Many varieties of huskies are well known and loved in our country. Today we will talk about the advantages of the Karelian-Finnish husky, which is rarely found in Russia, although it is a native Russian breed of dog. Experienced dog handlers are sure that this is the most elegant and beautiful dog in its family.
Laika is small in size and has an energetic, cheerful character. Several times, representatives of this species were on the verge of extinction, but, thanks to the efforts of lovers and connoisseurs of these animals, it was possible to restore their numbers.
Breed history
The history of the Karelian-Finnish husky began in the middle of the XIX century. A dog appeared in Finland when it was still part of the Russian Empire. Therefore, from time to time, disputes arise between Finnish and Russian dog handlers about the "nationality" of this dog.
At first, Finnish experts decided to use this small but very active dog in bird hunting. She even got the corresponding name - a bird dog. However, hunting with a Karelian-Finnish husky showed that the dog is not coping with its tasks. It was decided to improve the exterior to create an exclusively decorative animal.
Over time, the Russian Empire collapsed. Finland gained independence, becoming a separate state. Countries dispersed, but dogs remained on Russian territory. They lived for a long time in Karelia, the Leningrad region. Until a certain time, no one paid special attention to them, until at the beginning of the XX century they did not interest Russian hunters. As it turned out, this small, fast and agile dog shows excellent results in hunting for fur animals. In the middle of the 20th century, Soviet dog handlers became interested in the breed Karelian-Finnish husky. She began to be bred not only for hunting, but also for participation in exhibitions, as experts noted her outstanding external data.
Nevertheless, in those years, she nevertheless remained in most cases more a working than a decorative dog. Gradually, the popularity of this cute animal grew, but then the Second World War began, and the population of huskies almost disappeared. Our scientists barely managed to save her.
In the late sixties in the Soviet Union held a large exhibition of hunting dogs, which got this red-haired beauty. Her first exit was very spectacular. Eyewitnesses recalled that from this time began a rapid growth in its popularity. Although I must say that this applied only to the northern regions of our country. In the south and east of the country, Karelian-Finnish huskies have not spread. Unfortunately, this situation has not changed today. For example, in Rostov-on-Don, such a husky is almost impossible to buy, and in our Northern capital buying and selling Karelian-Finnish huskies does not cause any problems. Moreover, from the seventies of the XX century in the Leningrad region this breed has been bred, moreover, by factory.
Destination
Karelian-Finnish huskies were bred by Soviet dog handlers for hunting pine forest: squirrel, hare, wild boar, bird, marten. These animals can be used to harass bears.
A keen mind, devotion and excellent external data over time allowed the use of these dogs as companions. Now they can be kept in apartments and cottages.
Karelian-Finnish Laika: breed description
These are dogs of small size, they are distinguished by a rather dense physique. The weight of the dog reaches 15 kilograms, bitches are slightly smaller - their weight does not exceed 12 kilograms. Male height at withers 50 centimeters, bitches about five centimeters lower.
Wool
An important sign of the Karelian-Finnish husky breed is the quality of the coat. The richer this red coat with a thick undercoat, the better. The smooth coat is emphasized, its uniform length along the entire body, the absence of at least small scratches on the tail and hind legs is considered by experts as a breed defect, although the standard does not give a clear definition in this matter.
Color
Light color is an undesirable sign of the breed. What does this definition mean? In the Russian version of the standard, light wool is referred to as an undesirable fawn color. Nevertheless, the wording “redhead of all shades ...” probably also implies it. But there is another standard that the Karelian-Finnish husky must meet. Dog breeds (description) in it are slightly different from the Russian version. And mainly it concerns color. The international standard of the Finnish Spitz - the second name of the breed - clearly indicates that the coat should be dyed red or golden brown, preferably a bright color. I must say that the bright red color is the visiting card of the breed.
Character
Just want to make a reservation that Karelian-Finnish husky dogs are not for beginners in keeping animals. They are very smart, but have a proud and independent, and sometimes stubborn character. Such a dog needs a morally strong, fair and kind owner, to whom she will be betrayed until the last breath.
Karelian-Finnish husky ( owner reviews suggest this) should be brought up from a very young age. It is good if this is done by a professional or an experienced pet owner. A well-bred dog obeys its owner implicitly, perfectly protects him and his property, becomes an indispensable assistant in the hunt. But you should know that this proud dog will not forgive anyone for cruel or cruel treatment: neither the trainer, nor the owner.
Training should be carried out strictly, but respectfully. If you plan to raise an assistant for hunting, then puppies of the Karelian-Finnish husky are trained from a young age - 5 months. This should be done by experienced hunters. Education necessarily includes both the development of theoretical skills and field work.
With children, Karelian-Finnish huskies easily find a common language, but if your child is too small and cannot understand that he is a living creature, then you should refrain from acquiring such a dog. We emphasize once again that the representatives of this breed have a complex character - they do not tolerate familiarity in any form, preferring only equal relations. But for a teenager, a like will become a best friend and a great partner in noisy and fun games.
Care
Luxurious red fur coat, as you might have guessed, requires special care. It is quite fluffy and long, so if you want your four-legged friend to always look good (and all the owners want this), he will need regular combing. Otherwise, husky hair will roll. The dog will have to be sheared, and the new coat will grow for a long time. Bathing your pet often should not be, just two procedures a year. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the teeth, ears and paws of the animal. Ears should be cleaned regularly (as they become dirty). On paws, husks should cut their nails, especially if the dog is in the apartment.
Finnish Spitz often has tartar. In this case, gum disease can begin, which, in turn, will entail costly and lengthy treatment. Therefore, from puppyhood, teach your dog to brush your teeth, then such a problem will not affect you. But remember that like human toothpaste is strictly contraindicated. Its use can cause intestinal upset. Special brushes and pastes for dogs are sold in pet stores.
Puppies
If you decide to get such a red-headed friend, then you need to know that you can pick up a puppy at the age of three months of age. Doing it better in a certified nursery. If you need a good hunting dog, do not forget to ask the breeder about the working qualities of the baby's parents. The ideal option is to have diplomas in bird and beast. Estimate the size of the puppy, how much its body is proportional. The kid husky at this age should be muscular, well-fed, have a strong skeleton. The coat of a healthy puppy is very thick, fluffy, shiny. It should not have bald spots and dandruff. The eyes of the baby are clear and clean, the shape of the bite resembles scissors.
And another important question that interests those who decide that they need a Karelian-Finnish husky - the price of a puppy. If your city has a private breeder (with a good reputation), then the cost of the dog will most likely start from 30 thousand rubles. In a specialized nursery, the price of such a husky comes to 70 thousand. Before you go for a puppy, you must contact the owners of the nursery. They will tell you when to do it.
Owner reviews
Today, there are few owners of such dogs in our country. Nevertheless, most of them say that they are very happy to be the owners of these animals. Especially many positive reviews are left by hunters. They think this is a great dog. Karelian-Finnish husky is easy to learn, has an excellent hunting instinct, is obedient and picky.
A separate review group belongs to owners who contain such a dog as a companion. Here, opinions are a bit divided. Most people think that an animal fits perfectly for this purpose - it is smart, faithful, neat, practically does not fade, has no specific smell. However, there are complaints about the stubborn and wayward nature of their pets. The dog is very wary of strangers, although it does not show aggression.