Yakutian LaikaCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says it is an ancient breed, developed naturally by the indigenous peoples of north-eastern Russia for sledding and hunting. The first records of dogs in the region date from 1633. The first published account, “How the Yakuts travel in winter”, appears in Nicolaes Witsen's book “Northern and Eastern Tartary” (Amsterdam, 1692), and in 1843 the Yakutian Laika was described as “a dog of a distinct breed”.

In 1856, the “Statistical Tables of the Russian Empire” counted 15,157 dogs used for sledding in the Yakutia region. The first standard for the north-eastern sled dog was adopted in 1958 and formed the basis of the Yakutian Laika standard, published in 2005 by the Russian Kynological Federation.

How the breed developed

• About 8,000 years ago – Dogs are used for sledding and hunting in the region.
• 1692 – The first published account, in Amsterdam.
• 1856 – 15,157 sled dogs in Yakutia.
• 2005 – The breed standard is published by the Russian Kynological Federation.
• 2019 – The current FCI standard.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a medium to large Nordic dog, with a wedge-shaped, moderately pointed head and a large black or brown nose. The AKC says its talent for pulling a sled is innate and needs little training.

General appearance

The coat is thick, glossy, straight and harsh, of medium length, with a very well-developed undercoat. It forms a mane around the neck, especially in males, and thick feathering on the back of the legs.

The standard accepts white with patches of any kind, bicolour or tricolour.

The standard describes it as bold, lively, people-oriented, friendly, sociable and energetic. The AKC says training is fairly easy thanks to its intelligence and willing nature, but it has a strong tendency to think for itself and will only obey if it fully trusts its owner.

The AKC adds that it is slightly reserved with strangers, but most of the time happy to make a new playmate; aggression towards people has been carefully bred out.

Tips for effective training

• Earn its trust. Otherwise it will not obey.
• Use rewards. It learns easily.
• Give it a job. It loves pulling a sled.
• Keep it on a lead. It has a prey drive.

The AKC says it is a sled dog with a clear prey drive that thrives on regular exercise and enough training: running alongside a bicycle, pulling a sled or harness, playing fetch in the yard.

Tips for a balanced life

• Suited to very active owners.
• Brush it daily when it sheds.
• It copes very well with cold.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it sheds seasonally, and without regular brushing the hair can get out of hand. It should be brushed weekly with a pin brush and a metal comb, and daily during the shedding season.

Common health problems

No health studies have been published for the breed and no specific diseases are known. As with any large, active dog, it is worth watching out for:

Other care

• Ask for the parents' hip tests.
• Keep it away from great heat.
• Go for yearly check-ups.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Adjust the portion to its level of effort.
• Do not let it run straight after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• 8,000 years of sledding. Archaeology shows sled dogs that old in the region.
• 15,157 dogs. That is how many were counted in Yakutia in 1856.
• No aggression. Aggression towards people has been bred out.
• A born sled dog. It needs little training for it.
• A member of the family. The AKC says it was treated as a member of the family.

What colours does it come in?

White with patches, bicolour or tricolour.

Is it good with children?

Yes; the AKC gives it the top score.

Does it need a lot of exercise?

Yes, a great deal.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–12 years.