West Siberian Laika vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison

West Siberian Laika is originated from Russia but Snorkie is originated from United States. West Siberian Laika may grow 31 cm / 13 inches higher than Snorkie. West Siberian Laika may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Snorkie. Both West Siberian Laika and Snorkie has almost same life span. Both West Siberian Laika and Snorkie has almost same litter size. West Siberian Laika requires Low maintenance. But Snorkie requires Moderate 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

The Snorkie is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer.

The exact origins of this dog are unknown, but it is believed that it is a designer dog from the United States. Known also as the Schnerrier, this toy breed is a popular pet as he can slot into life in the city or the countryside, in small homes or large.

The Snorkie’s history is short and unknown but both the parent breeds each have a long history.

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.

Coming from two small dog breeds, the Snorkie will be small too, and will measure anything from 14 to 30cm and weigh anything from 3 to 6kg.

The Yorkshire Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer are fairly similar to look at and you will no doubt get high set erect ears, a small, compact body and a medium length tail which will be thickly furred.

The coat of the dog will be longish and could end up being the silky hair of the Yorkie or being the crisp coat of the Schnauzer. Colors of the coat can be grey, tan, silver, black. Shedding will be minimal.

Temperament:

When you get two purebred dog breeds being used to bring about a new dog breed, you cant really say what the temperament of the dog will be – because it could actually be a mix of characteristics from either breed. Either way your little pet will be social, playful, loving, loyal and companionable and make a great little watchdog.

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.

Your Snorkie will be a sociable little dog who loves hanging out with his human family. He is loyal and loving towards them. He gets on well with children in the home as well as with other pets.

Small he may be, but he makes a great watchdog and will alert you to suspect behavior with his constant yapping.

Suitable for life in the city or the countryside and also a great choice for first time dog owners, the Snorkie promises to make you an awesome family 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.

Because a Snorkie is a mixed breed, they can inherit any one of the health issues from each of the parent breeds – the Yorkshire Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer.

Because this is a small dog, you can probably expect dental problems - overcrowded teeth and pancreatitis. The idea is to make sure you feed your little pet excellent food to minimize health issues.

Pancreatitis:

The pancreas has many functions, one of which is the production of digestive enzymes which are critical for food digestion.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and then digestive enzymes, normally inactive until they reach the small intestine, become active in the pancreas instead. This brings about swelling and pain. Obesity, medications, high-fat diets and a disease such as hypothyroidism can cause pancreatitis.

Your dog will lose his appetite, be lethargic and restless and be vomiting too. He will have to get to the vet.

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.

Being a small dog, the Snorkie will be fairly easy to care for, and for anyone on a low budget who badly wants to own a dog, he won’t cost you a whole lot of money in food.

Let’s look at how to care for your Snorkie -

♦Give him exercise – walks, ball games and indoor games.

◆Brush the coat twice a week to rid the coat of loose hairs. The Snorkie isn’t a heavy shedder but he loves the grooming session. His coat may need to be professionally trimmed.

◆When you brush him, check for fleas and ticks. Check inside the ears for redness and make sure the eyes are bright and alert.

◆The Snorkie is small but will be a handful if left untrained. He is intelligent and will make a superb pet if he is trained and socialized.

◆ Provide your Snorkie with his own quiet, comfortable place to sleep.

◆Keep his vaccines up to date to eliminate killer canine diseases and get him to the vet if he appears to be ill.

◆Have your Snorkie spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.

◆Feed your Snorkie the best food there is. The commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good, convenient choice. Read the labels and buy the food appropriate to your pets size, age and energy levels.

Try and give him some home-made food. You can add a little bit of home-made food to the dry kibble to enhance it. You can do this twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a tasty healthy choice for your little pet. Just chop it all up for him.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water for him.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Russia
United States
Height Male:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
14 - 30 cm
5 - 12 inches
Height Female:
53 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
14 - 30 cm
5 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
3 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika
Schnerrier
Colors Available:
gray, white, white with patches
silver, Grey, black., tan
Coat:
double coat
Short, medium or long - silky or crisp
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate 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. Snorkie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Snorkie vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  28. Snorkie vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  29. Snorkie vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  30. Snorkie vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  31. Snorkie vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  32. Snorkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Snorkie vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  34. Snorkie vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  35. Snorkie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Snorkie vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  37. Snorkie vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Snorkie vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  39. Snorkie vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  40. Snorkie vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  41. Snorkie vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  42. Snorkie vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Snorkie vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  44. Snorkie vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  45. Snorkie vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  46. Snorkie vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  47. Snorkie vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  48. Snorkie vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Bulldog vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Mi-Ki vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds