Yakutian Laika
Also known as Laïka de Yakoutie, Yakutskaya Laika
- Height at the withers
- 53 to 59 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Russia
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A sturdy, compact, medium-sized northern spitz, the Yakutian Laika has a thick white coat patched with black, gray or fawn, and often blue or odd-colored eyes. Bold, lively and very people-oriented, it is friendly with everyone and especially gentle with children. Versatile by nature, it has worked as a sled dog, a hunting dog and a guardian of reindeer herds in eastern Siberia.
History and origins
This native dog of Yakutia (the Sakha Republic), in northeastern Siberia, has accompanied the peoples of the Far North for centuries, pulling sleds, hunting and guarding reindeer herds. The first written mentions date back to the 17th century, and a first standard was drawn up in 1958. Threatened in the 20th century by the mechanization of transport and by crossbreeding, the breed was revived by Russian breeders, then given a standard in 2005 by the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF). The FCI provisionally recognized it in 2019 (no. 365); in France, its success has been rapid, with 481 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Congenital deafness (very white dogs with blue eyes)
- Inherited eye disorders
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Very heavy shedding, average coat care. Coat colors: white, white and black, white and gray, white and fawn, white and brown, tricolor.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Yakutian Laika FAQ
How big does the Yakutian Laika get?
The Yakutian Laika stands 53 to 59 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 25 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Yakutian Laika shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Yakutian Laika live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Yakutian Laika need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Yakutian Laika good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Yakutian Laika live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as congenital deafness.
