A Russian census recorded 15.157 dogs in the Yakutsk region in 1856, all working in sled teams. For people in the far north, they were draught animals, hunting helpers, watchdogs and reindeer herders alike. These working dogs gave rise to the Yakutian Laika (Yakutskaya Laika).
| FCI | Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 1 Nordic Sledge Dogs, Standard No. 365, with working trial, provisionally recognised |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Russia |
| Size (height at the withers) | Males 55 to 59 cm, females 53 to 57 cm |
| Weight | not specified in the FCI standard |
| Life expectancy | no reliable study figure found (N/A) |
| Coat | thick, glossy, straight and harsh, medium length, with very dense, thick undercoat; mane around the neck, feathering on the legs, bushy tail |
| Colours in the standard | white and any patches, two or three colours; any solid colour other than white disqualifies |
Eight thousand years pulling sleds
According to the standard, archaeological finds show that people in north-eastern Russia used dogs for hunting and pulling sleds as far back as 8000 years ago. Yakutian dogs first appear in writing in 1692, in a book by the Dutchman Nicolaes Witsen, in the chapter on how the Yakuts travel in winter. The first description as a distinct breed followed in 1843. The first standard for the north-eastern sled dog appeared in 1958; the Russian canine federation established the present one in 2005.
Blue, brown or different-coloured eyes
Medium-sized, strong, compact and well muscled, yet slightly longer than tall: that is the standard’s description. Eyes may be dark brown, blue or different colours; blue segments in a brown iris are also allowed. Ears are erect or semi-erect, and the tail rests on the back in a semicircle. Males look distinctly stronger than females.
Fearless and people-oriented
Fearless, lively, obedient, sociable and energetic, with a clear affinity for people: its temperament sounds like a dog that wants to work with you. Its history still brings a hunting instinct, so keep an eye on cats and wildlife.
Provisionally recognised, with a working trial
The FCI provisionally accepted it on 04.09.2019. Until definitive recognition, it awards no CACIB to the breed, although World and Section Winner titles are possible and pedigrees carry the FCI logo. The FCI nomenclature also requires a working trial.
Trotting and galloping belong in daily life
The standard describes brisk trotting and galloping as typical. A little walk is not enough: plan long, brisk outings daily and give it work, such as canicross, bikejoring, dog-powered sports or long hikes. In hot weather, move training to cooler hours, as its coat is made for Arctic winters.
Undercoat in abundance
The very dense undercoat sheds heavily during moulting. Daily brushing with an undercoat comb helps then; once a week suffices otherwise. Do not clip it, as the outer coat is part of its weather protection.
Health: data are lacking
The breed is absent from the large British lifespan analysis (McMillan et al. 2024), and a Europe PMC search returned only behavioural studies, with no disease or lifespan data. We therefore give no figures. Ask breeders about hip and eye examinations for both parents.
Who suits this dog
It suits sporty people and families who spend plenty of time outdoors, enjoy dog-powered sports and take grooming in their stride. Life becomes difficult in a small city flat without time for exercise, or with people who cannot bear hair in the house. To compare related breeds, look at the Samoyed and Siberian Husky entries.
To check whether a sled dog with such a need for exercise fits your life, try the breed quiz or explore the question in more detail in our book “Welcher Hund passt WIRKLICH zu dir?” (book in German). If a puppy is joining you, the free Puppy Starter Pack gives you a plan. And to turn your bright-eyed Laika into artwork, explore our dog portraits from your own photo or a magazine cover on canvas.
Further reading
- Siberian Husky: why so many end up in shelters at two years old
- Autumn shedding in dogs and cats: what is normal and what is not
- How much sleep a puppy needs
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: FCI-Standard Nr. 365 Yakutskaya Laika (Jakutische Laika) (fci.be, German version dated 23.06.2020, English version dated 26.09.2019, valid standard published 04.09.2019); FCI breed page No. 365 and FCI page on provisionally recognised breeds; McMillan KM et al., Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death, Scientific Reports 2024 (breed not included).
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