of the baby's parents. The ideal option is for them to have diplomas in birds and animals. Assess the size of the puppy and how proportional its body is. A baby husky at this age should be muscular, well-fed, and have strong bones. A healthy puppy's coat is very thick, fluffy, and shiny. She should not have bald spots or dandruff. The baby's eyes are clear and clean, the bite shape resembles scissors.

And one more important question interests those who have decided that they need a Karelian-Finnish husky - the price of a puppy. If there is a private breeder in your city (with a good reputation), then the cost of the dog will most likely start at 30 thousand rubles. In a specialized nursery, the price of such a husky reaches 70 thousand. Before going for a puppy, you need to contact the owners of the nursery. They will tell you when it is best to do this.

Karelian-Finnish huskies are indeed very beautiful and elegant huskies, and especially Karelian-Finnish husky puppies.

Representatives of this breed are small in size and have a cheerful and energetic character.

At first, the Karelian-Finnish husky was used as a hunter or fisherman, as an excellent human partner.

The description of this breed suggests that the existence of this breed was repeatedly in danger of extinction, but fans and supporters of the breed constantly zealously tried to save it.

Due to their small size and real agility, these dogs are today. They also have another name - Finnish Spitz.

Representatives of this breed are of average height, dry, but very powerful physique.

They are very energetic and active; the Karelian-Finnish husky is noted for its excellent reaction, as well as orientation during the hunt.

Its noticeable quality is its significant hunting passion when it is close to its owner.

He has a strong attachment to his owner, does not tolerate rudeness and self-neglect, and does not particularly trust unfamiliar and unfamiliar people.

She is capable of hunting birds, decoys and wild animals.

She is able to hunt on her own and is an excellent companion.

When he sees game he begins to bark at it. The dog is lively, energetic, courageous and extremely courageous - which are its advantages.

She does not particularly perceive strangers, is not angry or aggressive towards them, but constantly watches, because she does not trust them.

The dog weighs from 12 to 13 kilograms (males), from 7 to 10 kg – females.

A male gains height from 44 to 50 centimeters, a female from 39 to 45.

However, the ideal height of a male is 47 cm, and that of a female is 42 cm.

Head- strong, small in size and pointed in shape.

Scull- becomes wider towards the ear area, slightly convex in shape on the sides, as well as in the front.

Muzzle- not wide, the lower jaw is pronounced; the line of the forehead and the muzzle are parallel; there is a shallow furrow on the forehead; the nose is small in size and dark black; thin and dry lip line that fits tightly; these are the owners of good pigmentation; strong jaw and strong, symmetrical teeth.

Bite- similar to scissors, dense.

Sight- distinguishes slanting and attentiveness.

Ears- tall, constantly standing, pointed, small in size, always on the move.

Cervical muscles- Well developed. Males have collars.

Gait- clear, especially in males.

Back- short in length, but straight and powerful. Laikas have a deep chest and curved ribs.

Tail, as a rule, bends forward, adjacent to the surface of the back. If it is straightened, it should reach the hock joint.

Limb line- straight and parallel. Shoulder blades that are close-fitting and active and set straight.

Paws- slightly rounded, “cat-like”, on which small fingers are located. The pads are black, elastic, covered with a wool layer on the side.

Leather- dense, adjacent without wrinkles.

The dog is distinguished by smoothness and ease of movements. While chasing prey, it begins to gallop quickly.

The length of the hair on the body is longer, the hair is on top of the skin. The neck and back are areas of coarser hair. On the head of a husky the coat is shorter, here it is denser. Long, thick and fluffy tail.

The color of the undercoat is light, noticeably softer and more delicate.

Laika is the owner of a golden-red or fiery red color.

The belly, chest, cheekbones, throat and inner parts of the ears have lighter coat.

The norm is a white blaze in the chest area, as well as small white marks on the paws.

The Karelian-Finnish husky has almost the same features as other hunting huskies, but these dogs are very excitable.

These are lively, emotional, active, intelligent and cautious animals.

They love cleanliness, are attached to their place, and are excellent guards.

This type of breed is highly dependent on its owner, it wants him to always be happy, but does not lose his self-esteem.

She notices very well how people treat her and is very reciprocal. Puppies listen carefully to commands, at this time they do not understand who the owner is and do not consider him their patron.

However, over time, as he becomes independent and independent. As a rule, these changes begin at four years of age, during the period of full formation of the pet. Not only physical, but also mental.

This breed is not an obedient sucker, ready to crawl at the feet of its owner.

Sometimes owners don’t like such independence and their dog’s point of view, but you should come to terms with it, this is a normal phenomenon in this case, it’s how nature itself laid it down.

Such a pet shows by its habits that it does not need the owner’s instructions, that during hunting and in the home it adheres to its own regime, relying on its own thinking.

He needs an even and gentle attitude, he must be treated fairly and patiently.

Laika usually stops trusting a person if something is done wrong towards her; they remember cruel treatment or unfair punishment for the rest of their lives.

Photo gallery

Energetic, brightly fiery dogs with excellent hunting instincts will certainly find their admirers. We invite you to enjoy the natural grace of these animals in the photo selection below.

The Karelian-Finnish Laika (Suomenpistikorva, Low-Lo, Karelian, Finnish Spitz) is a small Spitz-like commercial hunting dog. In appearance and color it resembles a fox. It has excellent hunting qualities, developed intelligence and a friendly character.

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a domestic breed, in the formation of which native domestic dogs were used, as well as Finnish Spitz imported from Finland. The ancestors of the Karelian-Finnish huskies trace their ancestry to the Old Karelian, Olonets, and Finnish bird huskies, common in the territory of modern Karelia, the Arkhangelsk and Leningrad regions, and Finland.

Until the twentieth century, dogs developed without human intervention in a limited area, with virtually no interbreeding with other breed groups. Red-haired, energetic hunters in the spring-autumn period independently obtained their own food and lived freely in the open air. Individuals with good physical characteristics, high intelligence, and developed working qualities survived.

They were successfully used for hunting forest game: wood grouse, black grouse, fur-bearing animals, badger, hare. With a pack of dogs they went after large animals, including a bear.

In 1880, hunters Hugo Sandberg and Hugo Roos, who hunted in the northern forests, brought two red huskies to Helsinki. After 12 years, huskies received the status of an independent breed and were registered by the local Kennel Club as a Finnish Spitz. By the mid-20th century, Finnish Spitz dogs had gained popularity as hunting dogs and companion dogs throughout the world.

In the USSR, work on developing “our own” breed began in the 20s of the last century. A selection was carried out among small red huskies with well-defined working hunting qualities, a temporary standard was developed and the name of the breed was designated - Karelian-Finnish husky.

During the war years, the husky population declined. By the beginning of the 50s, work on the breed in the USSR was resumed. In 1959, a cross between a Karelian-Finnish husky and a Finnish Spitz won the title of national champion; from that time on, breeders actively used Finnish purebred dogs in the selection.

In 1960, the Karelian-Finnish Laika was registered in the USSR as a separate breed.

However, the crossing of domestic and imported individuals, the presence of the designation “Finnish” in the name of the breed, led to disagreements about the name and homeland of the breed.

In 2006, an agreement was adopted between the Russian Kynological Federation (RKF) and the Finnish Kennel Club (SKZ) to merge the Karelian-Finnish Laika and the Finnish Spitz into one breed - the “Finnish Spitz”.

The agreement caused a split among Russian breeders. On the one hand, the Finnish Spitz is recognized and standardized by the international canine organization FCI. This allows dog owners to take part in international exhibitions and competitions, working trials, and testing. On the other hand, such a decision actually means the disappearance of the Karelian-Finnish Laika as a breed.

Important. Current adherents of the domestic breed adhere to the standard and description of the Karelian-Finnish Laika adopted in Soviet times and do not welcome the “infusion of blood” of Finnish Spitz.

Standard and features, photos

The standard of the Karelian-Finnish Laika is almost indistinguishable from the standard of the Finnish Spitz.

These are compact dogs, weighing from 7 to 13 kg. The height of males is 44-50 cm, females 39-45 cm.

Photo.Karelo-Finnish Laika

Dog of the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed in the photo

They belong to primitive aboriginal Spitz-like dogs and have the characteristic features of huskies:

• dry type of constitution;
• square format;
• pointy ears;
• curled tail;
• proud posture.

Here are the main characteristics of the Karelian-Finnish huskies:

• Head with a convex skull. Narrow, wedge-shaped muzzle, with a gradual expansion from the nose to the ears. The nose is straight-backed and jet-black. The lower jaw is clearly defined. Lips are dry and thin.
• Bite scissor-shaped.
• Ears standing, high seating, mobile.
• Almond-shaped slanted eyes dark color. Blue or amber eyes are considered disqualifying faults. The look is attentive, meaningful, lively.
• Neck muscular, without dewlap, medium length. Males have a pronounced collar of thick wool.
• Back strong, straight. The withers are well defined. The loin is short and strong. Croup with a marked slope, medium in length. The stomach is taut. The chest is not wide, long, with convex ribs.
• Front and hind limbs straight, parallel. Dewclaws are removed. Fingers are collected in a ball. The paw pads are only black, with densely pubescent sides. Movements are fast, light, free. The dog is able to instantly move from a trot to a gallop.

Coat and colors

The body is covered with fairly long hair, spaced from the body or raised. On the back and neck the coat is stiffer. The short hair on the head fits tightly. On the back of the thighs are characteristic trousers. The undercoat is abundant, rich, soft. The coat is shiny and glossy.

Karelo-Finnish huskies can be fiery, golden and brick in color, white markings are allowed.

Various shades of red: golden, calm, brick, fiery.

White markings on the paws, chest or “red and black” color are allowed - with the presence of black on the ears, along the spine, around the eyes.

Karelo-Finnish huskies have a wonderful character. They are mobile, energetic, cheerful, and efficient.

They are distinguished by a strong attachment to the owner. A dog picks up on a person’s mood, strives to please and be useful. An upset dog, feeling the owner’s dissatisfaction, unfolds the ring of its tail and lowers it down. He gets very bored even after a short separation. But when rudeness or cruelty is shown, it becomes self-willed, stubborn, and difficult to control.

Well-trained dogs get along well with other pets and enjoy interacting with children. They behave warily with strangers, but not aggressively. When danger arises, at the sight of unusual unfamiliar objects or living creatures, they attract the owner’s attention with a loud bark.

Karelian-Finnish huskies bark loudly when they see a stranger on their territory.

Like all huskies, they have stable attention, good memory, developed intelligence, and a strong nervous system.

Important. Due to their easy-going nature, friendliness, and loyalty, they are widely used as companion dogs in the UK and USA.

Training and education

The Karelo-Finnish Laika needs constant work - hunting, protecting the owner or territory. At first, the puppy perceives training as a game, but as it grows, it begins to treat it as serious work.

Education begins with the basic commands of the general training course. For a working hunting dog, well-established commands are sufficient: “Come to me!”, “Road!”, “Ugh!”, .

Hunting training begins with familiarization with the smell of the skins of different animals and bird feathers. It is important to accustom a young Karelian to sharp loud sounds that imitate a gunshot as early as possible.

Karelian-Finnish huskies are highly trainable and are constantly on the move.

Animal baiting begins at 4-6 months. Training begins with a squirrel (marten, mink, ferret), then moves on to larger animals (otter, fox, raccoon, beaver), only then they show a badger, bear, wild boar.

When developing hunting qualities, the dog is shown carcasses of animals or a live animal as a stimulus. The joint work of an experienced hunting dog and a puppy is effective.

If kept indoors, the husky may get bored. To release energy, she needs long runs, active games, and trips out of town. Some Karelians and jumping.

Purpose of the breed and hunting

The main purpose of the Karelian-Finnish Laika is commercial hunting. Karelians are universal, they are used for hunting fur-bearing animals, upland and swamp birds, ungulates, and bears. They track, bark, stop the animal, raise the bird to shoot, look for wounded animals, bring prey, and are able to climb into a hole.

Dogs of this breed have excellent charm, excellent orientation reaction, endurance, passion, and innate malice towards the animal. Hunting with the Karelian-Finnish husky is effective at any time of the year in the forest and swamp.

With Karelian-Finnish huskies they hunt black grouse, wood grouse, and fur-bearing animals.

In early spring, summer and early autumn, Karelians hunt wood grouse and black grouse. The hunt begins at sunrise or in the evening, when the boar bird feeds. The dog is released to search, having found the trail, it leads the hunter along it and lifts the bird onto its wing before being shot.

In the taiga they hunt fur-bearing animals with the husky: marten, sable, squirrel. They go marten hunting from October to December in mild frosts on shallow snow. The marten husky finds a fresh trail and uses it to search for prey. A disturbed marten usually leaves along the tops of trees. Chasing her, the dog drives the marten into a tree from which she can no longer jump to the next shelter.

They go hunting for moose at the beginning of winter, usually to their feeding grounds. The elk husky, having found the animal, carefully marks it with a bark, and then silently pursues it. Experienced dogs walk around the animal in front and bark, forcing it to stop. Karelians, unlike larger huskies, do not approach the animal and do not attack it.

Less productive, according to the master of domestic cynology Alexander Pavlovich Mazover, is the use of huskies for hunting hares and foxes.

The Karelo-Finnish husky does not attack the animal, but only barks at it and pursues it.

The Karelo-Finnish Laika tolerates apartment conditions well. Compared to aviary housing, living together has its advantages. The dog has the opportunity to constantly communicate with the owner and understands him better.

Caring for a Karelian has its own characteristics:

Due to their compact size and balanced energy metabolism, Karelian-Finnish huskies are quite easy to provide with natural nutrition. However, often inexperienced owners ask the question: “We have a Karelian-Finnish husky—what should we feed?”

A well-designed diet includes:

1. Finely chopped raw lean meat (beef, lamb, saiga, elk, roe deer).
2. Raw large bones without sharp edges with meat remains.
3. Kaltyk, offal. Dried pieces of liver, heart, and tripe are used as delicacies.
4. Lean poultry meat.
5. Buckwheat, wheat, rice porridge in lean broth or with the addition of vegetable oil with pieces of meat.
6. Kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt, cottage cheese.
7. Vegetables and fruits (dry and fresh).
8. Rye crackers.
9. Boiled meat, high-quality boiled sausage, sausages without pork in small quantities in the form of bait for vegetables or cereals.

The diet of the Karelian-Finnish husky necessarily includes meat, kaltyks, and raw large bones.

Contraindicated:

1. Milk.
2. Butter.
3. Dry food. Industrial feed often clogs the ureter of Karelian-Finnish huskies.
4. Sweets.
5. White bread.
6. Eggs.

Health and life expectancy

The average life expectancy of the Karelian-Finnish Laika is 12-15 years.

During selection, Karelians received a predisposition to certain diseases:

Pros and cons of the breed

The advantages of the breed include:

• compactness;
• beauty of build and color;
• economical maintenance;
• universal working qualities.

Disadvantages include increased excitability and excessive activity, the need for long daily walks, and a tendency to bark at strangers.

How to choose the right puppy

When choosing a puppy, they are primarily interested in its parents, their working qualities, exterior, and living conditions.

Photo. Karelian-Finnish husky puppy

Karelian-Finnish husky puppy in the photo

They are definitely interested in the presence of a pedigree, registration with the RKF, and a certificate of vaccination.

Karelian-Finnish Laika puppies can be purchased from breeders in Moscow, Moscow region, St. Petersburg, Arkhangelsk, Yekaterinburg, Perm, Karelia.

1. Club of hunting lovers with the Karelian-Finnish husky Arsik, http://poisk-druga.ru/pitomniki/1271-karelo-finskaya-lajka.html, cost from $180.
2. Suomen, Reutov, Moscow region, http://karel-fin-layka.ru/news/1441/, puppies cost from $260 to $670.
3. Ridge of Yakutia, village of Shiltsevo, Leningrad region, http://www.lajki.ru/, prices are similar to Moscow.

Brief characteristics of the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed

• Other possible dog names: Finnish Spitz, Karelo-Finnish Laika, Finnish Spitz.
• Adult dog height: 44-50 cm males, 39-45 cm females.
• Weight: 12-13 kg males, 7-10 kg females.
• Characteristic color: red of different shades. A bright, uniform color without light spots is preferred.
• Wool length: The coat is dense, thick, elastic, with a soft undercoat.
• Lifespan: 12-14 years old.
• Advantages of the breed: Karelian-Finnish huskies are distinguished by their balanced character, cleanliness, and devotion to their owner. An excellent hunter, companion and watchman.
• Difficulties of the breed: very independent, may have difficulty training. Needs long walks and good physical activity.
• Average price: You can buy a Karelian-Finnish Laika puppy with a pedigree for $150-200, the offspring of show champions and certified hunters are more expensive.

History of the origin of the Karelian-Finnish Laika

The breed was developed by crossing Finnish, Olonets, and... The first mentions of the breed are found in documents of the 17th century. The dogs of that time looked rougher, their coat was not as lush as that of modern Karelian Spitz.

Today, Karelian-Finnish Laikas (Finnish Spitz) are popular in Europe, North America, and Russia. In Finland, the breed is considered one of the attractions. The best representatives of the breed are still imported from Finnish nurseries.

Karelo-Finnish huskies bred to hunt upland game: hare, squirrel, marten, wild boar, bird. Can be used to bait bears and other large animals. Thanks to intelligence, devotion and luxurious appearance, they are used as companions and guards, are kept in apartments and cottages.

Among the character traits, which are most often noted by dog ​​handlers: independence, autonomy, intelligence, devotion to the owner, activity, resistance to stress, stubbornness.

Video review of the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed

We invite you to watch a program about this hunting breed, where you will find answers to all your questions.

Huskies buy puppies at the age of 2-3 months. It is possible to purchase an adult dog that has completed a training course. A poorly trained adult dog may not fit into a new home.

Need to buy a puppy in a certified nursery. If you need a good hunting dog, inquire about the working qualities of the parents. It is advisable that they have diplomas in animals and birds. Hunting qualities are well inherited.

note on the size of the puppy, the proportionality of its build. The baby should be well-fed, muscular, with strong bones. A healthy husky's coat is very fluffy, thick, shiny, without dandruff or bald spots. The eyes are clean and clear, the bite is scissor. A properly sculpted head with a clearly defined muzzle and high-set ears is very important.

Choose an active, curious, sociable puppy. He should not be afraid of sharp sounds and strangers. Overly aggressive and vicious specimens will also not work. For family maintenance Bitches are more suitable, they are calmer and more affectionate, less prone to dominance.

Nicknames for the Karelian-Finnish Laika

Karelian-Finnish huskies often receive names reminiscent of natural phenomena, traditional for hunting dogs: Taiga, Vyuga, Buran, Metel, Sever, Nord, Berkut. Nicknames can also play on the origin of the breed by choosing a suitable Finnish word. Short sonorous names, both Russian and foreign, are suitable: Jenny, Marfa, Zlata, Danko, Archie.

The name should not be too long or difficult to pronounce. Animal friendly short, expressive nicknames with growling and hissing sounds. Dog handlers believe that dogs themselves like such names.

Karelo-Finnish huskies are suitable for keeping in an apartment, but they feel much freer in an open enclosure. The dog tolerates low temperatures well, needs frequent long walks and good physical activity. A simple ten-minute promenade is not enough for her. It is advisable to walk your husky in nature or on a dog park with equipment.

Dog during a walk in the city must wear a leash and muzzle. If there is insufficient control, the husky may run away or get into a fight.

At home, the dog should have a permanent place on a mattress or bed; it should not be allowed to sleep on sofas and armchairs. Laika does not need constant communication; she is able to occupy herself. To prevent your pet from spoiling things, you need provide him with toys and bones for teeth training.

The Laika is washed no more than 2 times a year with a special shampoo for dogs. Periodic combing of dead fur is required. You need to keep your eyes clean both and during.

What to feed the Karelian-Finnish Laika

Should receive food 4 times a day, by 7 months it is transferred to three times a day, and by one year - to two times a day. Food is given in small portions. The basis of the diet raw beef, cut into small pieces, lean chicken, cottage cheese, kefir, eggs, cereals (buckwheat, millet, rice). It is better to dilute boiled cereals with low-fat broth and mix with chopped meat and raw vegetables. It is recommended to remove food not eaten by the puppy after 10-15 minutes.

Adult dog fed 1-2 times a day. The diet is based on porridge with meat, fish, and vegetables. You can give cheese, pieces of offal, and dried fruits as treats. Raw beef bones with leftover meat are very healthy. Raw pork should not be given, spicy chicken and fish bones are also prohibited. Laikas are prone to overeating, so food portions must be strictly dosed and do not feed the dog delicacies from the table, which can cause digestive upset.

You can switch your dog to a ready-made diet of commercial dry and canned food. It's better to choose premium food with a high protein content and a minimal amount of grains. There are varieties on sale that are specially designed for active hunting dogs. Your pet should always have clean water freely available.

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is smart, but has a very independent and stubborn character. It needs the confident and firm hand of a trainer; it is better if the training is carried out by a professional. A properly trained dog unquestioningly obeys its owner, can protect him and property, and be an indispensable assistant on the hunt.

At the same time, the proud dog will not tolerate rude and cruel treatment either from the trainer or from the owner. The husky must be treated strictly, but respectfully.

If you plan to use the dog for hunting, you need to train a puppy from the age of five months. Training should be carried out by professional hunters. The course includes theoretical training and field work.

Pros and cons of the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed

A properly raised husky causes virtually no inconvenience. She is unobtrusive, can occupy herself, and does not need constant attention. The dog loves children and other pets, but tends to demonstrate leadership qualities. You should not leave her with kids unattended.

Among the advantages of the breed: mental stability, cleanliness, livability, minimum grooming, versatility, good health and stable immunity, longevity.

The disadvantages include: waywardness, stubbornness, tendency to lead, excessive appetite, difficulty in training.