The East Siberian Laika is the largest of the laika breeds. Used primarily for hunting, this Russian spitz breed was also utilized as a sled dog, draft dog (pulling carts or other heavy objects), and even as a drover. As such they are considered a multi-purpose breed with a specialization in hunting large and small game. They were bred to withstand the often-harsh climates and terrain of Siberia, so they are a hardy breed. Friendly and even-tempered in nature, they can make good companions in the right home as well. They will form very strong bonds with their owners and are naturally protective to those whom they consider “part of their pack”.

East Siberian Laikas can make excellent watchdogs and some can even function as guard dogs. These that do often take this role very seriously. It is vital that an East Siberian is socialized extensively while young so that he can distinguish between friend and foe, and won’t become a liability. For a dog that usually lives about 13-15 years, it can save a lot of future stress to make sure the first 6 months (minimum) of the dog’s life is filled with many socializing opportunities!

The East Siberian is a medium to large dog (normally 40-50 pounds) with a square outline. The coat is fairly short but thick and protective, and comes in a number of colors including pepper/salt, gray, red, white, black and brown. These colors can be solid or combined with eachother into any pattern. Like most spitz breeds, the tail is curled up and over the back, and the ears are pricked. There is some variation of ear size, tail carriage and other traits in the breed due to the fact that early breeders utilized a variety of different types early on, but for the most part East Siberians can be differentiated from other similar breeds. Keep in mind that he does shed quite profusely and will need to be brushed regularly!

East Siberian Laikas are territorial and not apt to get along with strange dogs that wander onto their property. Many also have problems with other dogs (especially of the same sex), whether or not on their turf. Because of a high prey drive, they also don’t do well in homes with cats or small pocket pets that are often let out of the cage. With children, many can co-exist peacefully although may not tolerate rude behavior from very young kids. As such they shouldn’t live in homes with toddler-age children. In general, this breed is normally recommended only for experienced dog owners.

When it comes to training, the East Siberian is very independent and may take a little longer to respond. He can also be somewhat stubborn and “intelligent in his own way”. This said, obedience is important and should be started young, particularly because the breed can have some dominance tendencies.  Also consider training him in other dog sports to exercise his mind and body – agility or carting are two examples of sports which he is naturally suited to. Giving him a job to do in the form of training will lessen the chances of him developing behavior problems based on boredom.

East Siberians are considered a high energy breed and do need a lot of regular exercise. Because of their low sociability towards strange dogs, a dog park is not recommended for exercise. Instead, take them out regularly for jogs or long hikes on the trail! While the backyard can be a nice place for them to run around every day, the majority of dogs don’t exercise themselves enough in a yard alone. One additional note about a yard – make sure the backyard is fully fenced so this hunting breed won’t use the neighborhood as his hunting ground! When given enough physical and mental exercise, East Siberians are calm and collected in the home.

The Russian-European Laika is a hunting spitz breed, and the smallest of the three Russian hunting spitz breeds recognized by the FCI. He was originally used for hunting and treeing game such as racoon and squirrel, but has also been used for hunting duck as well as larger game. His specialty, however, is squirrel. Like other barking spitz, he was bred to use his voice freely once game has been treed – and as such he tends to bark quite enthusiastically and frequently on a day-to-day basis as well.

The medium-sized Russian-European enjoys spending time outside and burning off energy, although he definitely needs to spend time with his owner/family as well. Suspicious of new people yet loving, friendly and affectionate toward his family, he gets along with children and can make a very nice companion in the right home. This is a loyal breed and once a bond has formed, he is dedicated to “his humans” for life – even to the point that he can be difficult to re-home. Although “iffy” with strange dogs he can get along with other dogs in the same household as long as he was raised with them.

The Russian-European Laika’s suspiciousness of strangers and territorial nature makes him a great guard dog as well, but make sure to socialize him as a puppy to prevent anxieties and fears in adulthood. It is normal for this breed to not like being touched by strangers, however not normal for them to bite unless they or their family are being provoked. A Russian-European that bites without being provoked is not typical and more likely had not been given the proper socialization as a puppy. Another note about their naturally suspicious nature – this breed doesn’t always get along with unfamiliar dogs and might not make the best candidate for dog parks.

Russian-European Laikas love to learn and definitely should be taught obedience from an early age! They need a job to do, both mentally as well as physically, and basic obedience is the building block upon which other training can be built upon. They can be easy to train when methods are kept fairly soft. Overly harsh training can cause them to shut down. Make sure to train a solid recall as a high prey drive will cause them to bolt after small prey!

Russian-Europeans have a lot of energy and endurance, requiring a good bit of exercise each day. Hunting with the dog is ideal although not always practical for every lifestyle so at very least, make sure that he gets plenty of time to run free in addition to daily walks, jogs or hikes. These smart and active dogs can become destructive if not given enough of a physical outlet. Regular exercise is an important component of his health as well. While the breed is very healthy in general, they do need to have plenty of opportunities to run around! As such, they do better in larger homes and are not the best choice for apartment-dwellers.

Although the Russian-European Laika may look very similar to the Karelian Bear Dog, if put side-by-side one can see that this breed is both shorter and slighter in build than his cousin. This makes sense, considering that one was bred with a specialization in bear and the other was created more for the purpose of small game hunting! This said, both should have a thick double coat capable of keeping them warm in the Russian outdoors. While Karelians are always black and white, the Russian-European can be gray, salt/pepper, or black with white markings (although most modern dogs are black/white).

When hunting, the Russian-European has an impeccable sense of direction and doesn’t tend to get lost. He is also excellent at tracking, both on the ground as well as using his air-scenting abilities. He is more likely to tree and/or bark at the animal rather than rush in and kill it, giving the hunter a chance to shoot. While he has been used for hunting very large game such as moose and bear, he is most in his element when hunting squirrel or other small furred game.

Photo By Canarian

The West Siberian Laika is a hunting spitz breed developed in the early 19oo’s. Laika, as a word, means to bark – and this is how the breed would alert the hunter to prey. As such they do tend to use their voices freely, and will bark if they see people/animals/strange objects/anything of interest from out the window! This is also a more primitive breed in terms of behavior and physiology, which means they are slightly different to live with than many other breeds of dog. For example, primitive breeds often only come into season once per year and are exceptionally well-suited to hunt. This particular breed is more likely to bark at/alert to prey then kill it, but in the right circumstance they will. This medium-sized canine sports a thick double coat, a curled tail, and prick ears like other spitz breeds.

The WSL is a loyal breed and can be affectionate to his owner. It can be hard for him to be re-homed if a situation ever necessitates it. This is partially due to his suspicious nature of new people. Many are quite aloof with strangers, although temperament does vary based on the individual dog with some WSLs acting more forward. Outright aggressiveness towards people (without reason) is not favored, so is a rarer trait unless the dog has been poorly bred or socialized. While he shouldn’t be needlessly aggressive towards people, he will guard his owner if he encounters a stranger acting odd, and this highly alert and in-tune spitz will often spot odd behavior even before his owner does. This dog is also protective against predatory animals and has been known to shield his owner from bears and other dangerous wildlife!

The West Siberian is a very empathic breed, often quite in-tune with the emotions of his master. This trait means that he can make a very good emotional support dog. He needs to live in the home with “his people” or this sensitive and emotional dog will become unhappy – likely given to fits of uncontrolled barking! Not only is this a bad situation in terms of his emotions and your neighbor’s ears, but he is a master escape artist and may very well just dig, jump or climb out of the yard – a bad situation for a hunting breed who may then become a nuisance in the community. He instead needs plenty of attention, exercise, dedicated time for mental/physical stimulation (i.e. a job), and a cozy space of his own inside the home.

WSLs are an active breed and do need regular daily exercise. They should only be owned by active people who plan on taking the dog on frequent walks, hikes and/or hunting expeditions. Carrying a backpack while hiking or walking will give a bit more “oomph” to the workout. Some members of the breed can also be used for herding, which is another great form of exercise! This is an athletic and fast-moving dog that wouldn’t be a good match for someone frail or out of shape. Furthermore, it should go without saying but this is not a dog to keep in an apartment. He needs a large fenced yard – the larger, the better!

With strange dogs, the West Siberian Laika can be downright territorial and even aggressive towards dogs coming onto his property – particularly if the dog is the same sex. This breed definitely distinguishes “known” from “unknown”, a trait that even applies to the animals and pets in the family. Cats, livestock and other pets that he knows are treated as family while strange or wild animals will be chased or hunted. Some do ok with a dog housemate or two while others do not. For best results, keep an opposite-sex pair and raise them together when both young. Even then, there is unfortunately a lot of dog aggression in many lines so some WSLs must live as only-dogs. Keep in mind that this breed has a strong prey drive and will try to chase and/or tree most animals – keeping him on leash when out in public is a very good idea!

The West Siberian doesn’t need much training in order to hunt as these instincts are very ingrained, however he does need to be trained in general house manners and obedience. As this is a very independent-minded breed, it may take more effort to train him. He does have a good memory as well as exceptional problem solving skills, but he can be sensitive and will not put up with any training techniques that he considers too harsh. Treat him with respect but don’t let him push his boundaries too much either, and with time, patience and commitment he is definitely trainable.

The Japanese Spitz is a fairly new breed thought to be descended from the German Spitz, particularly from large white members of the German breed which were brought to Japan. These dogs were eventually bred into the small white dogs seen today. These companion dogs get along well with children and other pets (including cats and other dogs) and their huge personalities make them ideal house dogs. They love to make people laugh with their silly antics! They are also relatively inexpensive to maintain and easy to take care of.

The JS should be given regular exercise such as a daily walk or other enriching physical activity. When this is done, they will be generally calm and relaxed in the home. Exercise is one of the building blocks to a long and healthy life for a dog – when they are taken care of this breed generally lives 12-15 years. They are usually pretty healthy well into old age, although some members develop patella luxation which is where the kneecap slips out of place. Make sure to get a puppy from a breeder that tests patellas!

The JS is a smart little dog who adores pleasing his owners, which makes him fun and easy to train! This said, without any obedience training he will soon find things to occupy his mind and can end up being mischievous or occasionally destructive so make sure to train him from puppy-hood onward! Take note, this breed does need somewhat gentle handling – no kid gloves necessary, but do watch the harsh corrections.

Jap Spitz enjoy spending time with their owners and will go anywhere with them that they’re allowed – whether it be around the house or accompanying them on car rides to exciting places! The small size doesn’t make a difference, this is a loyal breed that wants to be with their family. They have an adaptable nature and can live in a small apartment or on a large property as long as they are given lots of time with the people in the house. If they are left to fend for themselves all day, every day, while everyone is at work they are prone to developing separation anxiety. They also prefer to live inside the house so don’t get one expecting it to be an outside dog! They need warm temperatures and soft bedding!

Like most spitz breeds, the Japanese Spitz has a huge double coat which does shed profusely twice a year. During these times they will need to be brushed daily, and owners should be prepared for hair to be everywhere in the house during this time! Bathing doesn’t need to be done very frequently as the coat naturally repels dirt (after it dries), but it can be bathed more often if the right products are used – for owners that want to keep the dogs’ coats bright white year-round. When not in shedding season the coat is easy to take care of and takes little time – at most 10 minutes a day. Make sure not to forget to trim nails and brush teeth!

The Jap Spitz is an exceptionally alert little dog that can become somewhat vocal if left unchecked. This makes him a very good watchdog although he can get carried away at times with his barking. If someone were to break in, he’d stand his ground and …continue to bark although obviously because of his size is not much of a guard dog. Although he demonstrates great courage, his lack of damage ability does make him easier for first-time dog owners, however.

Japanese Spitz are still a rare breed in this country and many others. As such they are considered a “well-kept secret” by admirers of the breed. Adored for their great personalities in particular, this breed gets along amazingly with other dogs and should never show aggression toward canine or human. They are generally submissive in nature, while still retaining a very playful personality. Inquisitive and clownish, with a friendly and outgoing personality and a love for games – he is tailor-made to be a family dog!

The Czechoslovakian Vlcak is actually a breed of dog whose development started in the 1950’s – beginning with an experiment to breed German Shepherd Dogs to Carpathian Wolves. The goal was to produce a dog with the best attributes of the two species. In 1982, the project was considered a success and the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (as it was called at the time) was recognized as a national breed in the CSSR. Many of the dogs produced were used as police border patrol dogs  as well as service dogs in the army. There has been no new wolf blood since the 80’s, which means that this breed is no longer considered a wolf hybrid, and instead is a purebred dog with wolf ancestry.

The Czechoslovakian Vlcak tends to prefer cold weather, doing well in snowy conditions – surely a throwback to the country of origin and wolf ancestry. They can be kept in warmer climates but should be given plenty of air-conditioning, shade, water, etc to keep them cool throughout the day. Other wolf similarities – females only come into season once a year instead of twice like most dog breeds. Czechoslovakians aren’t necessarily barky dogs, however they are known for howling and making other vocalizations. Finally, their coat only comes in “wolf colors” – various shades of gray from yellow, silver or dark gray. In appearance alone, this is probably the closest that one will come to owning a “wolf”, aside from a hybrid.

The Czechoslovakian is considered a rare breed in America, with only about 200 dogs in the country so far. They are part of AKC’s FSS program for rare breeds, however, and are destined for the working group if they ever become fully recognized here. Like other working dogs, they have a fearless nature and a need to have a job to keep them busy. This said, they are more of a primitive type than the typical working breed and have far more of an independent nature. Without plenty of mental and physical exercise they can become destructive.

The Czechoslovakian is a hardy breed with plenty of endurance and stamina. An active dog, they need plenty of vigorous exercise! Like the wolf, this breed has exceptional senses (smell, sight and hearing) and revels in activities which allow them to use these senses. For example, a long hike in a new environment is much preferred to the same old walk around the neighborhood day-in and day-out. This active dog has tons of energy and is hard to wear out, especially when in the younger years. They definitely need an active owner who can go all-out with exercise! Just throwing them in the backyard (no matter how big) and hoping they exercise themselves will not work.

Czechoslovakian Vlcaks are known as Einsteins when it comes to manipulating their environments. Many learn how to open doors (even locked doors), fridges, windows, etc. This can even extend to crates and outdoor gates, which means they can be prone to escaping (not to mention the fact that they can scale large fences and dig under them with ease). Individuals that don’t have enough to engage their minds with are more prone to these boredom-induced behaviors.

In obedience, CSVs are enthusiastic and can be quick to execute commands. They are also versatile and make great dogs for competition… for those who are experienced working with dominant breeds. That dominance combined with a tendency toward independence and stubbornness means they are not as easy to train for a novice, and they shouldn’t be owned by first-time dog owners. They must be socialized and taught early by an experienced owner. This breed is exceptionally clever but will require someone just as clever and dog-savvy to raise and train them right. They will not work for just anyone, and they will not work without the proper motivation. Patience, mutual respect and a knack for finding the right balance between structure and motivation are all required for a good outcome. Once this is reached, the breed is quite capable of great things.

Vlcaks are loyal toward their families and can make good companions in homes with children (when socialized to them). With strangers, they are far more aloof and can even remain suspicious for long lengths of time. The breed also may be prone to chasing small animals, due to a high prey drive, and must be kept on leash or in a fenced area. Furthermore, be aware that same-sex aggression is seen in the breed so keeping a number of Vlcaks of the same sex may prove problematic. Keep in mind that this is a large breed with a lot of power! While loyal to “their people”, they do require owners that can respect their size and their instincts.

Czechoslovakians are enthusiastic and vigorous in all ways, which means they can play rough and even give too tumultuous of greetings. They can also be mouthy as youngsters. For these reasons they don’t make great companions for the very young, very old, or generally frail. Training will help to an extent but will not turn them into overly gentle dogs. Owning any dog is always a commitment, but with this breed the commitment might be even higher! Keep in mind they live between 13-15 years on average.

Many owners opt for raw-feeding the Vlcak, however this is a conversation that is best had with the individual breeder. Health wise, most members of the breed don’t have large issues however breeders should be testing for hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, elbow dysplasia and eye issues. If looking for a puppy, verify these tests have been done! While not a huge problem in the United States, other countries have faced issues with irresponsible breeders of Vlcaks trying to make a quick buck off of these wolf-looking dogs.

The CSV does shed quite frequently, however beyond frequent brushing the coat is otherwise easy to take care of. Somewhat weather-resistant, mud tends to fall off of it when dry. They don’t tend to smell too “doggy”, which means that bathing can be infrequent if desired. Keep in mind that the hotter it is, the more the dog will shed while the colder it is, the longer/thicker the coat will be to take care of. When put on a schedule, however, grooming should be an easy (and not too tedious) chore.

Photo By Tesori di Carli

The Hokkaido is the last of the six Japanese hunting spitz breeds that we have profiled, and it is also the oldest. This ancestors of this ancient breed have been recorded as early as the year 300 AD! The Hokkaido is loyal to his owner and makes an excellent companion, as well as an intelligent and brave hunting dog. Although only medium-sized, he was used for hunting large game such as deer and even bear! In Japan, he was declared a living monument in 1937.

The Hokkaido was developed to live and work in very cold weather and has no problem with snow or low temperatures. He has an extraordinary stamina with a great working ability and especially enjoys pleasing his owner. If given the choice, he would prefer to be involved with the activities of “his humans”, particularly if those activities involve physical exercise. Because of his “velcro” tendencies and fondness for being around people, the breed is also unfortunately prone to separation anxiety when left alone.

Hokkaido are particularly good at solving puzzles and problems, and need to be trained from an early age to channel their thinking power into useful tasks lest they become troublesome mischief makers. Obedience training and early socialization are a must! Trainers must be adept at reading dogs and being able to tailor a training plan for each individual – the Hokkaido can be stubborn and highly independent. They are capable of reaching high levels of obedience, even doing well at the off-leash level but can be difficult for a novice.

The ever-alert Hokkaido, because of his hunting nature, might try to chase or go after smaller pets. He also tends to be same-sex aggressive with other dogs, particularly intact males. Finally, this breed can be aloof with strangers and potentially overly protective of his family if not extensively socialized. It is for these reasons that he will not fit into just any family, and isn’t especially recommended for the novice owner.

Hokkaido are an active breed and need plenty of daily exercise to keep them physically and mentally happy. This is a breed that needs a job to do in order to stay fulfilled, as well. As they are quite versatile, there are many types of jobs they can be given – anything from agility, trick dog tasks, hunting, rally, weight pull, dock diving, flyball, lure coursing to regular obedience worked into their everyday lives. They can be a rough-and-tumble breed that aren’t afraid to get dirty in their active endeavors!

The Hokkaido doesn’t tend to have a strong doggy odor, even when bathed infrequently. The harsh, double coat is designed to repel the elements (including dirt to an extent), thanks to the natural oils in their skin. They do need regular brushing to get dead undercoat out of the body but they do not require any special clipping. Never shave a Hokkaido! Doing so will ruin the coat and make them more likely to get overheated because the double coat acts as insulation to both heat and cold! Make sure to trim nails regularly. All colors of the Hokkaido (white, brindle, red, black/tan, and sesame) will shed heavily a couple times a year. This will only last a few weeks and otherwise the shedding is somewhat minimal.

Hokkaido are careful-footed around the house and not prone to accidentally breaking objects in their wake. They are, however, somewhat loud and love to hear themselves talk, howl and grumble about all sorts of things. They will try to carry on conversations with you, either to protest an injustice or just to welcome you home… for an extended period of time. They also are prone to escape-artist antics, digging in the yard, inappropriate chewing and/or eating things that shouldn’t be eaten (known as pica). Be forewarned! Some of these bad habits can be trained away, while others may be harder to break. Pica, in particular, is known to be genetic. Some Hokkaido are also slow to housebreak. Be prepared for all of this before bringing a puppy home, if interested in this breed! Despite their setbacks, in the right home they are loyal albeit independent companions that have already earned a devoted following in Japan.

Photo By Magdalena Niemiec

The Eurasier is a relatively new breed, having only been created about 50 years ago in Germany. The Chow Chow,  Keeshond and Samoyed all went into the creation of the breed, in order to develop dogs with excellent temperaments for family-living. The result was this medium-sized, double coated spitz breed with an even-tempered and loyal personality. In their home country, there are strict breeding practices to ensure that the breed is kept healthy and temperamentally sound. Health problems are minimal and the breed lives an average of 14 years.

In the home, the Eurasier should be kept as an indoor dog as he becomes quite bonded to his family. While he doesn’t necessarily have to be “in the thick of everything”, he does enjoy being in close proximity to his humans and joining them in activities when allowed. He gets along well with children, other dogs and cats although should be socialized while still a puppy for best results. With other dogs in particular, he is non-confrontational and not prone to fighting, even if another dog starts something. Gentle even with small pets, most don’t have a strong prey drive and are not prone to chasing. A Eurasier with the proper temperament should not be easy to provoke, which means this is not a guard dog. He may or may not be a suitable watchdog as he doesn’t tend to bark very often, although will bark or growl when he believes it is necessary. With strangers, he tends to be aloof until he gets to know the person.

The Eurasier does need daily exercise in the form of walks and/or vigorous play with other well-socialized dogs. A day swimming and running on the beach is another enjoyable activity, as is an off-leash romp or hike (once trained). As long as he is given fun activities daily he is calm and easy to handle once he comes back inside – but this is an active breed while outdoors and not a lazy bum, meaning that he needs an owner that can handle his outside exuberance!

The Eurasier also needs regular grooming, particularly a good brushing at least once a week. During shedding seasons (twice a year), grooming frequency will become once a day. The coat (which comes in a multitude of colors) is his crown glory and does require care to stay nice. It’s also worth noting that Eurasiers which have been spayed or neutered will develop coats that are harder to care for, which is something to keep in mind. Baths can be somewhat infrequent as the coat doesn’t tend to get too smelly, unless the owner desires him to stay extra clean.

Eurasiers are intelligent, and although they were bred to be companion animals and not working dogs, most are generally easy to train. Although they don’t have quite the same drive as breeds which were created to work all day, they have an almost endless desire to please their owners! With proper motivation they can learn and enjoy activities such as obedience or agility. This breed is also a natural therapy dog and with a bit of basic training, can excel in the therapy route! Use lots of consistency and encouragement when training a Eurasier, they can be sensitive.

The Eurasier should never be aggressive or timid, and instead should always display a confident (yet relaxed) demeanor. This said, the sensitive nature of the breed means that they don’t do well in homes with lots of shouting or fighting. They also don’t do well in homes in which the owner is often gone as many suffer from separation anxiety. Even those left home alone in the backyard can be prone to escaping due to distress!

In the United States, one must be prepared to wait for a Eurasier once they have decided this is the breed for them – it is still a rare breed! The wait is worth it, however. Eurasiers are adaptable to many different living situations and can do just as well in an apartment as on a sprawling ranch. Indoors they are calm, well-behaved and affectionate. Even in small homes, they don’t tend to be destructive and will even watch their steps to avoid toppling over belongings (young puppies excluded, of course). They are independent enough to keep them from being overly needy, although are always ready to play and spend time with their families.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

The Yakutian Laika was created in the harsh climates of Siberia where only the strong would survive. This medium-sized spitz is a multi-purpose dog used for sled pulling, herding and hunting. As such, today he is a versatile breed who enjoys numerous outdoor activities with his owner! The breed is clever, lively and affectionate – an excellent companion for active people and/or families. When raised with children, he is superb with them and can be very gentle.

The Yakutian can make a good watchdog as he will alert to the presence of strangers on the property, however he is not suited to guard dog work. Although slightly reserved around strangers initially, he enjoys making friends and is simply too friendly to be any real threat. Any type of aggression is extremely rare in this breed. He also gets along very well with other dogs, particularly those in his own household (no surprise there, as he would often work on sled dog teams). His friendliness doesn’t always extend to other species, however. The hunting background can make some individuals iffy around cats and other small animals. When raised with an indoor-only cat, it is possible for the Yakutian to accept his feline housemate but this does depend on the particular dog.

Yakutian Laikas do shed seasonally, and during this time the shedding can be quite extreme! Owners must make sure to brush very frequently during these time periods – as often as every day. Other than this, the breed doesn’t require any special trimming other than neatening up underneath the feet. Nail care, ear care, and the occasional bath are also necessary procedures, and it should be noted that Yakutians aren’t noted to have an excessive odor.

Yakutians, like all other sledding breeds, have a lot of energy that must be mitigated through daily exercise. For owners that don’t live in snowy regions, this breed enjoys sled-like experiences such as bikejoring (running in front of a bicycle) or even pulling a dog-powered cart. Obviously, those that do live in the snow are happiest when pulling an actual sled or participating in skijoring (running while towing a person on skis)! As might be imagined, this is an endurance dog and needs the types of exercise that reflect this. A walk around the neighborhood is not enough.

The Yakutian Laika must live inside the home or with a family who can spend plenty of time outside with the dog. This is a very social and faithful breed that was raised with the family and never expected to spend long periods of time alone. They enjoy playing, whether it be in a game of fetch, a romp around the yard or a hiking adventure with their people – they want to be active with you! When living with a family, they tend to pick a favorite person and this favorite often is the person who spends the most time with the dog.

Yakutians are smart people-pleasures that learn very new commands very quickly. This said, they have a stubborn streak! Although they do enjoy training when it’s on their terms (which is why they can learn quickly), once they become bored or during the corrective phases of training tend to show their stubborn sides. Although intelligent, they can be independent and want to do things their own way rather than yours. They respond more favorably to positive methods of training, however corrections are a necessary aspect of training. Be mindful and always fair with corrections (these submissive dogs don’t require a lot), and guide the dog towards your goals while keeping in mind his individual temperament!

Photo By Yras

The Korean Jindo Dog originated from Korea thousands of years ago. They developed naturally alongside humans and were known for their hunting abilities of boar, deer and smaller prey. Along with their sharp hunting instincts, they were also kept around for their protective instincts and abilities as companion dogs. This is a medium sized spitz-type breed that shares many of the same traits as other spitz dogs, including an aloof nature around strangers and a fondness for being clean. They are also fairly quiet in the home and will usually only bark if someone comes to the door. In Korea, they are considered a National Treasure.

The Jindo can be a territorial creature and may try to escape his yard in order to “expand his territory”. He is also naturally protective and quick to defend the home if he feels he needs to (sometimes a bit too quickly). Responsible owners should have secure fencing in place before acquiring this breed. In the home, he tends to housebreak quickly and is an unassuming/calm/clean house dog – particularly when he is the only dog. Many members of the breed have same-sex aggression issues as well as being iffy toward other dominant dogs in the household, so some owners find it easier to only have own Jindo at a time. When out and about, the dog may be less territorial/aggressive toward strange dogs as long as they keep their distance and remain polite.

The Jindo develops a strong bond with his owner, to the extent that if he needs to be re-homed it can be difficult. This bond may extend to animal members of the family as well… but many prefer humans over other pets due to their selective nature toward other dogs and high prey drives toward small animals (cats are ok with some dogs and a no-go with others). He can be untrusting towards strangers as well, even being difficult to board or having a pet sitter come over – so it is highly recommended that he be socialized early so family vacations without the dog can happen smoothly!

Jindos aren’t the most reliable of breeds to train for obedience due to their highly independent natures, however they can learn quickly as long as they like the trainer. Learning a command and performing a command reliably are two very different animals however… an owner or trainer must put in a lot of time, working the dog under distractions to increase reliability. This intelligent breed is very in-tune with hierarchy of “the pack” (ie – your family) and will claim top position if nobody else does. Obedience training is a big part of taking control of that situation so that the dog does not. Take note that the Jindo is an excellent problem solver and can be trained easily to learn dog puzzles and other canine games!

The Jindo is a double-coated breed and as such, does shed twice a year. Aside from that, the coat tends to repel dirt and is generally not smelly, so overall doesn’t require a ton of care other than a weekly brushing and occasional bath (although shedding season will require a bit more of both). In addition, Jindos enjoy being around their people and will follow them from room to room without getting too underfoot/in the way. They tend to be very polite and watchful little shadows who rarely get into things they shouldn’t (counter surfing, trash-raiding or other destructive endeavors). They are easy keepers when their needs have been met!

Jindos can do OK in an apartment setting as long as they are given plenty of exercise. This said, although the breed is normally quiet, they are more likely to bark when they hear or see other people – which is often more of an issue in an apartment. This could potentially cause problems in a busy, bustling apartment building. The exercise the breed requires in a house setting can be above average for this high energy dog, so be prepared to put in even more work if you live in a small apartment or condo! Ideally the Jindo is taken out several times a day for long walks and/or other physical activities. Members of the breed have gotten involved activities ranging from conformation, temperament testing, canine good citizen, coursing, barn hunt and agility… and some have even joined sled dog teams! They are excited to be given jobs which exercise both their minds and bodies.

When raised around children, the Jindo can get along fine with them as long as the kids have been taught how to behave. Remember that this is a bold breed that will put someone in place who they feel is being rude – kids included. This is not to say the breed is needlessly aggressive but they will stick up for themselves if they feel they need to! While most don’t have the typical friendly temperament of a Lab or similar breed, they can learn to live with and even bond with a polite child. Some don’t like strange kids, however and may take issue when a new kid comes over to play. Prospective owners must fully evaluate their lifestyle in order to decide if this is the breed for them.

Photo by Hairwizard91 at English Wikipedia

The Shikoku is another one of Japan’s six hunting spitz breeds, and one of the rarest. While they can make great companions in the right home, it is important to remember that this dog is a working breed that still retains a strong hunting instinct. Shikokus are curious by nature and likely to blow their owner off when exploring. If they are off-leash and catch the sight or scent of a prey animal, they will think nothing of leaving the human in their dust! They cannot be trusted off-leash without very extensive training (even then, they may not be reliable). Like several of their close relatives, they are courageous (sometimes too much for their own good) and can be hard to handle for novice owners.

The Shikoku is a very independent thinker and can be more difficult to train than other dogs. The catch-22 is that they must have regular training in order to keep their minds active and keep them out of trouble. An untrained Shikoku can be destructive and extremely frustrating to live with so obedience is a must-do, but an owner must be prepared to put in more work than with less independent breeds. Along with obedience training, it is highly recommended to crate train puppies early so they are less likely to get into things while unsupervised. When it comes to training style, although the breed is tough in general, they will shut down if methods are too rough. Be firm but fair and don’t employ overly-harsh corrections unless you’re willing to work through the consequences.

The Shikoku has a ton of excess energy that needs to be burned off daily, and they do require quite a bit more than many other breeds. Two separate hour-long walks in addition to running time in a fenced yard is often necessary. While out walking, some will act aloof towards strangers while others can be overly friendly – it all depends on the individual dog. Most will bark to alert you if they consider someone to be particularly suspicious. This said, this is not a guard dog and shouldn’t be counted on to protect the home or person.

Many Shikoku are quite vocal and those vocalizations often have a “growly” aspect to them. This is normal for the breed but can scare unsuspecting guests (and other dogs). They are not the best candidates for dog parks as the noise can spur on fights (whether or not that was their intention). They are also known for being mouthy and nibbly with their owners – thinking nothing of gnawing on an arm or pant-leg when excited. It is recommended to put a stop to this behavior early on – although take note this ingrained behavior can take a while to break completely.

While the Shikoku was originally bred to hunt in small packs of 3-5 dogs, they act very differently toward a dog whom they were raised with vs. a strange dog. They are prone to barrier reactivity and can also be unforgiving towards rude dogs. They tend to take social rules very seriously and will think nothing of putting a dog in check whom they feel has broken a rule. Many are selective about which dogs they like… and which dogs they really don’t like at all, and will be obvious about it! With all of this said, it may be surprising to learn that this breed is actually very social and many do prefer to live with other dogs – or at least play with them regularly. Play sessions should always be supervised and dog buddies should be carefully chosen, in addition to the Shikoku having had plenty of socializing time when he was a puppy.

The Shikoku needs to live as an indoor dog with the family or they will become depressed. They are not a velcro breed that follows their owner around, however they enjoy their time spent with their people. They are OK living with a single person or a family – they tend to bond with as many or as few people as live in the home. They will express this bond in subtle ways, however. They are not one to get overly enthusiastic every time their owner comes back into the room as other breeds do.

Shikokus mature late and tend to be wild and hyper for the first 2-3 years, but they will eventually calm down with age – provided they are given exercise and training. Prospective owners must consider whether this kind of commitment is something that they can handle! Another thing to think about is that the breed does shed profusely a couple times a year, leading to the dog needing to be brushed up to twice a day for a two-three week shedding period. Thankfully, aside from shedding seasons the coat-loss isn’t too bad, and they tend to keep themselves fairly clean as well.