Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of around 10 to 12 years, the Russo-European Laika can remain active for a long time if its lifestyle meets its needs for exercise, weight control, and regular veterinary follow-up.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its solid build and its adaptation to the harsh conditions of the north make it an enduring dog. This robustness does not, however, exempt it from regular maintenance, joint monitoring, and particular attention during periods of heat.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Reasoned monitoring of the joints, growth and physical condition is recommended, especially in an active dog. It is also useful to regularly check the ears, paw pads, teeth and overall condition during shedding periods and sustained activity.
Hip dysplasia: A joint condition that can impair mobility and promote osteoarthritis in an active dog.
Elbow dysplasia: A joint development disorder that can cause lameness, pain, and early wear of the elbow.
Cryptorchidism: Failure of one or both testicles to descend must be identified early and discussed with the veterinarian.
Umbilical hernia: This abnormality of the abdominal wall is often benign, but it must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Russo-European Laika tolerates the cold very well thanks to its abundant undercoat, but summer heat is less well tolerated. In hot periods, outings should be favored during cool hours, shade and constant access to water.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This active dog has little tendency to become overweight if its daily exercise is sufficient, but an excess ration or a decrease in activity can weigh down its joints. A lean and muscular silhouette must be preserved through an appropriate diet and regular effort.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have hips and elbows checked in case of lameness, stiffness, or in breeding dogs.
- Regularly examine ears, eyes, teeth and paw pads after outings.
- Strengthen heat prevention during the summer and after exertion.
Vaccination
Russian-European Laika vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Russian-European Laika need? Like all dogs, Russian-European Laikas should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Russian-European Laika vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Russian-European Laika booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Russian-European Laika need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Russian-European Laika
A standard veterinary follow-up, supplemented by particular attention to the hips and elbows, is relevant in this breed. In breeding dogs, orthopedic checks are particularly useful to limit the transmission of joint disorders.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
