The West Siberian Laika originally comes from the North Ural and West Siberia. The current breed was developed from two different types. The breed is lighter in build and narrower in head than the East Siberian Laika. It is an all around hunting dog, used on birds and small game and also occasionally on large game. The West Siberian Laika was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1996.