Royal husky. Karelo-Finnish Laika (Finnish Spitz). Training and education of Laika

The Karelian-Finnish husky is a small husky that looks like a fox due to its rich color and type of coat. Has excellent working qualities. Considered a native breed good health and the nervous system.

Height at withers: males – 44-50 cm, females – 39-45 cm
Weight: males – 12-13 kg, females – 7-10 kg

Color: red of any shade. There may be small white marks, black hair on the ears, around the eyes, lips, and in the ridge area.

Eye color: dark.
Nose color: jet black
General form: square dogs holding their heads proudly. Short in stature, with a dry type of constitution. Bitches are smaller than males.

The data is given according to the ICF standard No. 49, the holder is Finland. In this canine system, as in the RKF, the Karelian-Finnish Laika is assessed according to the Finnish Spitz standard. An agreement on this was signed by the Chairman of the RKF Inshakov with his Finnish colleagues.

From hunters and creators Russian breed It is customary for the Karelian-Finnish Laika to refer to the Soviet standard, and also to maintain separate stud books, not allowing Finnish Spitz breeding.

History of the breed

The Karelian-Finnish Laika is often called a Karelian. She belongs to the primitive type of dog. In Rus', Laikas were northern dogs with pointed ears, a wedge-shaped muzzle, and a tail bent into a ring.

The original habitat of such dogs is Karelia. In addition, they lived in the Arkhangelsk region and other adjacent territories. Karelians grew up practically like mongrels; no one was involved in targeted breeding until the 20th century. They were used for hunting, some individuals were suitable for security.

The first description of offspring (families within a breed group) was compiled by a well-known hunter in Tsarist Russia from the princely family Shirinsky-Shikhmatov. After a voyage to Karelia, he created "Album of Northern Laika Dogs". The prince was amazed by the innate abilities of the Karelian-Finnish huskies to detect game using only intuition.

A few representatives of the breed were taken to Leningrad. At a few exhibitions, enthusiasts exhibited unusual for that time hunting dogs. In the Russian Empire, hounds and greyhounds were bred and used for this purpose, but few people saw huskies. The local population was also reluctant to give up the Karelians, not wanting to share with competitors effective tool on the prey of a wild animal.

At zootechnical events in the 20s of the last century, zoologist Barmasov noticed small, energetic dogs with red fur. He singled them out for their behavior, identical appearance and working qualities. Later, followers began to buy outstanding dogs from Karelian rangers and hunters.

Interestingly, one of them, a five-year-old female named Zorka, was bought for 850 Soviet rubles.

They went with the Karelians to hunt a variety of game. We worked with them by protein, hunted on wood grouse, badger. Individual representatives were able to drive bear. They went after a large animal with a pack of dogs.

Leningrad and the region became the center for breeding the modern population of Karelian-Finnish huskies. At that time, the blood of Finnish Spitz was still added to the breed group, justifying this decision by stabilizing the population. The first version of the standard appeared in 1939, based on research work zoologists Barmasov and Vereshchagin.

There are still disputes about the historical homeland of the Karelian-Finnish Laika. The Finns claim that these red hunters have always been found on their land, but the indigenous people of Karelia remember the war years when soldiers left their territory for home and took the dogs. The remaining huskies were shot.

Finnish peoples were primarily engaged agriculture, cattle breeding, which is why they led a nomadic lifestyle. Therefore, Russian zoologists have a different opinion about the origin of the breed. In the folk epic "Kalevala", authored by the Karelian people, mentions small dogs with fiery red fur. This folklore work consists of 50 runes, collected together in 1835.

Today, breeders are roughly divided into two camps. Some people do not accept dogs that have Finnish Spitz in their pedigrees. Others participate in RKF exhibitions, breeding according to the rules existing in this system.

Character and temperament

Positive qualities of the Karelian-Finnish Laika:

• Devotion to the owner;
• Developed intuition;
• Independent decision making;
• Endurance;
• Performance;
• Strong nervous system.

TO negative traits character can be attributed to:

• Wary of strangers;
• Increased activity.

Working breeds differ from other breeds in their ability to act on their own. They can be stubborn, but the right approach problems disappear.

Laika and man

Karelo-Finnish huskies are intended for hunting, although they can bark at strangers located near their territory. They'll fit active people who love and understand hunting. Healthy dogs with a real pedigree they should not attack humans and relatives, although they may show wariness.

Such dogs can be kept in the house. Long walks, eventful, profile classes allow you to get rid of the accumulated energy while sitting indoors. They get along peacefully with other animals. Children Also don't touch.

Some owners prefer to keep their dogs in the city. Karelians do not take up much space, they also eat little, but need movement and work on game. This is their instinct, which was cultivated in their ancestors.

Experienced hunters say that these huskies, even without training, show hunting abilities when they see game.

Karelo-Finnish huskies can live in an enclosure, but, unlike their West Siberian relatives, very attached to the person. It is advisable to take them into the house. Karelians do not mind frosts; they have a thick undercoat and guard hairs are well developed, although they do not seem too fluffy. It is necessary to eliminate all sources of drafts in an apartment or house. In the heat they feel satisfactory.

Daily walking is required. Puppies are taken out more often, and adults less often, but the time they spend is increased. fresh air. It is important to socialize your dog with early age. After quarantine due to vaccinations, many Karelian owners find company on a walk so that the puppy develops and learns how to behave in society. In large nurseries, Karelian-Finnish huskies often live in packs. In between hunting trips, dog handlers recommend taking such pets to baiting stations in order to maintain the dog’s working spirit.

Feeding Karelians is standard. The diet consists of the following products:

• Raw meat (most of the serving);
• Cottage cheese, kefir;
• Kaltyks and offal;
• Raw large bones.

Chicken, eggs, pork, boiled bones and meat for these huskies do not give. For treats, you should choose dried liver, lungs, heart, or ready-made products from pet stores. Adult dogs need to be fed 1-2 times a day, but always according to the established schedule. Dry food is chosen with the maximum meat content, which corresponds to the size and mobility of the dog.

Wool Karelian wild type, therefore does not require care. Sheds twice per year according to season. Expressed have no smell. During molting, comb with regular combs and slicker brushes several times a week. After it, it is enough to take up combs once a week. Wash when dirty or a couple of times a year. Karelian-Finnish huskies are not cut and their fur is not plucked.

Training

Karelo-Finnish huskies are considered early among related breeds. If others are ready to hunt usually by 2-3 years, then Karelians begin to hunt already at 6 months. Six-month-old dogs are allowed to bait animals. For effect, owners give fur toys and pieces of wild animal skins so that pets know the smells.

Picking stations are special place, where is various game. Dogs are allowed close to the beast, and depending on their purpose, they work. Karelians bark at animals to indicate their presence. Some individuals bring shot waterfowl from lakes and rivers to the feet of their owners.

According to the current RKF standard, representatives of the breed must undergo working tests only in Scandinavian countries.

Suitable nicknames

Origin of the breed and appearance suggests original nicknames.

Women's: Blizzard, Dara, Squirrel, Runa, Sata, Yukki.

Men's: Nord, Smoke, Chakar, Yamal, Rocky, Ice, Shaman.

Health and life expectancy

On average, Karelian-Finnish huskies live to 12-15 years, which is typical for small dogs with good health. Due to the infusion of blood from another breed, Karelians received the following common diseases:

• Epilepsy;
• Dislocation of the kneecap;
• Cataract;
• Allergic reactions.

These diseases occur in a small number of dogs.

How much does it cost and where to buy

The largest nurseries are located in Leningrad, Karelia, and Arkhangelsk. Finnish Spitz dogs with Russian dogs in their pedigree are bred in Scandinavian countries, regions of Russia and in the eastern part of Europe. The national club of the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed is not registered in the RKF system.

Puppy price: 15,000-40,000 rubles.

Breed photo

A selection of photos of Karelian-Finnish huskies.

Video

Film about hunting with a Karelian-Finnish husky in Sweden.

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a fiery and incredibly beautiful hunter.

Origin of the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed

The ancestors of the Karelian-Finnish huskies appeared in the century before last on the territory of Finland, which was then part of Tsarist Russia. Suomi dog breeders initially intended huskies to hunt birds and other small game. Over time, huskies showed that they are not first-class hunters and Finnish dog handlers decided to turn them into decorative dogs. Why did they actively take up the appearance of huskies?

In the 20th century, a revolution broke out, the huge empire fell apart, and Finland gained independence. Laikas ended up on both sides of the border and spread throughout the north-west of the USSR, most of all in Karelia. There they were noticed by local hunters. It turned out that this is a very dexterous and swift dog that copes well with the role of a companion for a commercial hunter specializing in fur-bearing animals. The population of huskies has increased. It should be noted that in the USSR they paid tribute not only to the working qualities, but also to the beautiful appearance of dogs. Laikas began to actively participate in various exhibitions.

During the Great Patriotic War The population of Karelian-Finnish huskies has almost completely disappeared. Soviet dog handlers saved the breed and demonstrated the Laika to the country already in the 60s of the last century. Unfortunately, Karelian-Finnish huskies, both then and now, are popular only in the north of the country. It is almost impossible to buy a husky puppy in the southern regions. The main breeders of Karelian-Finnish Laikas are concentrated in the territory Leningrad region.

Photo of the Karelian-Finnish Laika.

Description of Karelian-Finnish Laika

Height characteristics: females - 38-46 cm, males - 45-52 cm. Weight characteristics: females - 8-11 kg, males - 13-15 kg. They live on average about 15 years.

Karelian-Finnish huskies have a small, strong, pointed head. The skull is noticeably widened at the top. Narrow muzzle. The end of the nose is small and always black. Thin closed lips. Strong jaws, and the lower jaw is very developed. White, straight teeth. Scissor bite, extremely tight. Dark eyes, relatively small, slightly slanting. Pointed ears, high-set, small. Stocky neck. Straight and strong back. Sufficiently deep chest. Tail close to the back, curled. Direct strong legs with soft cat paws. There are no wrinkles on the dog's body.

Wool middle length, hard with a thick, surprisingly soft undercoat, longer on the tail. Acceptable colors:

• fiery;
• red with a golden tint.

Photo of a Karelian-Finnish husky in the forest.

Photo of Karelian-Finnish Laika in the snow.

Character of Karelian-Finnish huskies

Karelo-Finnish huskies are very loyal dogs not only to their owner, but to the whole family. They have excellent intuition. Hardy. They are distinguished by strong nerves and high performance. Independent, sometimes stubborn. They are too active and do not like strangers.

Karelo-Finnish huskies are suitable for keeping in the house. They get along well with other pets and are patient with children.

Dogs of this breed need significant physical activity and long walks in the fresh air, otherwise they can tear the house to smithereens. Ideal for active sports people.

Karelo-Finnish husky on the hunt.

Karelo-Finnish Laika in nature.

Karelo-Finnish huskies are very unpretentious dogs, do not take up much space and eat little. They are distinguished by good health, but sometimes suffer from diseases such as allergies, cataracts, epilepsy. They need weekly brushing, and daily brushing during the molting period. You need to bathe once a year.

The main diet consists of: raw meat, fermented milk products of medium fat content, bones. Prohibited for consumption: chicken, eggs, thermally processed meat. Adult huskies need to be fed twice a day.

Karelo-Finnish Laika in the snow.

Karelo-Finnish huskies have a loud, beautiful voice, which Finns value very much.

Photos of Karelian-Finnish Laika puppies

Classification

Origin: USSR, Karelia

Class: FCI – 49

Usage: hunting dog, companion dog

Color: all shades of red

Dimensions: Height at withers: males - up to 50 cm, females - up to 45 cm, Weight: males - up to 15 kg, females - up to 12 kg

Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

The Karelian-Finnish Laika, which can be bought in nurseries or from breeders, is a graceful, intelligent, playful dog with excellent hunting qualities and self-esteem.

It is considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular varieties of huskies.

This breed is also known as the "Finnish Spitz" due to some similarities with , even though she is much larger than them.

History of the breed

The breed appeared in Karelia and Finland. The northern nature and the peculiarities of keeping dogs by local residents left their mark on the formation of the characteristics of the Laika.

As an independent breed, the Karelian-Finnish Laika was formed by the mid-sixties of the twentieth century, and before that, Laikas lived as yard dogs.

The breed is based on hunting dogs of Karelia and the Olonets region; crossbreeding with the Finnish husky was also carried out.

Since canine work to restore the breed was carried out not without the participation of Finnish material, disputes about the exact name of the breed continued for many years.

In 2006, the Russian Kennel Club and the Finnish Kennel Club signed an agreement, as a result of which the Karelian and Finnish breeds were united under the name “Finnish Spitz”.

Although many do not agree with this association, believing that the Finnish Spitz and the Karelian Laika are completely different dogs in terms of working qualities.

The Karelian-Finnish Laika is an attentive, sensitive and intelligent creature with the makings of a leader. The owner needs to show that he is the “leader”, and then the dog will completely obey and respect him

Psychology

The Karelian-Finnish Laika (the video perfectly allows you to imagine the image of a typical representative of this breed) is a cheerful, playful dog with a cheerful disposition.

• Like the Karelian-Finnish dog and is devoted to its owner, it treats strangers, although wary, but quite tolerantly and without any malice.
• The playful disposition allows the husky to get along well with children, but at the same time, it will not tolerate an unceremonious attitude towards itself - it may even show its teeth.
• The Karelian-Finnish Laika is an attentive, sensitive and intelligent creature with the makings of a leader. The owner needs to show that he is the “leader”, and then the dog will completely obey and honor him.
• They are strongly attached to the house and can guard the territory.
• The dog is quite independent and freedom-loving, expects patience and fair treatment from its owner, and subtly reacts to mood swings.
• Likes are found well mutual language with other dogs, but small pets are not safe in their neighborhood: after all, first of all, they are hunting dogs, so for them a parrot or a hamster is, first of all, game, and not a pet.

Application

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is an excellent assistant and friend to hunters and fishermen.

She has excellent characteristics typical of hounds, while she is comparatively more active and excitable.

From its famous ancestor - the Old Karelian Laika, which was an excellent bear cub, the Karelian-Finnish Laika inherited excellent sense of smell and hearing.

With it you can hunt wild animals or birds. Works great both in a team with other dogs and independently. Also, the Karelian-Finnish Laika is a good companion dog.

It can be kept at home, in urban environments, like.

How to choose a dog

Since the original purpose of the Karelian-Finnish husky is hunting, when choosing a dog, first of all, they pay attention to the performance characteristics, and the exterior fades into the background.

Most often, owners prefer to purchase puppies at the age of five to six months, which have already been vaccinated and their exterior has already developed.

You can start working with them right away, since at 6 months the dog can already be trained to hunt game or animals, like. Such dogs are usually purchased from special nurseries.

But since many breeders keep dogs and puppies at home, it is difficult for them to raise and maintain them for up to 6 months, therefore, as a rule, Karelian-Finnish Laika puppies are sold out when they are a month and a half old.

At this time, the dog’s appearance begins to appear, and although the proportions will still change, general idea You can already get information about the dog’s exterior.

When choosing a puppy, you should pay attention to the following points:

• teeth and bite (but one and a half one month old it is still difficult to determine whether all teeth are molars);
• ears (at one and a half months they can already stand, although if the cartilage is soft, then a completely purebred dog’s ears can stand up by three months);
• tail (must be undamaged, curled into a ring with the tip on the hip);
• absence of the fifth toe on the hind legs;
• smooth, beautiful, shiny coat (no dandruff, eczema, etc.);
• “does not flow” from the nose or eyes;
• there are no signs of rickets of the extremities.

The Karelo-Finnish husky, whose puppy can be bought in well-known nurseries in the Moscow and Leningrad regions or from breeders, can cost from five to 25 thousand rubles.

Here a lot depends on the breed and working qualities of the dog.

Features of care

Combing

Laika is clean and does not require special care. If a dog is kept at home, then it should have its own resting place, to which it must be immediately accustomed.

She sheds twice a year. The coat is dense, the undercoat is soft, it is enough to comb the dog regularly, no special brushing is required.

The husky “trusts” its claws to be trimmed only by its owner.

Walk

If you are raising a working dog, then four months She needs to be trained on animals, accustomed to animals from a young age, given to smell the skins of different animals.

Nutrition

The Karelian-Finnish husky is selective when it comes to food.

At first, the basis of the husky puppy’s diet is fresh meat (beef, rabbit, lamb).

A little product is required and it is better to cut it into small pieces, but not grind it into minced meat (the puppy’s stomach does not digest it well).

From 2-3 months you can give large, non-sharp bones with leftover meat.

Also included in the diet:

• porridge (buckwheat, millet, rice), diluted with milk or lean broth;
• fermented milk products (sour cream, cottage cheese, kefir, etc.);
• fruits vegetables.

Read more about what cereals you can feed dogs in the article.

Important! The most important thing is that the dog always has fresh drinking water in sufficient quantity. And after twenty minutes you can remove the food so that the dog gets used to the routine.

At the age of up to a month you can feed it 5-6 times, at two to three months – 3-4 times, up to seven months – 3 times, then the dog can be fed twice a day.

Mating

Dogs are usually allowed to be mated for the second time (approximately 15-18 months), but the most optimal time The age for mating is considered to be two to three years.

The bitch is prepared for mating by receiving vaccinations so that the mother has active immunity and babies after birth, receiving with colostrum immune protection, were also cheerful and healthy.

The Karelian-Finnish Laika breed is a low-fertility dog. Therefore, pregnancy may not be noticed immediately.

Only by the second month of pregnancy does the dog become less active and its appetite increase.

The Karelian-Finnish husky usually has from one to six puppies, most often 4.

Karelo-Finnish Laika: graceful and dexterous hunter

The Karelian-Finnish Laika is a graceful, intelligent, playful dog with excellent hunting qualities and self-esteem.

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This is the Russian-language name for the Finnish Spitz breed, recognized by the FCI. Bred by crossing Karelian and Olonets commercial offspring with Finnish ones. The breed was formed from aboriginal huskies in Karelia and Finland.

However, the breed did not develop in isolation for various reasons. The main reason there was a periodic loss by Russia of all the accumulated material. As a result, it was imported new material from Finland. Thus, in Russia, the Karelian-Finnish Laika as an independent breed was formed not so long ago, only towards the end of the 60s. But serious cynological work on the establishment of the breed of the Russian breeding center again took place not without the help of Finnish material.

Conditions for rock formation

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Natural conditions of the vast forest region in the territories of modern Karelia and Finland are very unique. It is dominated by northern pine forests on sandy and rocky soils with a small number of small and medium-sized animals. Conditions natural environment and the way the indigenous people were maintained by local residents led to the stabilization certain type. The dogs were kept without a leash and had to get their own food all year round.

In winter, they ate leftovers from hunting, fishing, carrion of domestic animals and other waste. During the snowless period, they spent part of their time in hunting grounds, getting food in the forests and along the banks of numerous rivers and lakes. The local population did not feed their dogs, and therefore they had a surprisingly rational metabolism and small appetite. Influenced natural factors and the conditions of detention, an indigenous small dry husky was created, predominantly red and gray-red in color, with a pronounced hunting instinct. These huskies lived as yard dogs until the middle of the 20th century, mainly in the rural areas of the northern and central parts of modern Karelia. Some of them were used for hunting.

Character and behavior

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The Karelo-Finnish Laika has everything character traits, inherent hunting huskies, but compared to them she is somewhat more excitable. This is a living, very active, but at the same time attentive and intelligent creature. It is distinguished by cleanliness, affection for the home, and protects the territory. The Karelian-Finnish husky becomes strongly attached to its owner and strives to please him, without, however, losing its dignity. She reacts sensitively to a person’s attitude towards her.

As a small puppy, the Karelian-Finnish Laika will listen to your commands as long as he perceives you as his “guardian”. This dependency will continue until the dog reaches adulthood and mental and psychological development is complete, which occurs around the age of 4 years.

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Don't expect your dog to lie down at your feet waiting for your orders. The Karelo-Finnish husky is a self-sufficient animal. She does not need guidance, she is quite independent, but she requires expediency and logic from her owner in behavior at home and while hunting. The Karelian-Finnish Laika requires an even and gentle attitude; the owner needs, above all, to be patient and fair. Being harsh and rude will not achieve your goal, but will only achieve the opposite. For example, if you punish unfairly or cruelly for some offense, you can lose your dog’s trust in you for life. A cheerful and joyful mood will immediately be replaced by a gloomy and downtrodden one, which strongly reveals the position of the tail, from a perky bent steering wheel, it turns into a saber-shaped one or completely straightened.

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This husky is the most suitable of other husky breeds for keeping in an apartment, since it is the smallest among them. The Karelian-Finnish Laika is an excellent companion; she will be happy to accompany you in the forest and on a walk at any time. Can you communicate with a dog of this breed? Everything, of course, depends only on you. To understand this dog, you will need a lot of patience and then all your efforts will be rewarded. The Karelian-Finnish Husky can easily learn all the basic obedience commands if you spend enough time on it.

Karelo-Finnish huskies are hunting dogs. But this does not mean that they constantly bark at home. Yes, in some encyclopedias about dogs, you can read that the Karelian-Finnish husky is a very noisy and temperamental dog. But this is manifested in the fact that she is vigilant and wary of the environment and begins to bark only when something unexpected happens and, of course, when she sees a bird or animal in the forest. But at home, in a familiar environment, they are very calm and imposing. Of course, if you live in a city, it is very important that your dog can get rid of his unbridled energy. Therefore, it is advisable to take her for long walks every day. In rural areas, this breed of huskies can be kept in an enclosure, but not completely alone. She gets along very well with other dogs. If you live in a private house, then your pet will be able to run around the yard, where it will frolic, look for mice and just be in the open air.

Your pet's spectacular and shiny coat is an indicator of health and good conditions content. Twice a year, in spring and autumn, the dog sheds. In this case, there is no need for any cosmetic procedures, the only thing that is needed is regular daily brushing, which will remove the old fur. In normal times, when not shedding, you can brush your dog no more than once a week. The dog does not need any other special care. Of course, she also needs daily nutritious food, but it will not be a burden on your budget, since Karelian-Finnish huskies are moderate eaters.

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The Karelian-Finnish husky has a luxurious, shiny coat of medium length with a soft undercoat without a specific “dog” smell. Shedding is seasonal 2 times a year, spring - autumn. If kept in an apartment with dry, warm air, it can shed all year round. If dandruff appears, the shine of the coat is lost, or it comes out in clumps, the cause may be food allergy or wrong diet your dog's nutrition.

It is recommended to bathe no more than 1-2 times a year, so as not to wash off the natural film from the coat. In addition, if you hunt ducks, in the summer it will take a sufficient amount water procedures. After swimming in open water, be sure to rinse your pet with clean water.

It is necessary to comb regularly 2-3 times a week with a metal comb. During shedding, the cat needs to be brushed daily. This way, you will quickly remove dead hair and give your pet a massage.

Nails need to be trimmed once a month with a nail clipper for medium breeds. Smooth the sharp ends with a nail file to avoid burrs. After walks, wipe the paw pads with a damp cloth and inspect for cracks or cuts.

The eyes of a healthy Karelian Finnish husky are clean, shiny, without tearing or souring. Noticing in the morning a small accumulation of mucus, don’t be alarmed, this is most likely dust that collected the day before. Just wipe it dry or soaked in chamomile infusion with a soft, lint-free cloth. We treat each eye separately with a clean cloth. But if you notice redness, excessive tearing or pus in the corner of the eyes, immediately seek help from a veterinarian.

Teeth should be brushed 2-3 times a week with a special toothpaste for dogs using a toothbrush or finger brush. To prevent tartar, you should let your dog chew solid food and include fresh tomatoes in the diet.

Inspect your ears and wipe the auricle once a week with a damp cotton pad soaked in warm water. Auricle should be pleasant Pink colour, there should be no bad smell or fluid coming out of the ear. These symptoms may indicate an inflammatory process. If you notice this, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

Feeding the Karelian-Finnish Laika

At first, the main food for the puppy will be fresh raw meat (lamb, rabbit, beef). But in the first months of life you need very little such food. Before giving this product, it is advisable to chop it into small pieces; minced meat is not suitable because it is poorly digested by the dog’s body. At 2-3 months, you can treat your puppy to large, mild beef or lamb bones with leftover meat, so that he has something to do.

For cereals, it is recommended to give buckwheat, wheat, millet, and rice. Porridge is diluted with milk or lean broth; if the dog refuses such a dish, then meat is added. It is recommended to include fermented milk products in your dog’s diet: kefir, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese. Fruits, vegetables and various dried fruits are also suitable as food for your husky.

It is better not to give sausages, sausages, peas, potatoes, radishes to huskies - they negatively affect the digestive processes.

Fresh drinking water is the most important thing that should always be near your husky. A dog can go without food for a long time, but without water reserves, its chances of survival are low.

Buying a puppy

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Usually a puppy is purchased at the age of 1-1.5 months. There are future owners who strive to purchase a puppy at the age of 5-6 months, so as not to worry about vaccinations and, moreover, to start working right away. But for breeders who keep a dog and puppies in an apartment, it turns out to be unrealistic to keep puppies up to that age, so puppies are mainly sold and bought at one month of age. Abroad, when dogs are kept in kennels, puppies are kept for up to 6 months and sold already trained for animals or game.

The dog’s exterior usually begins to appear at one month of age, but then the proportions may change and until 4-5 months it is impossible to say exactly what it will be like. Although a general idea can be obtained at any age. Needless to say, the puppy's parents must be working dogs. It's okay if the parent dogs don't have field testing certificates, but in that case you'll either have to take their word for it that they actually hunt. Or make sure of this for sure by talking about this subject with the owners of the puppy’s parents.

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If you are not going to participate in exhibitions, then there is no need to focus too much on exterior flaws. The original purpose of the dog is hunting, not decoration, so if you choose a truly working dog, then the exterior should be relegated to the background.

When choosing a puppy, we pay attention to the teeth and bite, and it is worth considering that at 45 days of age it is impossible to determine whether all molars will be present in the future. Ears - usually stand at 1.5 months, although there are ears that are a little heavy and the cartilage is too soft; such ears in an absolutely purebred individual can stand up by 3 months. The tail is curled into a ring, the tip is on the hip, without fractures, breaks or kinks. And also for the absence of fifth toes on the hind legs, absence of discharge from the nose and eyes, coat without eczema, dandruff, fleas, absence of hernia, ears without diseases, at 4-5 months the testes in males are normal, injuries and signs of rickets on the front and hind limbs are missing, the puppy's movements are normal. No lameness, dragging of the legs, smooth and progressive movements, absence or presence of difficult movements in the transition to other positions, such as sitting or lying.

The cost of a Karelian-Finnish husky puppy in Moscow in 2014 ranges from 5,000 to 25,000 rubles, depending on the pedigree of the parents and the appetite of the seller. You can buy a puppy of this dog breed on large message boards, such as Avito, From Hand to Hand or in nurseries, of which there are few for this breed. Let's list a few of the most famous: Ridge of Yakutia - Leningrad region, Luga district, Shiltsevo village, MCOO Club SUOMEN - Moscow region, Reutov, Kayanni Club - Moscow.

The Karelian-Finnish Laika (Suomenpistikorva, Low-Lo, Karelian, Finnish Spitz) is a small Spitz-like commercial hunting dog. In appearance and color it resembles a fox. Has excellent hunting qualities, developed intellect and friendly character.

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a domestic breed, in the formation of which aboriginal domestic dogs, as well as Finnish Spitz imported from Finland. The ancestors of the Karelian-Finnish huskies trace their ancestry to the Old Karelian, Olonets, and Finnish bird huskies, common in the territory of modern Karelia, the Arkhangelsk and Leningrad regions, and Finland.

Until the twentieth century, dogs developed without human intervention in a limited area, with virtually no interbreeding with other breed groups. Red-haired, energetic hunters in spring-autumn period They obtained their own food and lived freely in the open air. Individuals with good physical characteristics, high intelligence, and developed working qualities survived.

They were successfully used for hunting forest game: wood grouse, black grouse, fur-bearing animals, badger, hare. With a pack of dogs they went after large animals, including a bear.

In 1880, hunters Hugo Sandberg and Hugo Roos, who hunted in the northern forests, brought two red huskies to Helsinki. After 12 years, huskies received the status of an independent breed and were registered by the local Kennel Club as a Finnish Spitz. By the mid-20th century, Finnish Spitz dogs had gained popularity as hunting dogs and companion dogs throughout the world.

In the USSR, work on developing “our own” breed began in the 20s of the last century. A selection was carried out among small red huskies with well-defined working hunting qualities, a temporary standard was developed and the name of the breed was designated - Karelian-Finnish husky.

During the war years, the husky population declined. By the beginning of the 50s, work on the breed in the USSR was resumed. In 1959, a cross between a Karelian-Finnish husky and a Finnish Spitz won the title of national champion; from that time on, breeders actively used Finnish purebred dogs in the selection.

In 1960, the Karelian-Finnish Laika was registered in the USSR as a separate breed.

However, the crossing of domestic and imported individuals, the presence of the designation “Finnish” in the name of the breed, led to disagreements about the name and homeland of the breed.

In 2006, an agreement was adopted between the Russian Kynological Federation (RKF) and the Finnish Kennel Club (SKZ) to merge the Karelian-Finnish Laika and the Finnish Spitz into one breed - the “Finnish Spitz”.

The agreement caused a split among Russian breeders. On the one hand, the Finnish Spitz is recognized and standardized by the international canine organization FCI. This allows dog owners to take part in international exhibitions and competitions, work trials, testing. On the other hand, such a decision actually means the disappearance of the Karelian-Finnish Laika as a breed.

Important. Current adherents of the domestic breed adhere to the standard and description of the Karelian-Finnish Laika adopted in Soviet times and do not welcome the “infusion of blood” of Finnish Spitz.

Standard and features, photos

The standard of the Karelian-Finnish Laika is almost indistinguishable from the standard of the Finnish Spitz.

These are compact dogs, weighing from 7 to 13 kg. The height of males is 44-50 cm, females 39-45 cm.

Photo.Karelo-Finnish Laika

Dog of the Karelian-Finnish Laika breed in the photo

• dry type of constitution;
• square format;
• pointy ears;
• curled tail;
• proud posture.

Here are the main characteristics of the Karelian-Finnish huskies:

• Head with a convex skull. Narrow, wedge-shaped muzzle, with a gradual expansion from the nose to the ears. The nose is straight-backed and jet-black. Lower jaw clearly marked. Lips are dry and thin.
• Bite scissor-shaped.
• Ears standing, high seating, mobile.
• Almond-shaped slanted eyes dark color. Blue or amber eyes are considered disqualifying faults. The look is attentive, meaningful, lively.
• Neck muscular, without dewlap, medium length. Males have a pronounced collar of thick wool.
• Back strong, straight. The withers are well defined. The loin is short and strong. Croup with a marked slope, medium in length. The stomach is taut. The chest is not wide, long, with convex ribs.
• Front and hind limbs straight, parallel. Dewclaws are removed. Fingers are collected in a ball. The paw pads are only black, with densely pubescent sides. Movements are fast, light, free. The dog is able to instantly move from a trot to a gallop.

Coat and colors

The body is covered with fairly long hair, spaced from the body or raised. On the back and neck the coat is stiffer. The short hair on the head fits tightly. On the back of the thighs are characteristic trousers. The undercoat is abundant, rich, soft. The coat is shiny and glossy.

Various shades of red: golden, calm, brick, fiery.

White markings on the paws, chest or “red and black” color are allowed - with the presence of black on the ears, along the spine, around the eyes.

Karelo-Finnish huskies have a wonderful character. They are mobile, energetic, cheerful, and efficient.

They are distinguished by a strong attachment to the owner. A dog picks up on a person’s mood, strives to please and be useful. An upset dog, feeling the owner’s dissatisfaction, unfolds the ring of its tail and lowers it down. He gets very bored even after a short separation. But when rudeness or cruelty is shown, it becomes self-willed, stubborn, and difficult to control.

Well-trained dogs get along well with other pets and enjoy interacting with children. They behave warily with strangers, but not aggressively. When danger arises, at the sight of unusual unfamiliar objects or living creatures, they attract the owner’s attention with a loud bark.

Like all huskies, they have stable attention, good memory, developed intelligence, and a strong nervous system.

Important. Due to their easy-going nature, friendliness, and loyalty, they are widely used as companion dogs in the UK and USA.

Training and education

The Karelo-Finnish Laika needs constant work - hunting, protecting the owner or territory. At first, the puppy perceives training as a game, but as it grows, it begins to treat it as serious work.

Education begins with basic commands general course training. For a working hunting dog, well-established commands are sufficient: “Come to me!”, “Road!”, “Ugh!”, .

Hunting training begins with familiarization with the smell of the skins of different animals and bird feathers. It is important to accustom a young Karelian woman to harsh loud sounds simulating a shot.

Animal baiting begins at 4-6 months. Training begins with a squirrel (marten, mink, ferret), then moves on to larger animals (otter, fox, raccoon, beaver), only then they show a badger, bear, wild boar.

When developing hunting qualities, the dog is shown carcasses of animals or a live animal as a stimulus. Effective collaboration experienced hunting dog and puppy.

If kept indoors, the husky may get bored. To release energy, she needs long runs, active games, trips out of town. Some Karelians and jumping.

Purpose of the breed and hunting

The main purpose of the Karelian-Finnish Laika is commercial hunting. Karelians are universal, they are used for hunting fur-bearing animals, upland and swamp birds, ungulates, and bears. They track, bark, stop the animal, raise the bird to shoot, look for wounded animals, bring prey, and are able to climb into a hole.

Dogs of this breed have excellent charm, beautiful tentative reaction, endurance, passion, innate malice towards the beast. Hunting with the Karelian-Finnish husky is effective at any time of the year in the forest and swamp.

In early spring, summer and early autumn, Karelians hunt wood grouse and black grouse. The hunt begins at sunrise or in the evening, when the boar bird feeds. The dog is released to search, having found the trail, it leads the hunter along it and lifts the bird onto its wing before being shot.

In the taiga they hunt fur-bearing animals with the husky: marten, sable, squirrel. They go marten hunting from October to December in mild frosts on shallow snow. The marten husky finds a fresh trail and uses it to search for prey. A disturbed marten usually leaves along the tops of trees. Chasing her, the dog drives the marten into a tree from which she can no longer jump to the next shelter.

They go hunting for moose at the beginning of winter, usually to their feeding grounds. The elk husky, having found the animal, carefully marks it with a bark, and then silently pursues it. Experienced dogs walk around the animal in front and bark, forcing it to stop. Karelians, unlike more large huskies, do not approach the animal and do not attack it.

Less productive, according to the master of domestic cynology Alexander Pavlovich Mazover, is the use of huskies for hunting hares and foxes.

The Karelo-Finnish Laika tolerates apartment conditions well. Compared with aviary maintenance, living together has its advantages. The dog has the opportunity to constantly communicate with the owner and understands him better.

Caring for a Karelian has its own characteristics:

Thanks to its compact size and balanced energy metabolism It is quite easy to provide Karelian-Finnish huskies with natural natural nutrition. However, often inexperienced owners ask the question: “We have a Karelian-Finnish husky—what should we feed?”

A well-designed diet includes:

1. Finely chopped raw lean meat (beef, lamb, saiga, elk, roe deer).
2. Raw large bones without sharp edges with meat remains.
3. Kaltyk, offal. Dried pieces of liver, heart, and tripe are used as delicacies.
4. Lean poultry meat.
5. Buckwheat, wheat, rice porridge on lean broth or with the addition vegetable oil with pieces of meat.
6. Kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt, cottage cheese.
7. Vegetables and fruits (dry and fresh).
8. Rye crackers.
9. Boiled meat, high-quality boiled sausage, sausages without pork in small quantities in the form of bait for vegetables or cereals.

Contraindicated:

1. Milk.
2. Butter.
3. Dry food. Industrial feed often clogs the ureter of Karelian-Finnish huskies.
4. Sweets.
5. White bread.
6. Eggs.

Health and life expectancy

The average life expectancy of the Karelian-Finnish Laika is 12-15 years.

During selection, Karelians received a predisposition to certain diseases:

Pros and cons of the breed

The advantages of the breed include:

• compactness;
• beauty of build and color;
• economical maintenance;
• universal working qualities.

Disadvantages can be called increased excitability and excessive activity, the need for daily long walks, and a tendency to bark at strangers.

How to choose the right puppy

When choosing a puppy, they are primarily interested in its parents, their working qualities, exterior, and living conditions.

Photo. Karelian-Finnish husky puppy

Karelian-Finnish husky puppy in the photo

They are definitely interested in the presence of a pedigree, registration with the RKF, and a certificate of vaccination.

Karelian-Finnish Laika puppies can be purchased from breeders in Moscow, Moscow region, St. Petersburg, Arkhangelsk, Yekaterinburg, Perm, Karelia.

1. Club of hunting lovers with the Karelian-Finnish husky Arsik, http://poisk-druga.ru/pitomniki/1271-karelo-finskaya-lajka.html, cost from $180.
2. Suomen, Reutov, Moscow region, http://karel-fin-layka.ru/news/1441/, puppies cost from $260 to $670.
3. Ridge of Yakutia, village of Shiltsevo, Leningrad region, http://www.lajki.ru/, prices are similar to Moscow.