Yakutian Laika Dog Breed Information

Group

Miscellaneous Class

Weight

18-25 kg

Height

53-84 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

Jump To

About the Yakutian Laika

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you have always loved the Siberian Husky, then be prepared to fall head over heels in total infatuation with the Yakutian Laika.

One of the oldest and rarest breeds on the Earth, these dogs (along with vodka) are easily among the best things to ever come out of Russia.

Their black and white coat as a backdrop for their icy blue eyes is just part of what makes them such an appealing breed.

What is the history & origin of the Yakutian Laika?

The Yakutian Laika breed is an ancient dog breed, but today’s dog is actually relatively new.

This ancient breed of sled dog originates in the Yakutia region of Russia like other breeds of northeastern sled dogs.

However, the Yakutian Laika was not bred solely as a sled dog. These were multi-purpose working dogs. The Yakutian Laika were used as sled dogs, to herd reindeer, as hunting dogs, as draft animals, and as family pets.

It is believed that the Yakutian natives were the first in history to use dogs to pull sleds, so Yakutian Laikas are possibly the first breed of sled dog in the history of the world.

What is a Yakutian Laika breed?

This is a rare breed and for most of this breed’s existence, it was not an internationally recognized breed by prominent clubs like the American Kennel Club.

It has faced near extinction on several occasions throughout history and several revitalization programs have saved it. The most recent was in 1998, which proved to be an incredible success.

Today, this ancient breed thrives again and has finally found its place in the world.

Since 2004, Yakutian Laikas are registered with international breed clubs including the American Kennel Club, the AKC’s foundation stock service and the Russian Kynological Federation.

Who is a Yakutian Laika best for?

Well, if you happen to own reindeer, they’re very good at reindeer herding and they’re expert sled dogs. If you like to hunt, they make a good hunting dog. They are a very versatile and adaptable breed.

They are good for families including those with small children and other larger pets. However, other breeds make more suitable options for families that have cats or have never owned a dog before.

These dogs are not apartment dwellers, yet while they would prefer rural living, they’ll be OK in an urban setting as long as you have access to the outdoor space this breed needs. This is not a dog you can expect to crate train.

Yakutian Laika Grooming & Shedding

Yakutian Laikas should not be considered a low maintenance dog and at certain times can be as high maintenance as long-haired breeds.

They have a thick double coat of medium length. The good news is that their coat naturally repels dirt, and you can get by with a grooming routine of 2 to 3-week intervals.

The bad news is that Yakutian Laikas are both shedders and droolers.

So, during shedding season, you will need to brush them daily. Their drooling might mean that you find yourself needing to wash things constantly.

Keeping their ears and teeth clean is very important. As with most outdoor dogs, things that have no business being there tend to get into both those areas so you must pay close attention to keep your dog safe and healthy.

Do Yakutian Laikas bark a lot?

These dogs are not excessively chatty. They can be talkative, but not the ‘nagging’ kind of talkative that is disruptive.

Their name ‘Laika’ is Russian for ‘bark’, so let’s just say that they have a moderate barking level.

What is the average weight & height of a Yakutian Laika?

Yakutian Laikas don’t differ much from other dogs. The dog’s weight and height are very much standard.

This breed averages between 53.3 and 84 cm. In terms of weight, this breed averages between 18 and 25 kgs.

With that said, males are much stronger and more powerful than females in this breed, like many others.

Are Yakutian Laikas easy to train?

These are very easy to train dogs and dog training is actually a very important part of their lives. This is a versatile dog with lots of intelligence. A Yakutian Laika not only makes a good working dog but is a good breed for dog sports as well.

You should definitely get them involved in elementary obedience training as puppies. They respond best to positive reinforcement and only may have an issue during corrective training techniques as, like most dogs, they don’t like being told they’re wrong.

Do you know how many cat breeds are called dog-like? This is where we can say, the Yakutian Laika is cat-like.

How do Yakutian Laikas behave? A look at their temperament and personality

These dogs have many positive traits. They typically have a medium-high energy level and are rather intelligent. They make great family-friendly pets and are eager to please. They are both sociable and deeply loyal dogs, who are often very protective of their owners. As a result, they make great guard dogs. They are also good at being around other dogs, as they are playful and rather adaptable as a breed.

Some other traits to be aware which might be less desirable is that their hunting background means they have a high prey drive, they are relatively high maintenance and cannot tolerate hot weather very well due to their thick downy undercoat. Whilst they are not one of the noisiest dog breeds, if you are looking for a quiet breed you might want to avoid the Yakutian Laika.

Yakutian Laikas are very good around children and other dogs, but due to their high prey drive, they are not a great addition to a family with cats or other small pets.

Does the Yakutian Laika have any common health issues?

The Yakutian Laika breed is a relatively healthy, very hardy breed.

The only health issues that have been found are:

Bloat: This is a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition that affects the hip joint, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint and can cause pain and reduced mobility.
Eye Problems: Various eye conditions may occur, affecting vision and overall eye health.

Healthy breeding practices are the biggest factor involved in determining health, which is why it is imperative to get your dog from a reputable breeder.

What is the lifespan of a Yakutian Laika?

These woofers have the average life span as other dogs. You can expect your Yakutian Laika to live between 10 to 12 human years.

How much does a Yakutian Laika need to be fed?

This breed requires high-quality dog food designed for high-energy dogs.

It should consist of quality protein and good carbohydrates. Also, it’s very important to ensure that you are maintaining their diet and the amount that they eat in direct connection with their weight, age, activity level, health needs, and any other factors the breeder or vet has stated. Ideally, you should divide their food into two meals per day.

As noted above, bloat can be an issue with this breed, and it can be fatal. To help remedy this, you should help your Yakutian Laika to completely relax both before and after meals.

How much can you expect to pay for a Yakutian Laika in Australia?

As always, we suggest that you begin your search with animal shelters in an attempt to adopt a rescue dog. However, as this dog is not a very popular breed that many people know about, it is more likely that you will need to find responsible breeders through a national breed club.

Breeders’ costs will vary and depend upon many factors, including where you live. But, on average, you should expect Yakutian Laika puppies to cost between $1,200 and $1,400.

Yakutian Laika FAQs

Are Yakutian Laika dogs aggressive?

The interesting thing about these dogs is that they make good watchdogs, but poor guard dogs. There is some truth to the fact that they do have an aggressive side. But, their aggression is more about a lack of familiarity than violence. They simply do not trust strangers right away. In truth, they are friendly woofers.

How can I tell if my dog is a Yakutian Laika?

This breed is particularly tough, as well as athletic and muscular. After all, they are sled dogs, and can you imagine what sort of workout that is? One of their signature traits is their tail. It’s very fluffy and typically circles back towards their head in a semi-circle style. However, the only conclusive way to know you have a Yakutian Laika is with a DNA test.

Do Yakutian Laika dogs get along with cats?

While these dogs are very good with children, they are not the best fit in families that have cats or other small animals as pets. These dogs are hunters, but not just any sort of hunter. Their prey drive is very high and is very much a part of their DNA. So, we do not recommend keeping cats in a household with a Yakutian Laika.