New Guinea Singing Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison

New Guinea Singing Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed ComparisonNew Guinea Singing Dog is originated from Papua New Guinea but Karelo-Finnish Laika is originated from Russia. New Guinea Singing Dog may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Karelo-Finnish Laika. Both New Guinea Singing Dog and Karelo-Finnish Laika are having almost same weight. New Guinea Singing Dog may live 5 years more than Karelo-Finnish Laika. New Guinea Singing Dog may have less litter size than Karelo-Finnish Laika. New Guinea Singing Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Karelo-Finnish Laika requires Low maintenance

History

new guinea singing dog - historyIn 1957 the New Guinea Singing Dog was “discovered” in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and he is found no where else. There is a lot of debate among scientists, taxonomists and biologist as to what is really a species and what is a subspecies. When the NGSD was found he was classified as a new canid species then in 2007 they were downgraded to a subspecies.

Today the NGSD is considered to be a wild dog and a primitive dog. They have lived in Papua New Guinea in the Highlands for thousands of years. They are closely related to other wild dogs, such as Australia’s dingo. They are today as they were a thousand years ago – wild. So wild that many counties have them in their zoos.

With the right care and enough socialization, they do very well as companion animals living with people. They are difficult to domesticate however and the person who owns one should be a part of the NGSD community in order to get support, share issues, and learn from others who have lived with these “wild dogs” for many years.

Any New Guinea Singing Dog found in North America or Europe is a direct descendent of two couples that were taken to zoos in China and Australia. The NGSD makes a howling sound that modulates and undulates through a wide series of tones. No other dog makes this musical sound. Rare even in New Guinea today, the Singer is thought to be the rarest of all dogs.

The only organization that recognizes the Singing Dog is the UKC and they are allowed in UKC competition. The NGSD now holds the classification of a domestic dog – a Canis lupus dingo - which is a subspecies of Canis lupus. In 2016 a group of 15 wild dogs were photographed for the first time ever. Prior to this the NGSD were never seen in more than pairs.

It is believed that they do not live and operate in packs, but rather solitary, pairs or family groups where both the parents do the work of raising the pups.

karelo finnish laika - historyThe Karelo Finnish Laika is a Spitz type hunting dog from the Karelia area of Russia.Some people say the dog developed in Sweden. The dog is from a group of ‘Laika’ breeds and has that typical Spitz-type look – the sharpish face, the erect ears and the tail which curls over the back.

This attractive dog was developed as a hunting dog, and has a thick, weatherproof coat.The Karelo-Finnish Laika breed developed because people wanted a smaller sized hunting dog that could cope well with the weather, and these Laika dogs matched well.

The breed is ancient – centuries old, and after dying out in numbers during the second world war, the breed was revived when Russians imported Finnish Spitzes from Finland and bred them. The dog is similar to the Finnish Spitz, and in 2006 the Finnish Kennel Club and Russian Kennel Federation included the Karelo-Finnish Laika as a Finnish Spitz breed.

Description

new guinea singing dog puppy - descriptionThe New Guinea Singing Dog is a medium sized dog with short legs and a broad head. They are about average height and they are very limber and flexible. They can rotate their paws and spread their legs at much greater angles than the average canine. Thus, they can easily climb a tree. They can jump like a cat.

They have very reflective eyes that are shaped like almonds and have dark rims. The color of the eye can be dark brown to dark amber. It is also believed that they can see better than other domestic dogs in low light settings. Their pupils let in more light due to pupils that are wider than most other dogs.

The ears of the NGSD are lined with fur, pointed and erect. The are forward laying and can be rotated in order to hear even the farthest and faintest of sounds. There are dark guard hairs on the spine and back of the ears and tail. On young dogs the muzzle is black but by age 7 it is already beginning to turn gray.

karelo finnish laika puppy - descriptionWith his wolf-like appearance, the Karelo Finnish Laika is a sharp, intelligent dog and is the smallest Laika in Russia used for hunting. He stands at about 38–48 cm in height and weighs about 11 - 14 kg.

His coat is a reddish color and the fur is fairly long and coarse with a dense, soft undercoat. He looks like a red fox with his sharp, bright face, his erect ears, black nose and bushy tail which curls over the back.

Temperament:

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a sweet dog with a quiet character. Whenever you suggest a game for him, he throws his docile side to the wind and becomes highly energetic and animated. He is an active dog and loves nothing more than a game with his human family members.

He is mistrustful of strangers, he tends to bark easily and he is territorial and all these characteristic go towards making him a good watchdog. He is quite prepared to live peacefully alongside other dogs in the home, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He makes a great friend and pet for families and is more than ready to be loving and loyal to his human family.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

new guinea singing dog dog - characteristicsThey could be, but it must be remembered that this is a wild dog.

Special talents

Varying the pitches when howling

Adaptability

It’s possible but not recommended. Leave them wild.

Learning ability

Highly intelligent but trainability is questionable unless well socialize and attached to their people.

karelo finnish laika dog - characteristicsThe Karelo Finnish Laika is such an energetic dog, full of life and he promises to make an affectionate family dog.

He is a fairly low maintenance dog too and not prone to getting sick easily. Treat this attractive Laika dog like he deserves and you’ll find that he makes a splendid pet.

Health Problems

Health Problems

new guinea singing dog puppies - health problemsThough the breed is not extinct – it is so wild and secretive that there is no history or record of any health problems. However, the small number of domestic companion animals have shown health issues in recent years.

Pancreatitis – can be chronic or acute. If chronic it needs to be treated and diet changed. If acute it is usually deadly.

Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.

karelo finnish laika puppies - health problemsApart from his good looks, the Karelo-Finnish Laika happens to be a pretty healthy breed and there are no known hereditary health problems with him. Diseases which can affect any dog -

Hip Dysplasia:

Many large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. In hip dysplasia, joint problems cause arthritis and pain and eventually lameness. These days, when buying a puppy, people ask breeders about whether the parents were screened for hip dysplasia.

Obesity:

Any dog fed the wrong diet and who isn’t exercised can become overweight. Obesity in dogs is linked to many health problems in dogs. If you’re in doubt about your pet, consult with your vet on the best food for him.

Cancer:

Many dogs are at risk for certain types of cancer, including lymphoma which is cancer of the lymph nodes. When you are brushing your pet, check him for any unusual lumps so that you can catch cancer early.

Heart Conditions:

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is where the chambers of the heart are stretched out and don't pump blood properly. Sometimes it can go undetected for a while until the dog becomes seriously ill, requiring emergency medical attention. Medications can regulate heart rhythm but there is no cure.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

new guinea singing dog dogs - caringIn the wild both pups and adults are thought to eat small mammals and birds as well as fruits. In homes feed a high protein diet. Because of the tendency toward pancreatitis do not feed raw or under cooked meat. If feeding meet do so in small amounts well cooked, very lean. Stay away from the fat. Feed puppies very small amounts. ¾-1 cup high quality dry puppy food twice a day.

Feeding the adult

Same as the puppy when it comes to meat although you could give the adult a little more. 1 ½ cups od high quality medium breed dog food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

In the wild there is no indication of health issue. A very healthy breed.

Games and Exercises

The NGSD needs a lot of stimulation both mental and physical. They must have a daily walk and somewhere to run. They are escape artist in homes. Remember they can jump like cats and climb trees. If their head can pass through a hole, so can the rest of their body.

karelo finnish laika dogs - caringThe Karelo-Finnish Laika is a most attractive looking dog and his thick, double coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from dust, grass and burrs. He sheds throughout the year so this brushing will keep the loose dog hair under control.

Diet:

Watch your Karelo-Finnish Laika’s diet as a lean, mean dog can live longer than one who is overfed. Dogs which are overweight are likely to develop joint problems and heart disease.

The quality of food you feed your pet is hugely important. Popping chocolates and peanuts into his mouth because you love him so much will be toxic for him. Apart from his top quality dry kibble, add in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as a tasty treat and mix in a little bit of raw meat also when you can.

Exercise:

Exercise for your Karelo Finnish Laika is a key component to prolonging his life, and he absolutely loves games, walks and action all the way. It will keep him in shape, keep him happy and prolong his life.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Papua New Guinea
Russia
Height Male:
35 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
Height Female:
32 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 10 kg
13 - 23 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 20 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 6
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hallstrom Dog, NGSD, New Guinea Highland Dog, New Guinea Dingo, Singer, New Guinea Wild Dog
Laika
Colors Available:
Black and tan with white markings, golden red.
Reddish
Coat:
weather resistant coat double coat breed
Longish and coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Curious, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  8. Pumi vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  9. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  10. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  11. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  13. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  14. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  15. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  16. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  17. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  20. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  21. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  22. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  24. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Other - Breed Comparison
  27. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  28. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  29. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  31. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  32. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Sapsali - Breed Comparison
  33. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Peruvian Hairless - Breed Comparison
  34. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Lottatore Brindisino - Breed Comparison
  35. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  37. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  38. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  39. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Perro de Presa Mallorquin - Breed Comparison
  40. Spitz vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Schnauzer vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Schnoodle vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. New Guinea Singing Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  44. New Guinea Singing Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  45. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  47. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  48. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  49. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds