A medium, squarely built spitz with lean muscle and strong bone, prick ears and a tail curled over the back. The coat is a harsh, straight top layer over a thick woolly undercoat, forming a ruff around the neck and shoulders. Heights differ by source: the FCI gives 52-58 cm for males and 48-54 cm for females, Wikipedia 54-60 cm and 52-58 cm.12
Coloursblack and whitewhite and blackblackwhitegreypepper and salt12
Personality what they are like
A steady, level-headed hunting companion with a keen nose and strong instincts. With its own people it is warm, lively and tolerant of children, and it keeps an alert eye on its territory. It may be less easygoing with unfamiliar dogs and small animals.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A working hunter that needs lots of daily exercise and outdoor time, ideally with chances to use its nose.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Weekly brushing of the double coat, stepping up during seasonal shedding of the undercoat.1
Home where they are happiest
Suits an active, outdoorsy home with secure space; it is a natural barker, which is worth keeping in mind for close neighbours.2
Company who they like around
Strongly people-oriented and loyal; introductions to other dogs and pets should be gradual.2
The story where it all began
Pointed-eared hunting dogs from different areas of European Russia were recorded from 1895. After the Second World War a programme started by E. I. Shereshevsky in 1944 merged these regional types into one breed, and a formal standard followed in 1952.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
It finds game such as squirrels, then barks steadily to tell the hunter where the animal is treed.2
2
The breeding programme was run at a hunting-industry research institute in Kalinin, today's Tver.2
Standard no. 304, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs; definitive acceptance 3 June 1980, current standard 13 October 2010; working trial required.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Russo-European 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.
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.
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