West Siberian Laika vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

West Siberian Laika vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed ComparisonWest Siberian Laika is originated from Russia but Welsh Springer Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. West Siberian Laika may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than Welsh Springer Spaniel. Both West Siberian Laika and Welsh Springer Spaniel are having almost same weight. Both West Siberian Laika and Welsh Springer Spaniel has same life span. West Siberian Laika may have more litter size than Welsh Springer Spaniel. West Siberian Laika requires Low maintenance. But Welsh Springer Spaniel 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

welsh springer spaniel - historyThe Welsh Springer Spaniel is thought to be an old Land Spaniel similar to the English Springer Spaniel. They were pretty mush an unknown breed until they won a string of dog trials and became more popular. Following this surge the breed was recognized by the UKC in 1902 and were named the Welsh Springer Spaniel. No one really knows when the breed was developed and cannot be traced because of lack of documentation. They were brought to America in the early 1900’s and were recognized as a breed by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1906.

There are images of a dog looking a lot like the Welsh Springer Spaniel in old prints and pictures. The pictures are of a dog known as a Land Spaniel very much like the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs were thought to be preserved by the Welsh and originally called the Welsh Starter. It was a hunting breed working with falcons.

At one point the breed was called the Welsh Spaniel and was also in the UK studbook as a Cocker Spaniel or a Welsh Cocker. There were several different types of Cocker Spaniels including the English Cocker, the Welsh Cocker, the Devonshire Cocker. The Welsh Cocker Spaniel was a solid dark color while the Welsh and Devonshire Cockers were liver colored.

Following World War II there were no dogs left in Wales or anywhere else in the United Kingdom whose parents were registered pedigree. The unregistered dogs were used to restart the breed and these dogs are the ancestors of the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel.

The breed is still rare with only 299 registered in the UK in 2016. They are listed now a vulnerable Native Breed.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Russia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
Height Female:
53 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
16 - 18 kg
35 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
6 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika
Welshie Welsh Spaniel Welsh Cocker Spaniel Welsh Starter
Colors Available:
gray, white, white with patches
red and white
Coat:
double coat
Naturally straight flat and soft to the touch, never wiry or wavy feathered coat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

welsh springer spaniel puppy - descriptionThe breed is a medium size, solid and compact dog bred to work. Their forequarters are angled and there hindquarters are well developed. This is a very good looking breed that is only red with white markings. A hard working dog bred to hunt. They are slighter longer than tall and are not penalized as long as the height tis not greater than the length.

The tail in docked except in countries where it is illegal to do so. Their eyes should be brown. Noses are black or brown. The ears are small with a fethering like most setters. The show and field styles are the same. They are confused with the Engolish Springer Spaniel even though there are many differences. But both breeds are born to hunt and “spring” at the prey. They are smaller than the English Springer Spaniel and larger than the English Cocker Spaniel.

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.

Characteristics

welsh springer spaniel dog - characteristics1Children friendliness yes they love their own children, but might be wary of others.

2.Special talents - endurance and stamina are intense with this breed.

3.Adapability – not that good in an apartment as this is a rare working dog.

4.Learning ability - intelligent and willing

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.

Health Problems

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a few serious health concerns such as:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.

welsh springer spaniel puppies - health problems• Eye Diseases – Glaucoma can cause blindness; Entropian – eyelids curl inwards and can damage the cornea.

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis – can be treated with medication.
  • Ear infections – be sure to keep them clean to prevent this.
  • Epilepsy – as many spaniels have. Can be treated with medications.

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.

welsh springer spaniel dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy active puppy. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed ½ -3/4 cup in 2-3 meals

2.Feeding the adult active breed. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed 1-1/2 cup in 1-2meals

3.Points for Good Health endurance/stamina – can outlast many hunting dogs.

4. Games and Exercises – Needs a secure fenced yard. Loves sports and outdoor activity. Agility, obedience, rally, tracking and loves to run, bike and hike.

Comparison with other breeds

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  28. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  31. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  32. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  33. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  34. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  38. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  39. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  40. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  42. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  43. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  44. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  46. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  48. Wetterhoun vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
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