What does a Karelo Finnish Laika look like? Karelo Finnish Laika, care features and taste preferences. Here are the main characteristics of Karelian-Finnish huskies

In the conditions of the harsh North you cannot do without a faithful four-legged friend. The Karelian-Finnish husky is highly valued by hunters and fishermen for its endurance, keen eyesight, good sense of smell, and strong character. This compact, friendly dog ​​easily fits into both a country house and a city apartment.

Origin story

The exact time of origin of the breed is not known for certain. It is believed that the Karelian-Finnish Laika is a descendant of the aboriginal dogs of the peoples of the North. Red fluffy dogs were distinguished by their endurance and were excellent helpers for commercial hunters. Written references to them have been preserved since 1895. Works of researcher A.A. Shirinsky-Shikhmatov contain a detailed description of the characteristics of these animals.

Subsequently, they tried to improve hunting dogs; the Finnish husky was crossed with the Karelian. That is why the breed received a double name. In Russia even now its name sounds like Karelian-Finnish Laika, but in the West it is called Finnish Spitz. The photo shows the animal’s usual habitat.

Breed characteristics

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is distinguished by its bright appearance, lively character, and excellent hunting qualities. These small, agile dogs are agile, active, and attentive. The hunting instinct is very developed; on walks in the city he loves to chase pigeons and cats. For a person he is a good friend, companion.

Appearance and standards

Considering the characteristic appearance of the breed, the Karelian-Finnish Laika is always recognizable. The dog is recognizable due to its fluffy fur of a bright golden-red color. Having seen it in a photo or video, especially live, it is impossible to remain indifferent to this breed.

The Karelian-Finnish husky has a very dense undercoat, which allows it to maintain body temperature when in contact with snow and water. The animal is not large, but strong with a dry type constitution. According to the standard description, the head is wedge-shaped, small erect ears, expressive almond-shaped eyes, and a small black nose.

The tail, like the ears, is always erect and wrapped in a ring. Laikas have strong limbs, which make it easy to pick up speed and move from a trot to a gallop. Movements are easy, reactions, hearing and smell are well developed. The photo shows how quickly she moves.

Character

By nature, fire dogs are not at all aggressive, although they are wary of strangers. Dog owners note their courage, energy and devotion. They show a perky upturned tail and the same perky disposition.

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is independent, but responds to a good owner with trust and obedience. Good with children and other pets. However, it can mistake small rodents for its prey. Laika is not only an excellent hunter, but also a faithful four-legged family friend. The photo shows a hunter with his faithful assistant.

The red-haired Karelian is rightfully considered a universal hunter. With it you can go after birds, upland game, and large animals. You can learn more about hunting with a husky from the video.

Training and education

It is better to start the process of education and training from puppyhood. According to reviews from the owners of the Karelian-Finnish Laika, serious difficulties usually do not arise, because they are smart and very attached to people.

It is advisable to conduct training in a playful way, developing the dog’s natural skills. When training puppies, you need to be patient. By allowing harsh punishments, you can lose the dog’s trust forever. After watching the video, you will better learn how to raise a dog of this breed.

Content Features

Representatives of the breed, although they were bred to help in hunting, according to the description of the owners, they get along well in a city apartment. This is facilitated by the pet’s compact size, friendliness, and cleanliness. However, an active, energetic dog will feel better in nature.

Dog care

Despite the thick coat, there are no particular difficulties in caring for the dog. Of the daily procedures, only combing is relevant. Regular examination of the dog's teeth, eyes, ears, and claws is necessary. Bathing with a special shampoo is carried out when soiled, but not more than once every few months. The basic rules of care are a balanced diet and active walks.

Required loads

Representatives of this breed are extremely active and mobile. If the Karelian-Finnish husky is used for hunting, then problems with excitability and excessive energy do not arise.

When kept as a companion in the city, it is worth allocating sufficient time for walks in the fresh air. Good health and physical fitness of a pet depends on the intensity of the load, comparable to real hunting. When raising a four-legged friend, you need to pay due attention to active training. The necessary training for huskies is discussed a lot in videos, both in our article and generally on the Internet.

Health

The breed, which developed in the north-west of the country, has endurance, strength, and strong immunity. In reviews, owners often note the good health of these dogs. They are not immune from diseases, but there are no special diseases inherent in Karelian-Finnish huskies. However, puppies must undergo all preventive vaccinations and examinations. It is recommended to periodically visit the veterinarian and take measures to get rid of helminths.

The Karelian-Finnish Laika is a local breed of Karelian hunting dogs, specially bred for hunting wild ungulates, birds and fur-bearing animals. These are animals of typical growth and appearance for huskies, but with a remarkable coat color - red of all shades, which makes it possible to immediately distinguish them from representatives of other varieties of huskies. Purebred animals of this breed are quite large, graceful, intelligent and loyal dogs, with self-esteem and excellent hunting qualities inherited from their ancestors. This husky is also known under another name - “Finnish Spitz”, since both of these breeds are very similar in appearance and genetics.

The Karelian-Finnish Laika breed was bred in the 20th century in the USSR on the territory of Karelia. The basis for its formation were the descendants of local Old Karelian and Olonets dogs, which for several generations were crossed with Finnish huskies exported from neighboring Finland. The new breed finally took shape in the 60s of the last century, when it was officially registered.

For a long time, there were disputes in cynological circles about the exact name of the breed, since selection work to restore it was carried out not only on local material, but also with the involvement of hatched Finnish dogs. Therefore, by the 80s, quite a lot of mixed-breed animals had formed, on the basis of which Finnish dog handlers began to argue that there was no point in breeding the Karelian Laika in purity.

Finally, in 2006, the leaders of the RKF and the Finnish Kennel Club agreed to combine these 2 very similar breeds into one and leave behind the most appropriate name “Finnish Spitz”. Now it is under this name that Karelian huskies can participate in canine exhibitions, competitions and tests, both national and international.

It is worth saying that many Russian breeders and simply dog ​​lovers do not like this forced unification, since they believe that these are 2 dog breeds that are completely different in terms of working qualities.

Karelo-Finnish huskies are medium-sized animals. The description of the breed states that the height of males should reach a maximum of 50 cm, females - 46 cm, weight, respectively, 13 and 10 kg. Purebred dogs must have:

1. Powerful but dry bones.
2. A large and heavy head sitting on a strong neck.
3. A narrow, dry muzzle and pointed, erect, medium-sized ears, shaped like a triangle.
4. The eyes are black or brown, oval, with a slightly oblique slant.
5. Well developed teeth.
6. Wide and deep chest.
7. A tucked, non-sagging belly.
8. Straight, muscular back and lower back.
9. Long powerful limbs, especially the hind ones.
10. Fluffy tail, curved into a ring and lying close to the hip.

The coat of these dogs is of medium length, elastic and thick, with a soft, dense undercoat. Its color is red of all shades, from light honey to dark red. A solid color is preferred, with no white markings, although small white spots on the chest, paws and end of the tail are acceptable according to the breed standard. Narrow black stripes along the back and upper surface of the tail are also permitted.

Karelian huskies are cheerful, cheerful, playful animals, selflessly devoted to their owner, but at the same time touchy and long remembering unfair treatment. They generally treat strangers with caution, but adequately, that is, tolerantly and without malice. They get along well with children and other dogs, but at the same time they do not tolerate disrespectful treatment, so they can growl and bare their teeth. But small pets, such as parrots and hamsters, may well be “hunted”, so it is better not to leave huskies with them.

Features of training and purpose of the breed

Laikas of this breed are extremely independent, temperamental and sometimes very stubborn, so puppies need proper training from a young age. The owner of a fire dog will have to give it a lot of attention and time to teach it to follow commands. But on the other hand, this process will be exciting not only for the puppy, but also for the person himself due to the pet’s cheerful and cheerful character.

By nature, these huskies are freedom-loving, proud and independent, so the owner needs to clearly show the dog his dominant position, and then it will obey him the first time and unquestioningly.

At the same time, you need to remember that huskies are proud and will not tolerate heartless and rude treatment.

If you plan to use the dog for hunting, then you need to start training the puppy from the age of 5 months. Only an experienced and professional hunter who is familiar with all the intricacies of training should engage in training an animal. A properly trained husky will become an indispensable hunting assistant, a faithful, devoted and obedient friend.

These dogs also become very attached to the house where they live and can even protect it and the surrounding territory. They are very mobile and active, they do not like to sit in one place, so they need daily walks and physical activity. This is especially true for those animals that live indoors with people.

Karelian huskies are hardy, undemanding, smart and very passionate in hunting. They hunt the following types of game:

• roe deer;
• saigas;
• sables;
• wood grouse;
• deer;
• pheasants;
• protein;
• stoats;
• bears;
• beavers;
• raccoons, etc.

In Finland, these huskies are considered one of the local attractions, so work with the breed is carried out very carefully. That is why the best representatives of the breed are born in the nurseries of this particular country.

Due to their sharp mind, extraordinary devotion, spectacular appearance and beautiful bright red fur, these dogs are now used not only as hunting dogs, but also as watchdogs and companions, so they are even kept in city apartments and private cottages.

How to feed and care for huskies

Karelian-Finnish husky puppies remain under their mother until 1–2 months of age and at this time feed only on her milk. But, starting from 3 weeks of age, breeders begin to gradually feed them the food that they will eat when they become adults. This is necessary so that the new owner of the Laika receives a completely independent dog that will not depend on its mother.

A small puppy, still eating milk, is fed raw meat, cut into small pieces, so that it does not choke. They feed him 5-6 times a day.

As soon as a young husky reaches 2-3 months, she is given beef, elk or lamb bones with meat, but without sharp edges, so that she learns to gnaw them. You can give this dog fresh raw chicken meat, only previously removed from the bones. It is forbidden to give small and sharp bird bones to a puppy - they can get stuck in his teeth or throat, damaging the walls of the digestive tract. Fatty pork should not be fed to a young dog, just like an old one.

In addition to meat, the diet of Karelian puppies includes porridges:

• wheat;
• rice;
• millet;
• buckwheat;
• barley

They are boiled in broth or put in small pieces of fresh or boiled meat or offal, freshly grated carrots, a few tablespoons of any vegetable oil, and dried fruits. In addition to cereals, they also give you any fermented milk products. But fresh milk and butter obtained from it are excluded from the diet. The first is because it is no longer absorbed by the body of dogs older than 2 months, and the second is due to its toxic effect on the liver. They do not give huskies eggs, sweets and flour, baked goods, smoked meats, sausages, canned food, sausages. A grown puppy is fed 3 times a day, and when he reaches 8–12 months - only 2 times, in the morning and in the evening.

Adult huskies are given fresh or boiled meat, a variety of cereals with fresh vegetables, and dairy products. It is better not to give dry food at all, since huskies have an excellent appetite and eat it in excess. Their stomach is small, so swollen granules linger in it for a long time and are poorly digested, and the salts in dry food clog the ureters and kidneys. Laikas at any age need clean water, so they should always have a drinking bowl next to their food bowl.

The beautiful fiery red fur of Karelian huskies requires timely care.

It needs to be combed regularly (2-3 times a week) with a metal comb, and during seasonal shedding - daily. You also need to trim growing nails once a month. It is not worth bathing a dog often, even one living in a family, since Karelian-Finnish huskies do not have a characteristic “dog” smell.

How to choose a husky puppy

It is best to buy a Karelian puppy in a nursery, where they are seriously involved in breeding the breed, competently select pairs of parents, and keep breeding records, so all animals are purebred. It is desirable that the animal have “certified” ancestors. This is especially important for a puppy, from whom they want to turn into a well-trained hunting dog.

A Karelian-Finnish Laika baby must be healthy, well-fed, and have the correct build characteristic of the breed. He must have:

1. Smooth and shiny coat, the color characteristic of these dogs.
2. Smooth and white teeth.
3. Clear, transparent and clean, without discharge, eyes.
4. Erect ears.
5. The tail is intact and curled into a ring.

A good husky puppy should not have any defects in build, rickets or gross defects that are unacceptable according to the breed standard.

By nature, it is better to choose an animal that is friendly, sociable and inquisitive. It should not be timid, afraid of sharp, loud sounds and new people. It is better not to adopt angry or aggressive dogs. For keeping in a small city apartment or private property as a friend and companion, females are more suitable because they are calmer and more firmly attached to people than males.

What do Karelians suffer from?

In general, Karelian-Finnish huskies are distinguished by their good health and, with proper care, get sick infrequently. They do not suffer from allergies.

Puppies can suffer from rickets, but this is the fault of people and the result of poor feeding.

Vaccinations for puppies

Any purebred husky puppy must undergo mandatory vaccination, which includes:

• deworming with anthelmintic drugs at the age of 1.5 months;
• vaccination against distemper and enteritis at 2 months of age, with mandatory subsequent revaccination 2 weeks later;
• vaccination against deadly rabies at 6 or 7 months of age.

Of course, vaccinations do not provide a 100% guarantee that a young husky will not get sick, but they still significantly increase its chances of remaining healthy.

The playful and graceful Karelian Laika, which can be purchased without any problems from experienced breeders or kennels, is a smart dog with excellent hunting qualities. The cute red dog is considered the best of the husky varieties. This breed is also called “Finnish Spitz”.

Playful and graceful Karelian husky

Today it is known that the Karelian-Finnish Laika dog appeared in Finland and Karelia. Certain features of keeping dogs and northern nature managed to leave their mark on the formation of some of the characteristics of these animals.

Only in the 60s of the 20th century did the Karelian-Finnish Laika emerge as an independent breed. Until this time, the animals lived like the most ordinary yard dogs. Since the work to restore the ancient breed was carried out with the participation of Finnish material, disputes about the name continued for several years.

And only in 2006, the Finnish Kennel Club and the Russian Kennel Federation signed an agreement where the breed was given the name Finnish Spitz.

Character of the Karelian Laika

This dog is a very smart, attentive and sensitive creature that has the makings of a leader. However, the dog owner must be shown who is boss in the house. Only in this case will the Finnish Spitz completely respect and obey him.

Owners of dogs of this breed note that their pets are cheerful and cheerful. They are loyal and devoted to their owner, and they are wary of strangers, but without malice and quite tolerant.

Since the Karelo Finnish Husky has a playful disposition, it gets along well with small children. However, you need to remember that the dog will not tolerate disrespectful treatment.

The Finnish Spitz quickly becomes attached to the house and protects the territory entrusted to it well. The dog is freedom-loving and independent. He expects fair treatment and patience from the owner. An interesting fact is that even Karelian-Finnish husky puppies always react to their owner’s mood swings. The main indicator of an animal's mood is its tail. In a happy and cheerful dog, it bends into a ring. And if the pet is offended, then its tail straightens. An animal can remember its insult for a long time.

Experts note that the Karelian husky is passionate about hunting, unpretentious, smart and hardy. The dog will quickly find a common language with other animals. It will become the best assistant to fishermen and hunters.

An adult dwarf husky works well on its own, but can show its best qualities in a team with other representatives of dog breeds. You can keep an animal in an apartment or in a country house.

There is no need to expect that your pet will lie down at your feet and beg for attention. The fact is that the husky does not need guidance, as it is very independent. However, she will demand from the owner logical behavior, a gentle attitude, patience and fairness. By being rude, the owner will not be able to raise a good companion and helper for himself.

Gallery: graceful Karelian Laika (25 photos)

Karelo-Finnish Laika (video)

Choosing a dog

When choosing a dog, you should pay attention to the working characteristics of the Karelian-Finnish husky; a puppy of this breed should be vaccinated at the age of 6 months, and you should start working with it. In nurseries you can find puppies that have already been trained to kill animals or game.

However, some breeders keep animals at home. It is very difficult to keep and raise puppies in such conditions. Therefore, they try to sell them when they are 1.5 months old. Pay attention to your puppy's teeth and bite. A husky's ears should already be standing at 1.5 months. However, in a purebred dog they arise only by 3 months.

The animal's tail should not have any damage. There should be no 5th toe on the hind legs. The coat should be shiny and even.

How to care for a Karelian Laika

The Finnish Spitz is quite clean and does not require special care. If you plan to keep your dog at home, then he must have a place to rest. The dog sheds 2 times a year. The husky's undercoat is soft and its coat is quite dense. Therefore, you need to comb it every day with a furminator. The pet will only trust its owner to cut its nails.

The Karelka is a hunting dog. That is why she needs daily walks and training in special areas. The pet is easy to train. If you need to raise a working dog, then at the age of 4 months it should be trained on the beast. The puppy must be accustomed to animals.

If possible, it is better to keep the dog outdoors. In this case, it is necessary to build a spacious enclosure, on the territory of which a booth should be placed. But experts do not recommend keeping an animal in a barn on a leash.

In the apartment, the place for the dog should not be near heating devices. There is no need to train your pet to lie down even for a short time on a chair or sofa. After a while, this will become a bad habit, and you will not be able to wean your pet from it.

Training of the Karelian-Finnish Laika (video)

What can you feed your dog?

The owner of a dog of this breed must remember that it is selective in food. The puppy should not be fed pork and chicken, as this meat is too fatty. Bones should be given with great caution.

The diet of a 2-month-old puppy should consist of fresh meat (lamb, beef and rabbit). You only need a little product. It is cut into small pieces. But it is not worth grinding meat into minced meat, since the stomach of a small animal digests such food very poorly.

From about 3 months, your pet should be given large bones with meat. In addition, the menu should include rice, buckwheat and wheat porridge, which must be diluted with lean broth or milk.

Your pet will like vegetables, sour cream, kefir, fruits and cottage cheese. It is very important that your pet always has drinking water. After the dog eats, the food must be removed so that he gets accustomed to the regime. At the age of 3 months, the dog should receive food 4 times a day. Then you only need to feed your grown pet 2 times a day.

Potatoes, sausages, radishes, sausages, and peas are excluded from the diet. These products negatively affect the digestion process. Ready-made food, which can be bought in a specialized store, should be easily digestible and nutritious.

Husky diseases

Such a popular breed is characterized by ailments such as rickets and allergies. However, in general, dogs are in good health.

In order for your animal to safely go for a walk and communicate with other dogs, it is necessary to vaccinate. It is necessary to get rid of worms at 1.5 months, to vaccinate against plague and enteritis at 2 months, and to vaccinate against rabies at 6 months, when the puppy’s teeth change.

But we must remember that vaccination is not a guarantee against diseases. It only reduces this risk. Therefore, you need to try to strengthen the immunity of your beloved pet.

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Karelo-Finnish small, but not inferior to its large relatives. The forest territory of Eastern Europe and Trans-Urals is considered the homeland of Karelian-Finnish huskies. The dogs are very active, have great hunting passion and are sensitive to people’s attitude towards them. The increased excitability of Karelian-Finnish huskies requires even and gentle handling by their owners. These dogs are very touchy; if severely punished at least once, the Karelian-Finnish dog is afraid of its owner and does not trust him. Many people consider the Karelian-Finnish Laika and the Finnish Spitz to be the same breed. It is believed that the same source material was used when breeding the breeds. Only the Finns were more focused on the exterior, and the Russians were more focused on working qualities. The Finnish Laika is a less versatile hunter compared to the Karelian-Finnish one. The first one mainly hunts hogs.

Karelo-Finnish Laika breed description:

Basic breed characteristics. The dog is red in color, of medium and below-average height, the smallest of the hunting huskies, of a dry or dry strong type of constitution. Agile, lively, cheerful temperament. The dog has a well-developed indicative reaction and a unique character: it is very attached to its owner and to the house, which it seeks to protect, it is wary and distrustful of strangers, and has a pronounced hunting passion. She does not tolerate rough treatment. The characteristic gait at work is a gallop, sometimes interspersed with a trot. The height at the withers for males is 42 - 50, for females 38 - 46 cm. The height at the rump for males is 1 cm lower than at the withers, for females it is equal to the height at the withers. The elongation index for males is 100 - 102, for females 100-104. The color of the Karelian-Finnish Laika is red in all shades, but the color of the inside of the ears, cheeks, chin, chest, belly, inside of the legs, thighs and lower part of the tail is lighter. White markings on the neck, chest, legs and tip of the tail are allowed, as well as a white mark on the head and isolated black guard hairs on the back, top of the tail and lips. Light fawn color is undesirable. The nose is black; with a light red color, brown is allowed. The coat of the Karelian-Finnish husky, like other huskies, consists of hard, straight guard hair and well-developed, thick, soft, lush undercoat, which is noticeably shorter than the guard hair. The hair on the head and ears is dense and short. On the neck and shoulders it is developed magnificently and forms a collar (muff), which behind the cheekbones passes into sideburns. At the withers the hair is elongated, especially in males. The limbs are covered with short, hard, dense hair. On the back of the legs the hair is elongated, forming small fringes on the front legs and quite significant fringes on the hind legs. The tail is well covered with straight, stiff hair, while on the underside the hair is noticeably elongated, but without dewlap. The skin is thin, dense, elastic, without loose subcutaneous tissue and folds. The muscles are dry and well developed. The bones are dry and strong. The girth of the pastern in males is 9 - 10 cm, in females 8 - 9 cm. The head is dry, when viewed from above - moderately wedge-shaped, approaching an equilateral triangle, with a relatively wide cranium and a wide occipital part. The bitches already have it. The length of the cranium slightly exceeds or does not exceed its width. The muzzle is dry, pointed, the length is noticeably less than the length of the skull. The transition from forehead to muzzle is pronounced. The top line of the muzzle is parallel to the line of the forehead. The cheekbones are well developed, especially in males. The parietal crest and occipital protuberance are poorly expressed. Lips are thin, dry, tightly fitting. The ears are erect, small, mobile, in the shape of a triangle, the tops are sharp. The eyes are medium-sized, oval, with a slightly slanted eyelid. The look is lively and expressive. Eye color is dark brown and brown (hazel) for any color. The teeth are white, strong, well developed, tightly fitting. Scissor bite. The neck is muscular, dry, oval in cross-section, of medium length, although in males it appears short due to the very lush coat. In relation to the longitudinal axis of the body, the neck is placed at an angle of 45 - 50°. The chest is wide and deep, ovoid in cross-section, descending to the elbows. The gait is well developed and stands out above the line of the back, especially in males. The back is strong, muscular, straight, not wide and not long. The loin is short and muscular. The croup is wide and short. The belly is tucked in, the transition from the belly to the chest is clearly defined. Forelegs: Shoulders moderately oblique, legs muscular, dry, straight and parallel when viewed from the front. The olecranon processes are developed and directed strictly backward. Pasterns slightly sloping and short. Hindquarters: The angulations of the joints when viewed from the side are well defined. When viewed from behind, the legs are straight and parallel. The hocks are set almost vertically. Paws are rounded or with slightly elongated middle toes. Fingers tightly clenched. It is recommended to remove dewclaws. The tail is curled over the back or pressed against the thigh. When straightened, it should reach the hock joint or be 1 - 2 cm shorter.

Karelo-Finnish Laika photo:

View photos Karelo-Finnish Laika. Here is a collection of photographs Karelo-Finnish Laika. Very beautiful dog Karelo-Finnish Laika. Make sure of this by looking at the photo Karelo-Finnish Laika.

Karelo-Finnish Laika video:

Karelian-Finnish husky puppy: Karelo-Finnish huskies:

Karelo-Finnish Laika breed history:

The homeland of the Karelian-Finnish huskies, in all likelihood, was the forest territory of Eastern Europe and the Trans-Urals. Back in 1675, the French traveler Pierre de la Martignard wrote about the “dark red” dogs he discovered on the territory of modern Finland, which were distinguished by their beauty and temperament. In 1895, “Album of Northern Laika Dogs” by Prince A.A. was published in Russia. Shirinsky-Shikhmatov. The territory of modern Karelia, Finland, the northwestern part of the Arkhangelsk and the northern part of the Leningrad regions was inhabited by Laikas, which the author called Finno-Karelian. Small red dogs at the end of the 19th century. became interested in Finland. In 1880, two hunters from Helsinki - Huto Roos and Hugo Zandberg - found themselves in the northern forests. There they liked the bright red huskies. The hunters purchased the most interesting specimens and returned home with the firm intention of reviving the breed. X. Roos became a breeder, expert and recognized specialist in the Finnish Laika breed. X. Zandberg became involved in social activities and in 1890 led a campaign to save these dogs. In 1892, the standard for this breed, developed by X. Sandberg, was recognized by the Finnish Kennel Club. In 1897, the standard was revised, the dog's format was closer to square. When breeding Finnish Laikas, special attention was paid to the dogs' bright red color, typical exterior and hunting qualities. As a result of selection work, an easy-to-keep medium-sized dog with an excellent exterior and bright color was formed. In 1927, the British became interested in red Finnish dogs. The breed quickly gained popularity in the UK as a companion dog. In 1935, the Finnish Laika was registered with the English Kennel Club under the name Finnish Spitz. Soon enough it spread throughout the world. In Russia, factory work with the Karelian-Finnish Laika began a little later. In the 20s XX century Laika hunters began to distinguish the smallest, red huskies from other varieties of huskies. For them, the first among all huskies, a temporary standard was written. In 1939, the first official provisional standard was adopted. The Great Patriotic War led to a significant reduction in the number of Karelian-Finnish huskies. The territory of distribution of this breed was occupied. The best dogs were exported to Finland. Despite the harsh wartime conditions, some dog handlers managed to keep their dogs. On their basis, the post-war livestock began to be restored. Currently, Karelian-Finnish huskies are most widespread in Karelia, Severodvinsk in the Arkhangelsk region, Cherepovets in the Vologda region, in Perm and the region, Yekaterinburg and the region. The best breed of dogs in terms of exterior and working qualities has been created in Moscow and the Moscow region.

The Karelian-Finnish husky is a hunting dog and today it is the smallest breed among huskies. Her ancestors are Olonets Karelian hunting dogs, who have repeatedly proven their abilities in hunting. This husky is distinguished by its courage and bravery when catching fur-bearing animals, birds and artiodactyls. He is not afraid and boldly goes after a bear, a badger, and also a raccoon.

Karelo-Finnish Laika: history, characteristics and education

In addition, huskies have a sociable character and are often used as a family dog.

History of the breed

Laek was held by all the peoples of the Far North. In difficult conditions, where hunting was almost the only activity, it was impossible to do without dogs. Every hunter was involved in the selection and breeding of huskies. In almost every village a certain breed of dog was bred, different from the dogs from the neighboring village. And although they all came from the same ancestor, their characteristics varied.

Only at the beginning of the twentieth century were all lines collected and brought to mind by breeders. The date of birth of the Karelian is 1947.

Before this event, attempts were made to describe the breed and unify it in 1895, when a work dedicated to the northern husky appeared. Its author was the famous hunter Prince Shirinsky-Shikhmatov. The prince's possessions extended over quite vast areas, including the modern Leningrad region and Karelia.

Three indigenous species of dogs became the ancestors of the Karelian-Finnish Laika: Olonets, Finnish and Karelian hunting dogs. The husky owes its appearance to the Finnish Spitz, hence the double name of the breed. In a word, the Karelian-Finnish Laika is perhaps the only case where the breed is simultaneously associated with two territories.

As a result, two main groups of huskies were bred: European and Russian. Which included the following species.

• Finnish Spitz.
• Russian-European.
• Norwegian Elkhound.
• Karelian bear.

Difficulties arose at the stage of registering the new breed, since the International Association did not want to register a double name; there, the union of Laika lovers had already decided to name the new breed - Finnish Spitz.

And yet, fans of these dogs do not consider them Finnish Spitz, for them it is a Karelian-Finnish husky. This name took root in our country and remains.

Color

For Karelian-Finnish Laika Light coat color is undesirable. According to the international standard, the Finnish Spitz should be a bright red color with brown pigment. The color is desirable in bright fiery shades: red or golden brown. It is believed that the fiery pigment is the calling card of huskies.

Temper and character

Among the character flaws of huskies, they include pride, stubbornness and independence. It will be very difficult for beginners with this breed. Such a dog should be raised from childhood. If she finds a patient and kind owner, she will be devoted to him for the rest of her life. Laika will not tolerate a trainer or just a rude person. This proud and wayward dog can only be bribed with affection.

It is recommended to start training a Karelian husky puppy for hunting at five months. It is advisable to have a professional do this. Training will be conducted both theoretically and in the field. Family relationships with this dog can be difficult. If you have small children, then it is better for them to refrain from communicating with the dog. This is the wrong breed of dog, which you can pull by the ears or tail, and she will treat the baby condescendingly. But for school-age children, this is a real friend for noisy games.

Main character traits:

Upbringing

This dog has strength his temperament will constantly demand some kind of work. Whether it's hunting or home security. They begin to train a puppy at five months and at first he will perceive it as an exciting game. In the future, training will become more complex, and the dog will consider it his job.

In order to teach The dog learns hunting wisdom, it is first introduced to the smells of animal skins and bird feathers. In the future, they are introduced to sharp sounds so that they get used to them. The sounds should be similar to a gunshot.

The usual commands are typical for training all dogs: “Fetch”, “Lie down”, “Sit”, “Come to me” and so on.

Start the so-called baiting follows with small animals: squirrels and martens. A little later they train on raccoons and foxes, and then on wild boar and bear. A greater effect from training will be obtained if an experienced dog participates in the process.

If the Karelian Laika is excluded from hunting and is an ordinary indoor or yard dog, then it may become sad and despondent. In such cases, organize long walks or noisy games for her. Try to take your husky outside. Remember that this dog is designed for hunting.

Hunting with the Karelian-Finnish Laika

During a hunt, the dog tracks its prey, barks at it and stops it. If it's a bird, then the husky picks it up for a shot, and then finds it and brings it to the owner. Laikas are excellent at climbing into holes. These versatile dogs are equally good for hunting birds and even ungulates and bears.

Dogs of this breed are distinguished by their excitement during the hunt, in addition, they are extremely hardy and have excellent knowledge of the terrain.

Already at the beginning of spring they begin hunting for black grouse or wood grouse. Early in the morning, the husky is released, which finds the bird while feeding and picks it up. From October to mid-December hunt fur-bearing animals. The dog perfectly finds tracks in the snow and then searches for the animal using it. As a rule, the husky drives the marten into a tree, where it is already taken down by the hunter.

Moose hunting begins at the beginning of winter. A dog, trained on this animal, finds it in the places of fat and, barking, pursues it without letting go. Due to its small size, this breed of dog cannot attack a large elk, so it simply stops it by barking, without getting too close.

The only animals, the hunting of which is not so productive for the Karelian-Finnish husky, these are foxes and hares.

These red dogs feel best in open space. If you keep her indoors, try to walk her as much and as often as possible. She tolerates the cold well, so walks in winter can be as long as in summer.

For walks around the city, use a muzzle and a leash. The Karelian Laika is a rather pugnacious and nervous dog. At every opportunity he tries to get into a fight or simply run away.

Provide her with a permanent place, do not let her lie on the sofa. She loves communicating with people, but can also keep herself busy. Give her as many different toys as possible and your things will be safe.

This red dog is bathed no more than twice a year and only with a special shampoo for dogs. The fur is constantly combed, and the ears and eyes are wiped after walks.

Likes for puppies You should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Due to their natural curiosity and activity, puppies of this breed often contract diseases. During walks, they strive to taste everything.

The fur of huskies is long and easily tangled. Take good care of her and brush her with a slicker brush during shedding. If your dog has dandruff or hair loss, this indicates poor nutrition. Most likely, your pet has a vitamin deficiency.

Don't cut your dog's fur. Here's to cutting your nails It is advisable to carry out this procedure by the owner himself; the dog is too nervous during this procedure.

The older the dog gets, the less often it is fed. So, a two-month-old puppy is fed four times a year, and after five months the number of meals is three times. Starting from the age of one year, the dog eats twice a day. All uneaten portions are removed after ten minutes.

Suitable as food chicken meat must be lean and in small portions. And also be sure to include eggs, cottage cheese, and various cereals in the menu. For example, such as buckwheat, millet and rice.

You can prepare the following dish: dilute boiled millet with pieces of meat in broth and add finely chopped raw carrots to it. And they also mix porridge with fish, offal and even dried fruits.

Not allowed for dogs tubular chicken bones and raw pork.

This breed, unfortunately, is prone to overeating, so measure the portions yourself.

Dogs can also be switched to industrial food. In some cases, it is much better than homemade, since it is more fortified, and in winter, homemade food is usually poor in vitamins. There are special foods for active dogs. They calculate the amount of proteins, carbohydrates and microelements in the right quantities.

Clean water must be freely available.