A lively, happy dog that loves working with its people and puts great enthusiasm into the hunt.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very high. This is a working hunting spitz used on birds and furred game, so it needs long daily outings and plenty to do.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The thick double coat benefits from regular brushing, more often during seasonal shedding.1
Home where they are happiest
Built for cold forests; suits an active, outdoorsy home with secure space.1
Company who they like around
Enjoys close teamwork with its handler and does well with regular company and activity.1
The story where it all began
Until the early 20th century the red spitz dogs of Karelia were one population with the Finnish Spitz. After the Russian Revolution and later wars split the region, Soviet breeders kept and renamed their own line. In the 1950s they crossed imported Finnish Spitzes with local red Karelian spitzes to shape today's Karelo-Finnish Laika.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
It shares a common ancestor with the Finnish Spitz, but shows a little more colour variety.1
2
Hunters use it on game from grouse and ducks to squirrels, martens, foxes and even bears.1
3
It copes well working in deep snow, a big advantage in northern forests.1
Recognised by the official bits
Major kennel clubs (FCI, AKC, The Kennel Club)
Not recognised as a separate breed; its close relative, the Finnish Spitz, is the recognised form.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Karelo-Finnish Laika. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.
You need
100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)
How
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.
How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.
These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.
You need
30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)
How
Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.
How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
Finnish Spitz
Russo-European Laika
West Siberian Laika
Norrbottenspets