Pet Wiki

Yakutian Laika

Also called Yakutskaya Laika, Yakut Laika, Kolyma-Indigirka Laika, Laïka de Iakoutie

An upbeat, energetic dog that likes to stay close to its people and is open and friendly with them.

SizeMedium
Height53 to 59 cm (21 to 23 in)males 55 to 59 cm, females 53 to 57 cm12
Lifespan10 to 12 years2
CoatThick straight double coat with dense undercoat
OriginRussian Federation: Yakutia (Sakha Republic), northeastern Siberia.34
GroupFCI group 5
Provisionally recognisedShort profile
bold and lively
friendly and sociable with people
hardy and full of stamina
14

Personality what they are like

An upbeat, energetic dog that likes to stay close to its people and is open and friendly with them. It is brave and capable, with the endurance of a true sled dog, and can be very bouncy in play.124

Coat and looks how to spot one

thick straight double coat with dense undercoat

A strong, compact, muscular spitz of medium size, 10-15% longer than tall. Its glossy, straight outer coat sits over a heavy undercoat, with a mane around the neck (fuller in males) and feathering on the hind legs and tail. Eyes may be dark brown, blue or one of each.12

Colourswhite with patches (bicolour)white with patches (tricolour)14

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Yakutian Laika. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Needs daily exercise and ideally a secure, fenced area to run; it can take part in sledding, herding, coursing and agility.25

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Comb and brush the thick coat weekly, and more thoroughly during the one or two heavy moults each year; dry the dense undercoat well after a bath.2

Home where they are happiest

Needs a well-fenced garden; copes easily with very cold climates.24

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and sociable; supervise play with young children because of its exuberance.12

The story where it all began

The peoples of northeastern Siberia have used dogs like this for sledding and hunting for thousands of years, and written records go back to 1633. Mechanisation reduced their numbers in the 20th century, and breeders then revived the breed, which the FCI accepted provisionally in 2019.143

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Sled-harness remains from the region are around 8,000 years old.1

  2. 2

    One of the earliest written accounts of the breed appears in Nicolaes Witsen's 1692 book Northern and Eastern Tartary.1

  3. 3

    Blue eyes, brown eyes and odd eyes are all accepted in the standard.1

  4. 4

    Two Yakutian Laikas were cloned in 2017 to help preserve the breed, and one later fathered a litter of seven puppies.4

  5. 5

    Its traditional jobs cover herding, pulling sleds and hunting.5

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Yakutia region of Northeastern Russia, the native homeland of the Sakha people who developed the dog. The term 'Laika' is a Russian word for a type of northern spitz dog that barks (the verb 'layat' means to bark).6

Name ideas for your new friend

LenaSiberKaiNikaBlizzardYukiTundraMishaSnowZimaRexAurora

A day in the life told by a Yakutian Laika

I woke to the crunch of frost and bounced out of my bed. My human harnessed me, and we dashed across the snow. I love pulling, my legs fly, and the sled glides behind. After the run, I played fetch with a stick, leaping high. Inside, I curled next to my human's feet, warm and content. In the afternoon I barked at a bird, then napped. Evening came with more play and a snuggle. I am a happy, busy dog.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 365, Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 1 Nordic Sledge Dogs, with working trial; provisional acceptance 4 Sept 2019.3
AKC
Foundation Stock Service from 2017; moved to the Miscellaneous Class in 2024.4
Dogs Victoria (ANKC)
Utility Group (Group 6).2
Russian Kennel Federation
Recognised national breed.4

How many 30004

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Yakutian Laika, and at what times?

Feed your adult Yakutian Laika at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. This matches their natural hunger cycle and helps prevent bloat. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.7

What should a Yakutian Laika eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, these are especially toxic to dogs. Always avoid giving them human treats like these.8

How often should I bathe a Yakutian Laika?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get very dirty. Be sure to dry the dense undercoat thoroughly after a bath to prevent skin issues.2 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Yakutian Laika need brushing?

Brush your Yakutian Laika weekly with a comb and brush, and daily during their one or two heavy moults each year. This keeps their thick double coat healthy and reduces shedding.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Yakutian Laika's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside) to avoid pain and bleeding.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Yakutian Laika need?

This breed has high activity needs and requires daily exercise, ideally in a secure, fenced area where they can run. They enjoy sledding, herding, coursing, and agility, so keep them busy and active.25

How do I look after a Yakutian Laika's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Yakutian Laika live?

Yakutian Laikas typically live between 10 and 12 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a full lifespan.2

Is a Yakutian Laika good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are very people-oriented and sociable, making them great family dogs. Supervise play with young children due to their exuberant, bouncy nature, and they usually get along well with other pets when properly socialized.12

Can a Yakutian Laika be left alone?

This breed is very people-oriented and likes to stay close to its family, so they may not do well left alone for long periods. If you must leave them, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand, and consider a pet sitter.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 365 Yakutian Laika fci.beused for history, size, coat, colours, eyes, temperament, fun facts
  2. Dogs Victoria - Yakutian Laika dogsvictoria.org.auused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, habitat, group
  3. FCI nomenclature: Yakutian Laika fci.beused for recognition, group
  4. Yakutian Laika - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, AKC status, history, population, fun fact
  5. AKC - Yakutian Laika akc.orgused for uses, activities
  6. akc.org akc.org
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.