Karelo-Finnish Laika

The smallest Laika of Russia is the Karelo-Finnish Laika. The red-coated Spitz dogs were bred to be more or less pure until 1930, although the years of World War ll saw many of these dogs lost and the breed in danger. Severe conditions, as well as starvation, meant that many dogs were in fact eaten for survival and caused the breed to be almost decimated. In Petrozavodsk, there remained only 24 registered dogs and then most were lost to rabies. In 1953 Russian cynologists imported two male dogs and one female of the Finnish Spitz from Finland and developed the breed by crossing them with the remaining red-coated Spitzes found in Southern Karelia, the Olonets Laika and the Karelian Laika. By 1970, the number of Karelo-Finnish Laika had risen to about 200 dogs in Moscow alone. Other breeders were known to have used Finnish Spitzes imported from Finland. The advantage of the Karelo-Finnish Laika is that they are smaller and therefore easier to transport on hunting trips. It also meant that the smaller dog could live in with the family and become a companion and watchdog.  In recent years the Karelo-Finnish Laika has risen in popularity due to their affectionate and friendly nature. But they do need careful, patient handling as they are sensitive to the mood of their master and can become sulky and resentful if mistreated. They make excellent hunting dogs for grouses, squirrel and other small game and have the heart and willingness to try for other game, although their size limits them to what they can handle.