West Siberian Laika vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison

West Siberian Laika vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed ComparisonWest Siberian Laika is originated from Russia but Alaskan Malamute is originated from United States. Both West Siberian Laika and Alaskan Malamute are having almost same height. West Siberian Laika may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Alaskan Malamute. Both West Siberian Laika and Alaskan Malamute has almost same life span. Both West Siberian Laika and Alaskan Malamute has almost same litter size. West Siberian Laika requires Low maintenance. But Alaskan Malamute requires High 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

alaskan malamute - historyAlaskan Malamute is one of the oldest breeds. Thousands of years ago, native people in the land between Alaska and Siberia. From the beginning, this breed is used as working dogs. Alaskan Malamute was a perfect dog for seal or bear hunting, and sledding supplies back home. During the gold rush, this breed became even more popular, and that popularity only grew over the years. They have been popular even during the war years. Army used them as sled dogs in the war.

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.

alaskan malamute puppy - descriptionAverage weight of Alaskan Malamute variates from dog to dog, but male weights 37-39kg, while female weight is 32-34kg. An average height of the male is 62-64cm, while females are slightly smaller with a height of 56-58cm.

A lifespan of this breed is 12-15, but if your dog is healthy with the balanced diet they tend to live much longer.

Litter Size of Alaskan Malamute is 4-8 puppies, but this depends on every dog.

Other Names for Alaskan Malamute are Mal and Mally

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.

alaskan malamute dog - characteristicsAlaskan Malamutes are playful dogs that love running, playing and spending time outside with their family. They would greet anyone who comes to your house, no matter if they are first-time visitors. That makes them bad watchdogs. Since they are a pack breed, they love spending time with humans and they love being included in activities. Generally speaking, they are great with children. They have a lot of patience for the little ones in your family. If they are socialized properly, you will not have any problems with other animals. They love playing and spending time running around, so you will not have to worry. They might run towards cats, so you have to be careful. Alaskan Malamute is not very easy to train because they are very intelligent and stubborn breed. Not very recommendable for new owners. The best way to train your puppy is with patience, consistency and positive awarding. They do not like the old-fashioned way of punishment with beating included. Instead, rather try being positive and give your dog nice treat when the task is completed.

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.

alaskan malamute puppies - health problemsUsually Alaskan Malamute is a very healthy breed. They do not have any major issues but like every other breed, they can develop some illness. Cataracta, Chondrodysplasia, and hip dysplasia are the most common health issues, but you shouldn’t be worried because they are not happening all the time. You must talk with people who are giving you the puppy to examine the genetics. With healthy breed, and regular vet checks you will have a happy and a healthy dog for a long time.

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 Alaskan Malamute

alaskan malamute dogs - caringFeeding of your Alaskan Malamute depends on various things. Metabolism, size of the dog, age, quality of the food, build and activity. So you have to understand your dog's needs. Overall, 4-5 cups of high-quality dry food would be enough. Of course, you can give your dog some fruit or vegetables too, as a treat. If your dog likes to spend most of the day on the couch, you don’t have to feed it as much as people who have more active dogs.

Feeding the puppy

Developing puppies need more food than an adult dog. They should eat 3-5 times per day, of high-quality puppy food. Puppy food contains more nutrient that will help to develop your dog into a healthy adult.

Grooming Alaskan Malamute

Grooming Alaskan Malamute may be little challenging. They have a lot of hair, so regular brushing is a must. 2-3 times a week at least. They shed a lot 2 times a year, and you will have to use vacuum-cleaner every day.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
Russia
United States
Height Male:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
62 - 64 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
53 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
37 - 39 kg
81 - 86 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
32 - 34 kg
70 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika
Mal and Mally
Colors Available:
gray, white, white with patches
gray, white, black
Coat:
double coat
double
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
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 Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  27. Alaskan Malamute vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  28. Alaskan Malamute vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  29. Alaskan Malamute vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  30. Alaskan Malamute vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  31. Alaskan Malamute vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Alaskan Malamute vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  33. Alaskan Malamute vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  34. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Alaskan Malamute vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  36. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  37. Alaskan Malamute vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  38. Alaskan Malamute vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  39. Alaskan Malamute vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  40. Bullmastiff vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  41. Great Pyrenees vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  42. Boerboel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  43. Presa Canario vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  44. Labrador Husky vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  45. Argentine Dogo vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  46. Giant Schnauzer vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  47. Goldador vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  48. Dogo Cubano vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  49. Dogo Sardesco vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  50. Central Asian Shepherd vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds