Karelo-Finnish Laika

Karelo-Finnish Laika History

The Karelian Bear Dog or Finnish Lapphund is a breed of gundog originating in Central and Northern Europe. It is descended from the spitz-type dogs that were brought to Finland by the Norwegian Vikings. Traditionally, this working breed of homeland guardian was used by the Finnish people, principally the Sámi, to drive their livestock to pasture. The Finns were successful breeders of sled dogs, and by 1774, they had developed two types of distinctive Molosser — the sturdy, heavy, short-legged, hardy, and thick-coated Kuusamo, and the lighter, shorter, leaner, long-haired and feathered Lapin Särke. The more modern version of the Finnish Lapphund is called the Palovakko, and is the modern foundation of today’s American and Canadian Kennel Club breeds.

Karelo-Finnish Laika Physical Characteristics

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a small, short-coated breed of hunting dogs that was developed in Finland. They were first bred for duck and bird hunting and bear, wolf, and lynx hunting. They have a thick, short, and sleek coat and are the smallest of the Finnish Spitz breeds. The tail is docked and ears are cropped. They are active, friendly, and make good watchdogs.

Karelo-Finnish Laika Health

Description of breed health.

Karelo-Finnish Laika Temperament and Behaviour

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a highly intelligent, active and agile working dog. They are extremely energetic and full of energy. They are often described as having “a cat-like” personality, and they love to play and hunt. They are happy, loving, and friendly with their owners, but they can be aggressive with other dogs. They can be stubborn and can be hard to train.

Karelo-Finnish Laika Activity Requirements

Karelo-Finnish Laika (also known as the Finnish Lapphund) are a rare breed of dog that originated in Eastern Europe. They are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate, making them an excellent companion. While this small, sturdy dog doesn’t need hours of rigorous physical activity, they do require regular exercise. A daily walk or short play session is recommended to keep your Laika happy and healthy. While they enjoy being outside, this is another breed that does well in an apartment. They don’t need a ton of space to be happy, but they do appreciate having their own space to retreat to.

Kennel Club Recognition