West Siberian Laika vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison

West Siberian Laika vs Bearded Collie - Breed ComparisonWest Siberian Laika is originated from Russia but Bearded Collie is originated from United Kingdom. West Siberian Laika may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Bearded Collie. Both West Siberian Laika and Bearded Collie are having almost same weight. Both West Siberian Laika and Bearded Collie has almost same life span. Both West Siberian Laika and Bearded Collie has same litter size. West Siberian Laika requires Low maintenance. But Bearded Collie 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

bearded collie - historyThis long-haired herding breed was bred by mixing the two sheepdog breeds: the Scottish dogs and the Polish sheepdogs. The Bearded Collie gained the popularity during the last century by winning some of the Dog Shows. This friendly dog with the beautiful coat is surely one of the most specific pets. Nowadays, the Bearded Collie is very popular. The organizations for breeding, saving, rescuing and adopting this breed can be found in the USA.

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.

bearded collie puppy - descriptionThe Beardie is easy to recognize because of the longer hairs on the cheeks, chin and under the lower lip. This medium-sized Bouncing Beardie is usually the great family pet because he is very friendly and loving. This breed is extremely active and they are energetic despite their longer bodies. They grow up to have more than one coat colour, but they are all born one coloured. They always have white or cream markings. This smart dog can be very stubborn and independent, if you keep your dog in a yard, he will use every chance to escape.

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.

Children friendliness

bearded collie dog - characteristicsThe Bouncing Beardie is great with children. They are very playful, jumpy and have generally very sweet and gentle personality. Children love them because they never get tired. If properly socialized, this dog can be the main attraction for any child.

Special talents

Herding, agility shows, obedience competitions, treibball, show dogs, trally...

Adaptability

This breed is very friendly. If your family is about to raise the Bearded Collie, prepare to have a pet that is highly affectionate and bonded with the members of the family. They don’t do well if left alone. They usually don’t bark and they are never destructible, but loneliness somehow triggers odd behaviour with this breed. They are not usually scared of strangers. If they are trained and socialized, you will be able to take your Beardie anywhere you go.

Learning ability

Some say that is very easy to train the Bearded Collie. The rule for this breed is to start the obedience training while they are very small. They are generally very independent, and they will try to do things in their own way. If you start your training early before your Beardie forms this kind of personality, you will have a wonderful pet.

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.

bearded collie puppies - health problemsThis breed is generally very healthy. They don’t have some major health issues. Some of the issues that are registered are:

Progressive retinal atrophy

The degenerative disease that causes the blindness.

Thyroid glands diseases

When the hormone produced by the thyroid gland is abnormally low.

Hip dysplasia

That is generally the hereditary disease, can also be caused by bad diet or injuries.

Allergies

To food, chemicals, pollen, dust...

Ear infections

That usually happens because of their dropped ears that are not very easy to clean.

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.

Diet tips

bearded collie dogs - caringRaising your Bearded Collie pup on a high-quality food is usually enough for a puppy. Make sure that portions are appropriate for his age and weight. Once your pet is more than six months old, they will need only two meals per day. They get obese very easy. Don’t train them with the treats.

Tips for good health

To care for your Bearded Collie, you must be aware of the grooming responsibilities that come with this longhaired pet. During the shedding period, it is required to brush them daily. Bathing is not a regular necessity but it will be easier to keep him clean and well groomed if you care about your pet all the time. Some people like to shorten the coat for their Beardie, and it is usually done during summer. Make sure to take him to regular ear, eye, teeth and hip vet checks.

Tips for games and exercises

The Bearded Collie is a breed that requires daily activity. They have very playful nature and they love to run, play and spend time outdoors. The best option will be a big yard so that Beardie can run for hours without the leash.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Russia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
Height Female:
53 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika
Beardie, Bouncing Beardie
Colors Available:
gray, white, white with patches
Black, brown, fawn. Usually with white or cream marks.
Coat:
double coat
Harsh outer coat and soft undercoa
Shedding:
Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  27. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  28. Bearded Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Bearded Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Bearded Collie vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. Bearded Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. Bearded Collie vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Collie vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. Dutch Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. Blue Healer vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. English Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Catahoula Cur vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  39. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  40. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  41. Bergamasco vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  42. Berger Picard vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  43. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  44. Queensland Heeler vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  45. German Coolie vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  46. Bohemian Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  47. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  48. Red Heeler vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  49. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  50. Blue Lacy vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds