West Siberian Laika vs Africanis - Breed Comparison

West Siberian Laika vs Africanis - Breed ComparisonWest Siberian Laika is originated from Russia but Africanis is originated from South Africa. Both West Siberian Laika and Africanis are having almost same height. West Siberian Laika may weigh 22 kg / 48 pounds lesser than Africanis. Both West Siberian Laika and Africanis has almost same life span. Both West Siberian Laika and Africanis has almost same litter size. Both West Siberian Laika and Africanis requires Low maintenance.

History

west siberian laika - historyThe West Siberian Laika come from the Khanty and Mansi tribes of West Siberia and Ural. They are a primitive breed used for hunting and come from the spitz and wolf lines. They retain many of their primitive looks and traits to this day. They were pre-historic companions to human hunters and remain so today in the northern regions of the Russia. They were never sled dogs but pure hunters throughout their journey to a domesticated breed. They hunted in the forests of the mountainous regions and were adapted to hunting in the woods. When their prey was hunted almost to extinction, the Laikas were also in danger of disappearing.

From the early days of the 1900’s through the first World War, there were several campaigns to save the WSL from extinction. A breed standard was developed around the 1930’s. Following the war the breeding programs became more uniformed and followed the standard that was in place. World War II disrupted it again, but once again it was resumed after the war.

The breed was once again threatened by industrialization and deforestation in the early 20th century, as they were replaced by newer, more popular breeds. There were thought to be dozens of aboriginal Laikas with various groups attached to different groups of indigenous hunters.

Following the second World War and the ever increasing detail of breed standards, the Laikas were divided into four pure bred groupings: the West Siberian Laika, the East Siberian Laika, the Russ-European Laika and the Karelo-Finnish Laika. All of these breeds are Laikas because they are bark pointing hunters.

They were imported to the U.S. in the early 1990’s by a Russian immigrant. Vladmir Beregovoy is credited with bringing the breed to the States. There are now about 300-400 West Siberian Laika’sin the U.S. They are a very emotional breed, very in touch with his human’s feelings, habits and intentions. He is a barker for sure who hates to be left alone. An intense breed with the need for companionship and a purpose. They will do anything to escape a pen if left alone for long periods of time.

The breed is protective of its people with other animals and some are wary of strangers. He needs an active family to match his active spirit. They will bark at all wild life including all the squirrels in your yard. So if don’t want a “barker”, don’t get a West Siberian Laika.

They are recognized by the United Kennel Club, the American Canine Association the Dog Registry of American and the Federation Cynologique Internationale

africanis - historyAfricanis is one of the original African breeds. This breed was not shaped by humans, but they went through the process of natural selection. Humans did not affect this breed by standard breeding practices. Through the history, this breed became stronger and stronger because only the strongest of the breed survived. Africanis descent is the early dog that is originally from ancient Egypt. Approximately 4500 BC was the period of first data about this breed.

As time passes through, Africanis became more and more popular through the whole continent. This breed migrated with people for thousands of years, and now, a modern Africanis is similar to Greyhound dog. The original Africanis can be found in tribes and more traditional people. One of the oldest breeds in the world is one of the lasts that has been recognized by Kennel Union of Southern Africa.

Description

west siberian laika puppy - descriptionThe WSL comes from the Spitz line and also directly descendent from the wolf. They look and act a lot like a wolf in many ways. They have retained much of their primitive traits. With a pointed, long muzzle, an almost square head, and square body, they have wolf colored coats of gray and red. They are mostly medium in size but some can be smaller or larger. Their head is shaped like a wedge, their eyes are typical almond shape and set deep in their head. They are brown or even darker. The muzzle is almost as long as the skull. Their lips are thin and black. The ears are straight up and pricked.

They have bodies longer than they are tall with a lot of musculature. They carry their tail high over their backs. With straight legs and forward feet, with gray, red and white coats, they still look like wild dogs.

africanis puppy - descriptionAfricanis origins from South Africa. The average Africanis weights 25-45 kg, with a height of 50-60cm, while females are slightly smaller. They are medium sized dogs who are friendly, but also independent and territorial. They can are good pets for training, but it requires persistent work.

The lifespan of Africans is 10-12 years, but lifespan always depends on health, genetics, and care of the dog. Therefore, if they are healthy and well cared they can live longer than average.

Litter Size variates a lot, so female can have 2-8 puppies.

Characteristics

1 Children Friendliness – Yes they are ok with children but not unsupervised.

2.Special talents stamina, agility

west siberian laika dog - characteristics3.Adaptability This is not really an apartment dog though he can adapt. He needs outdoor space to run everyday. So if in an apartment find a dog park for everyday use.

4.Learning ability – Highly trainable and very smart. Independent thinker though might cause some issues.

africanis dog - characteristicsAfricanis is a very good and healthy breed. They are very intelligent and friendly breed. They are not an aggressive breed, but they tend to protect the master. Africanis is a natural guard dog. This breed is used to being alone because for the centuries they migrated close to humans, but they also have been independent.

Training Africanis is not very hard. They tend to learn very quickly. Positive training with awards is the best way to train your Africanis. The old-fashioned way of training dogs with punishment is not recommendable for Africanis. They are intelligent breed who requires patience and constancy.

They are very good with other animals too, but they need proper socialization. Africanis requires daily exercise so if you keep your dog in the apartment it should have few daily walks. Africanis can live in the apartments though.

Overall, they are very healthy breed, so with regular vet checks and proper care, they are perfect pets for the whole family since they are great and gentle with small children and kids.

Health Problems

west siberian laika puppies - health problemsHealth wise there are no genetic health issues known today. Since they were so wild, primitive and isolated there was not a lot of inbreeding to any standards. There are however some interesting health facts about the WSL.

• Females only come into estrus once a year, usually in the late winter. They are usually one to two or two and a half years old when this happens. The Russians who know them best frown on breeding them before they are at least two.

• They are subject to many of the same parasites and some diseases like any other canine. But they are not susceptable to any illness specific to their breed.

• Hunting accidents might bet he biggest health threat this breed faces at the moment.

• However with more dogs being bred for the show ring, this could all change and genetic issues could begin to pop up for them.

africanis puppies - health problemsThe great thing about Africanis is that this breed is very healthy. Thousands of years of evolution made this breed one of the toughest breeds in the world. They can survive very tough conditions. Africanis has a very healthy immune system too. It evolves so strong that there are no internal or external parasites that can harm the dog.

Caring The Pet

west siberian laika dogs - caringperformance, working dog food. High in protein and fat is needed to maintain their lean muscle. Don’t over feed them as they will become obese and they will be unhappy if their physical activities are restricted, even if by their own weight. Be sure you break up their day’s food amount into 3-4 smaller meals.

2.Feeding the adult – Almost everything is equally true for the adult. They need a high protein and high fat food – a high performance food. Don’t over feed and give them at least 2 meals per day.

3.Points for Good Health – as previously mentioned this is a hardy and robust breed,

4. Games and Exercises They need a lot of exercise, have a strong prey drive and are very intelligent. A dog with those traits that does not get enough exercise will drive you crazy if he is not stimulated.

Feeding the Africanis

africanis dogs - caringAfricanis has used to eat everything, so this breed does not require any special treatments. 2-2.5 cups of dry high-quality food would be more than enough to have healthy and well feed the dog. But have in mind that feeding the dog depends on daily activity and size. If the dog is more active, an extra cup wouldn’t be a problem for a dog to eat.

Feeding Africanis puppy

Africanis puppy should eat more times per day than an adult dog. 3-5 meals per day of quality dry food are good measure to feed your puppy Africanis.

Grooming Africanis

Since Africanis has short hair they are very easy to groom and care. Few brushes on a weekly basis with occasional bathing would be more than enough to have a clean and healthy dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
Russia
South Africa
Height Male:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Height Female:
53 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
2 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika
Bantu Dog, African Dog, Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi, Khoikhoi Dog, Hottentot Hunting Dog, Zulu Dog
Colors Available:
gray, white, white with patches
Tan, White, Black, Brown and Black & Tan
Coat:
double coat
Short, Hard and Thick
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Friendly, Independent, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. West Siberian Laika vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. West Siberian Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. West Siberian Laika vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. West Siberian Laika vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. West Siberian Laika vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. West Siberian Laika vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. West Siberian Laika vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. West Siberian Laika vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. West Siberian Laika vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. West Siberian Laika vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. West Siberian Laika vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. West Siberian Laika vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. West Siberian Laika vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. West Siberian Laika vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. West Siberian Laika vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  17. West Siberian Laika vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. West Siberian Laika vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  19. West Siberian Laika vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. West Siberian Laika vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  21. West Siberian Laika vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs West Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs West Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  27. Alaskan Malamute vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  28. Bullmastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  29. Great Pyrenees vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  30. Boerboel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  31. Presa Canario vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  32. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  33. Labrador Husky vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  34. Argentine Dogo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  35. Giant Schnauzer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  36. Africanis vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. Africanis vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  38. Africanis vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  39. Africanis vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  40. Africanis vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  42. Goldador vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  43. Bandog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  45. Dogo Cubano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  46. Dogo Sardesco vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  47. Beauceron vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  48. Central Asian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Mackenzie River Husky vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  50. Black Russian Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds