Comparison: Karelian Bear Dog and West Siberian Laika

Karelian Bear Dog and West Siberian Laika are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Karelian Bear Dog
Photo: Fraczek.marcin, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
West Siberian Laika
Photo: LS, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Karelian Bear DogWest Siberian Laika
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originFinlandRussia
CategoryMediumLarge
Weight17–28 kg–
Recognition features
  • Medium spitz, black with clear white markings on head, neck, chest and legs
  • Erect ears and a tail curved over the back
  • Independent and territorial big-game hunter
  • Medium to slightly larger, substantial and clean-built, with pronounced sexual dimorphism
  • Pricked V-shaped ears and a tightly curled tail over the back or hip
  • Dense harsh coat with a collar
CoatHarsh straight outer coat over a soft dense undercoat; black, dull or with brown nuances, with defined white markings.–
PurposeFinnish hunter of elk and bear; tracks game and holds it at bay with barking until the hunter arrives.The most widespread Russian hunting breed, an all-round dog for forest game.

Breed page: Karelian Bear Dog · Breed page: West Siberian Laika

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.