Is the Russian-European Laika or the West Siberian Laika better for families with children?

Both the Russian-European Laika and the West Siberian Laika are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Russian-European Laika or the West Siberian Laika?

The Russian-European Laika and West Siberian Laika shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Russian-European Laika or the West Siberian Laika?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Russian-European Laika or West Siberian Laika bigger?

Russian-European Laika and West Siberian Laika are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Russian-European Laika or West Siberian Laika?

Russian-European Laika tends to be the more vocal of the two, so West Siberian Laika is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Russian-European Laika or West Siberian Laika?

For apartment or apartment living, West Siberian Laika has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Russian-European Laika vs West Siberian Laika: Quieter?

Russian-European Laika vs West Siberian Laika: full comparison

Trait	Russian-European Laika	West Siberian Laika
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Very High	High
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	Medium	Low
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Russian-European Laika is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the West Siberian Laika is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Russian-European Laika is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The West Siberian Laika is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Russian-European Laika needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The West Siberian Laika needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Russian-European Laika picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a great deal, which is worth considering with neighbors close by and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The West Siberian Laika picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Russian-European Laika is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas West Siberian Laika is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, West Siberian Laika has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Russian-European Laika and West Siberian Laika are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Russian-European Laika has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, West Siberian Laika has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Russian-European Laika and West Siberian Laika are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Russian-European Laika if you want a more adaptable dog.

Choose the West Siberian Laika if you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Russian-European Laika or the West Siberian Laika better for families with children?: Both the Russian-European Laika and the West Siberian Laika are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Russian-European Laika or the West Siberian Laika?: The Russian-European Laika and West Siberian Laika shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Russian-European Laika or the West Siberian Laika?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Russian-European Laika or West Siberian Laika bigger?: Russian-European Laika and West Siberian Laika are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Russian-European Laika or West Siberian Laika?: Russian-European Laika tends to be the more vocal of the two, so West Siberian Laika is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Russian-European Laika or West Siberian Laika?: For apartment or apartment living, West Siberian Laika has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Russian-European Laika vs West Siberian Laika