West Siberian Laika vs Hungarian Hound - Breed Comparison

West Siberian Laika vs Hungarian Hound - Breed ComparisonHungarian Hound is originated from Hungary but West Siberian Laika is originated from Russia. Both Hungarian Hound and West Siberian Laika are having almost same height. Both Hungarian Hound and West Siberian Laika are having almost same weight. Both Hungarian Hound and West Siberian Laika has almost same life span. Both Hungarian Hound and West Siberian Laika has almost same litter size. Both Hungarian Hound and West Siberian Laika requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
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Hungary
Russia
Height Male:
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
53 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 27 kg
55 - 60 pounds
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
Weight Female:
21 - 24 kg
46 - 53 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Transylvanian Hound Erdelyi Kopo, Copoi Ardelenesc, Ungarische Bracke, Transylvanian Bloodhound, or Transylvania Scenthound
WSL, Zapadno-Sibirskaia Laika
Colors Available:
black with tan markings
gray, white, white with patches
Coat:
dense, coarse double coat
double coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Courageous, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Protective, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Protective, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

hungarian houndThe Hungarian Hound, also known as the Transylvanian Hound, originated in ancient Hungary as a hunting dog. At the time there were Asian Hounds that traveled with Hungarian Magyar tribes into Transylvania. As early as the 9th century it is believed that these Hungarian dogs were crossed with Celtic Hounds and local dogs. The result is the Hungarian Hound. These dogs were incredibly popular throughout Transylvania.

This scent hound almost became extinct but was saved by intense breeding during the latter part of the 21st century. They developed two kinds, short and tall, for different types of hunting. The tall dogs hunted boar, bison, lynx and bear. The short dogs hunted hare, fox and chamois.

Only the tall dogs exist today. Some Hungarians raided parts of Europe and took the dogs with them. There was then a crossing breeding with Polish dogs. The tall dogs exist today in Hungary and Romania. The Hungarian Kennel Club recognized the breed and the United Kennel Club (UKC) from the United States recognizes them. No major clubs such as the AKC (American Kennel Club) or the British Clubs. The breed was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Service Program

west siberian laikaThe West Siberian Laika come from the Khanty and Mansi tribes of West Siberia and Ural. They are a primitive breed used for hunting and come from the spitz and wolf lines. They retain many of their primitive looks and traits to this day. They were pre-historic companions to human hunters and remain so today in the northern regions of the Russia. They were never sled dogs but pure hunters throughout their journey to a domesticated breed. They hunted in the forests of the mountainous regions and were adapted to hunting in the woods. When their prey was hunted almost to extinction, the Laikas were also in danger of disappearing.

From the early days of the 1900’s through the first World War, there were several campaigns to save the WSL from extinction. A breed standard was developed around the 1930’s. Following the war the breeding programs became more uniformed and followed the standard that was in place. World War II disrupted it again, but once again it was resumed after the war.

The breed was once again threatened by industrialization and deforestation in the early 20th century, as they were replaced by newer, more popular breeds. There were thought to be dozens of aboriginal Laikas with various groups attached to different groups of indigenous hunters.

Following the second World War and the ever increasing detail of breed standards, the Laikas were divided into four pure bred groupings: the West Siberian Laika, the East Siberian Laika, the Russ-European Laika and the Karelo-Finnish Laika. All of these breeds are Laikas because they are bark pointing hunters.

They were imported to the U.S. in the early 1990’s by a Russian immigrant. Vladmir Beregovoy is credited with bringing the breed to the States. There are now about 300-400 West Siberian Laika’sin the U.S. They are a very emotional breed, very in touch with his human’s feelings, habits and intentions. He is a barker for sure who hates to be left alone. An intense breed with the need for companionship and a purpose. They will do anything to escape a pen if left alone for long periods of time.

The breed is protective of its people with other animals and some are wary of strangers. He needs an active family to match his active spirit. They will bark at all wild life including all the squirrels in your yard. So if don’t want a “barker”, don’t get a West Siberian Laika.

They are recognized by the United Kennel Club, the American Canine Association the Dog Registry of American and the Federation Cynologique Internationale

Description

hungarian hound puppy - descriptionThe Hungarian Hound is a medium sized dog, a scent hound with the same characteristics of the type of hunting hounds found in Mid-Europe. The breed is a hardy one with a long head slightly domed skull. The muzzle is short, and the jaws are strong. The lips are black, and the ears are round and hang. Their eyes are shaped like almonds and dark brown. The breed has large paws with cushioned pads and strong toes.

west siberian laika puppy - descriptionThe WSL comes from the Spitz line and also directly descendent from the wolf. They look and act a lot like a wolf in many ways. They have retained much of their primitive traits. With a pointed, long muzzle, an almost square head, and square body, they have wolf colored coats of gray and red. They are mostly medium in size but some can be smaller or larger. Their head is shaped like a wedge, their eyes are typical almond shape and set deep in their head. They are brown or even darker. The muzzle is almost as long as the skull. Their lips are thin and black. The ears are straight up and pricked.

They have bodies longer than they are tall with a lot of musculature. They carry their tail high over their backs. With straight legs and forward feet, with gray, red and white coats, they still look like wild dogs.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

hungarian hound dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – This breed is very friendly with children.

Special talents

Special talents - Hunting independently and at a distance from the hunter.

Adaptability

Adaptability – Not an apartment dog. They need space and land.

Learning ability

Learning ability – They are very independent and intelligent.

1 Children Friendliness – Yes they are ok with children but not unsupervised.

2.Special talents stamina, agility

west siberian laika dog - characteristics3.Adaptability This is not really an apartment dog though he can adapt. He needs outdoor space to run everyday. So if in an apartment find a dog park for everyday use.

4.Learning ability – Highly trainable and very smart. Independent thinker though might cause some issues.

Health Problems

hungarian hound puppies - health problemsEven though this is an ancient breed they do face certain medical issues such as:

  • Hip and elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cancer – can be fatal.
  • Entropian – The eyelid folds forward and can injure the eye.
  • Bloat – Distension and twisting of digestive organ can cause immediate death.
  • Hypothyroidism – medication can control this.
  • Ectropia – The eyelids fold outward and can injure the eye.
  • Sensitivity to anesthesia – must be careful if have surgery and for teeth cleaning.

west siberian laika puppies - health problemsHealth wise there are no genetic health issues known today. Since they were so wild, primitive and isolated there was not a lot of inbreeding to any standards. There are however some interesting health facts about the WSL.

• Females only come into estrus once a year, usually in the late winter. They are usually one to two or two and a half years old when this happens. The Russians who know them best frown on breeding them before they are at least two.

• They are subject to many of the same parasites and some diseases like any other canine. But they are not susceptable to any illness specific to their breed.

• Hunting accidents might bet he biggest health threat this breed faces at the moment.

• However with more dogs being bred for the show ring, this could all change and genetic issues could begin to pop up for them.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

hungarian hound dogs - caringFeeding the puppy – 1-3 cups of high quality food served in 3-5 meals per day.

Feeding the adult

Feeding the adult – 3-5 cups of high quality food served in 2-3 meals a day.

Points for Good Health

Points for Good Health – generally healthy

Games and Exercises

Games and Exercises – The Hungarian Hound is a hunting dog and therefore accustomed to and bred for a high level of exercise. Their instinct for hunting is really strong so make sure you do not let them off leash outside of a contained area. They excel at tracking, field trials, lure chasing, and fly ball.

west siberian laika dogs - caringperformance, working dog food. High in protein and fat is needed to maintain their lean muscle. Don’t over feed them as they will become obese and they will be unhappy if their physical activities are restricted, even if by their own weight. Be sure you break up their day’s food amount into 3-4 smaller meals.

2.Feeding the adult – Almost everything is equally true for the adult. They need a high protein and high fat food – a high performance food. Don’t over feed and give them at least 2 meals per day.

3.Points for Good Health – as previously mentioned this is a hardy and robust breed,

4. Games and Exercises They need a lot of exercise, have a strong prey drive and are very intelligent. A dog with those traits that does not get enough exercise will drive you crazy if he is not stimulated.

Comparison with other breeds

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  6. West Siberian Laika vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  9. West Siberian Laika vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. West Siberian Laika vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. West Siberian Laika vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  26. Hungarian Hound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Hound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Hound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Hungarian Hound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Hungarian Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Hungarian Hound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Hungarian Hound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Hungarian Hound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Hungarian Hound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Hungarian Hound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Hungarian Hound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Hungarian Hound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Hungarian Hound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Hungarian Hound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Hungarian Hound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Hungarian Hound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Hungarian Hound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Hungarian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Hungarian Hound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Hungarian Hound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Hungarian Hound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Hungarian Hound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Hungarian Hound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Hungarian Hound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Hungarian Hound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison