Yakutian Laika

雅庫特萊卡犬

MediumWorkingDouble coatOver 90 min/day

Updated 2026-09-09

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At a glance

The Yakutian Laika is an ancient Arctic sled, hunting and reindeer-herding dog of the Sakha people of north-east Siberia — the first people known to have used dogs to pull sleds — shaped by folk selection in one of the harshest climates on earth. The FCI standard describes a bold, lively, close-to-man, friendly, sociable and energetic dog; the AKC adds that human aggression was meticulously bred out, that it is extremely gentle with children, slightly reserved with strangers but usually excited to make a new friend, accepting of familiar dogs, and that it keeps a real prey drive. It is not a dog for people who cannot spend time with it, it thrives on running beside a bike or pulling a rig, and breeders screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat and eye anomalies.

Facts

Size	Medium
Height	53–59cm
Weight	18–25kg
Life expectancy	10–12years
Breed group	AKC: miscellaneous FCI: 5
Role	Working
Coat	Double coat
Shedding	4/ 5
Exercise	90–180min/day
Can be left alone	up to 3 hours
Companionship need	5/ 5
Trainability	3/ 5
Barking	4/ 5
Good with children	5/ 5
Good with other dogs	4/ 5
Heat tolerance	2/ 5
Cold tolerance	5/ 5

Health

This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.

Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.

Hip dysplasia

The AKC says the Yakutian Laika is a hardy breed and that, to keep it that way, responsible breeders check for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat and certain eye anomalies. Ask your breeder for the parents' hip results and your vet about hip screening.

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Elbow dysplasia

Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.

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Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)

Deep-chested dogs of this breed are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency. Ask your vet about the warning signs and prevention options.

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Inherited eye conditions

The AKC lists certain eye anomalies among the conditions responsible breeders check for in the breed. Ask your vet about eye screening.

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Behaviour

Bold, lively, close to man — and gentle with children

The FCI standard describes the Yakutian Laika as a bold, lively, close-to-man, friendly, sociable and energetic dog whose coat must be sufficient for living and working in severe Arctic conditions. The AKC says that for centuries it was treated as a member of its human family, so it became a devoted, lively and biddable companion, extremely gentle and considerate with children; human aggression was meticulously eliminated, so although it is a capable watchdog — barking mostly to announce a possible new acquaintance — it will most likely fail as a guardian. Having pulled sleds alongside dozens of other dogs it is quite accepting of dogs it knows, but it keeps much of its prey drive, so contact with small animals should never go unsupervised.

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Run it, brush it, and earn its trust

The AKC calls it a medium-high-energy sled dog with a well-defined prey drive that loves to run beside a bike, do sled or rig running or play fetch, is wary of strange dogs and people but usually warms up quickly, and is not suitable for people who cannot spend time with their dog. Training is pleasant and easy thanks to its biddable nature and keen intelligence, but it has a strong inclination to independent thinking and will not follow orders until it fully trusts the handler; it seeks leadership yet does not respond well to corrective techniques, working most eagerly for positive reinforcement and treats. The thick double coat sheds seasonally and can get out of control without weekly brushing (daily when blowing coat); the Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at more than two hours a day.

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Temperament

The AKC summarises the breed's temperament as "intelligent / active / affectionate".

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Energy and exercise

Energy level is rated 5/5 (very high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".

[1] [3]

Training and barking

AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.

[1]

Official guidance

Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.

AKC

American Kennel Club — Yakutian Laika

Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.

Read the source

Accessed 2026-09-09

CKC

Canadian Kennel Club — Yakutian Laika (Working Dogs)

Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.

Read the source

Accessed 2026-09-09

The Royal Kennel Club — Yakutian Laika Imp

Breed characteristics (size medium-large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan over 10 years).