All about West Siberian Laika

Many people dream of having a pet. However, today there are a huge number of dog breeds. In such a variety, it is quite difficult to navigate and choose exactly the variety that will meet your needs and preferences. A popular breed of dog is the West Siberian husky. This animal is chosen by many hunters, since in the process of hunting a husky can play the role of an active assistant. However, you need to know how to choose the right puppy and how to care for it, and what features can be highlighted in this breed of dog.

West Siberian husky is considered a rather highly specialized breed. Initially, its intended purpose is hunting. Modern representatives of the West Siberian breed descended from huskies who once lived on the territory of Siberia and the Urals. Accordingly, the dogs lived in rather adverse environmental conditions, and therefore they had to adapt to the harsh taiga climate.

but puppies of the West Siberian breed, as we know it today, were not born naturally: they were specially bred thanks to the long and painstaking work of breeders. Such selection eliminated all weak individuals and those animals that had any (even the most insignificant) flaws. Today, there are 2 varieties of the West Siberian husky breed: the Khanty and the Mansi. These subspecies have both common features and some differences. So, for example, the Hantian husky has a more massive body, and the mantle animal has a completely different structure: a leaner physique and an elongated muzzle.

If we talk about the breeding process in our country, it should be said that selection originates in the 20th century. It was during this period that the development of official standards for this breed also began. Such standards were adopted already in 1925. It is also important to note that over time, public interest in this breed is only growing, so West Siberian husky is becoming an increasingly popular and widespread breed.

The anatomical structure of representatives of the West Siberian Laika breed underwent standardization. So, for example, it is believed that a dog belonging to this species should have a head with triangular outlines. The skull is quite wide, and the muzzle is elongated. Scissor bite. There are 2 varieties of eye shape: amygdala and oval, the most common eye color is brown. The ears of the animal, like the head, have a triangular shape and are erect. The abdomen is quite elastic, and the chest is wide. The paws of the animal differ in strength and power, and the tail of the dog in its shape resembles a sickle. According to officially accepted standards, in the withers, the growth of the animal is in the range from 50 to 80 cm. The hairline is quite short, but there is a dense undercoat.

In nature, there are several possible colors of the West Siberian husky, namely:

• white-gray;
• gray with red;
• piebald;
• pale yellow.

If you decide to buy and keep a dog in a private house, which belongs to the West Siberian husky breed, then you should take into account the nature and behavioral characteristics of the animal. So, many inexperienced dog breeders, as well as those who are going to get their first pet, often immediately refuse to purchase a husky, because it has a frightening appearance and resembles a wolf. But the resemblance to a predatory animal is only external.

West Siberian huskies are animals that are characterized by a balanced and calm character. In relation to a person, huskies behave quite friendly, do not express aggression and anger, they are devoted and reliable assistants. At its core, the animal is active and energetic, it quickly finds a common language with people (including children) and other animals. That is why you should not be afraid, even if pets are already living in your house, but you plan to start a like.

Many owners of dogs of this breed note another outstanding feature of the character of huskies - this is courage. This trait is genetically inherited from ancestors. The thing is that in ancient times the ancestors of this breed were engaged in hunting for large animals. From here in the behavior of dogs appeared such traits as courage and fearlessness.

It is also important to note that dogs are intelligent and developed animals, their intellectual abilities are quite pronounced.

The process of training huskies can take place both under the guidance of a professional dog handler and at home. In addition, the character of West Siberian huskies distinguishes such features as understanding, loyalty and devotion, confidence.

Many owners of West Siberian huskies note that the animal of this breed is quite hardy. It can tolerate adverse environmental conditions and even for a long time do without water and food. Such features are embedded in the dog by nature, and that is why the animal is actively used in hunting. West Siberian husky can be attracted for individual and pair hunting, as well as for round-ups.

Training and training West Siberian huskies are processes that should begin from the very first days after you bring an animal to your home.Moreover, at first, classes and training should take place regularly so that the pet quickly learns all the necessary commands. After learning the basic commands, you can move on to more complex and complex tricks. If you plan to go hunting with the dog, then when the animal reaches the age of 10 months, you must send him to specialized courses.

Laika of the West Siberian breed is the choice of people who are fond of hunting. However, some dog breeders, who are ordinary city dwellers, also choose the described species as dogs. But if you belong to the second group, then you should carefully consider your choice in advance and weigh the pros and cons. As for the maintenance and care of animals, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with some simple, but binding rules.

It must be remembered that for the dog to live, create such conditions in which she can lead an active lifestyle, constantly move around and splash out your energy. In this sense, the animal also needs to devote quite a lot of time to organize training and outdoor games for it.

As with any other living creature, hygiene rules must be followed for huskies. Animals need to be bathed and cleaned. Depending on the color and lifestyle, the frequency of water procedures may vary. So, for example, if the animal spends a large amount of time in nature and has a light color, then swimming should be fairly regular. If the animal leads a calm lifestyle, and its coat is dark, then water procedures can be carried out less regularly. In any case, you can bathe the West Siberian husky only in warm water and using detergents specially designed for dogs. Do not wash your dog with soap and shampoos that are made for humans.

And also in terms of hygiene, you need to regularly trim your pet's nails, clean your ears and eyes with cotton swabs and discs moistened with water, and inspect (and, if necessary, clean) your mouth. Another necessary procedure is combing. It is especially relevant during molting periods.

As for feeding and diet, in this sense, West Siberian husky is a fairly unpretentious animal. Your four-legged pet’s food should include all the vitamins and minerals necessary for the dog’s growth and development. Remember that the dog should never be fed stale and expired products, as well as leftover food from the owner's table.

For feeding huskies, you can choose a diet from dry or wet ready-made food or natural foods. In the first case, you should buy only those foods that are suitable for your dog (consider the breed, age and individual physiological characteristics). In the second case, it is important to remember that the diet of the West Siberian husky should include foods such as meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. Porridge, mineral and vitamin supplements will not be superfluous. And also there is a list of products that must be excluded from the diet of the animal. Such foods include sweets, pickles, fried meat, and baked goods. Do not forget about maintaining the water balance of huskies.

If you follow all the rules and recommendations described, then your dog will live a long, happy and healthy life. In addition, for prophylactic purposes, show your four-legged pet to the veterinarian at least once every 6 months.

It is very simple to choose a husky puppy of the West Siberian breed if you follow several rules and follow the instructions. First you need to decide for what purpose you are getting a dog: for hunting or as a pet. If you have chosen the first option, then for the purchase you should contact an experienced hunter or a specialized nursery.

Before buying, “get acquainted” with the animal: take it in your hands, carefully inspect, observe the behavior of the animal from the side. Make sure that the puppy has a well-groomed and neat appearance, and is also quite active in its behavior.

If possible, you need to get acquainted with the parental pair of dogs. This is necessary so that you are convinced that your puppy is descended from thoroughbred healthy individuals, and not from genetically defective animals. In addition, it is important to ask the seller to demonstrate all the documents available to him: certificates, passports, licenses.

Once you have decided on a dog, it is important to give your puppy a name. It should reflect its character, be sonorous, easy to remember. First of all, you need to consider the gender of your animal. The most popular names for male West Siberian huskies are:

• Archie;
• Alex
• Alf;
• Ars;
• Azor;
• Eureka;
• Joy;
• Gray;
• Jean;
• Eli;
• Michael;
• Marseilles;
• Newton;
• Teddy;
• Theodore;
• Stan
• Charley;
• Chico;
• Iago.

If you are the owner of the female, then one of these names may suit your pet:

• Alma
• Alice;
• Anfisa;
• Vega;
• Sharing;
• Wanda;
• Yesya
• Gretta
• Judy;
• Cookies
• Zeta
• Indie
• Laura;
• Lily;
• Paw;
• Miranda;
• Maxi;
• Maggie
• Patricia;
• Cougar;
• Puffy;
• Scarlett
• Tasty;
• Ultra;
• Una;
• Chloe
• Hayley
• Chilita;
• Charlize
• Yumi
• Jadwiga.

You can choose your favorite nickname from the proposed list or choose any other as you wish.

The story of the breed in the next video.