Yakutian laikas are a very powerful working dog breed, which is used for herding reindeer. Yakutian Laika’s were originally Siberian dogs and from the Far East of Russia. They resemble husky to some extent and they have a thick coat of fur which is able to withstand the coldest winters. Yakutian Laika’s are also known for their incredible tracking abilities, as they can follow a scent over great distances. They make excellent family pets and are very versatile dogs. Here’s more information about this unique breed.

In this article you will read about
1 History of Yakutian Laikas
2 Appearance and Dog Breed Characteristics
3 Maintenance and Grooming
3.1 Activity Level
4 Temperament and Personality
4.1 Yakutian Laikas: Excellent Watchdogs
5 Health
5.1 Health Care
6 For Whom?
6.1 Are Yakutian Laikas Good with Children?
7 Yakutian Laika Puppies Price
8 Trivia

History of Yakutian Laikas

The term laika refers to a type of Russian dog that is in type of Spitz. Yakutian Laikas are considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. It is believed that Yakutian Laikas have ancient origins and were developed by native Yakuts. The dog’s ancestors were used for hunting mammals and birds, herding livestock and hauling game back to camp. The evidence of Yakutian Laika’s ancestors can be traced back over 12000 years back. The breed population declined in 1940-1990, but Yakutian Laikas are now making a comeback. They are known to be working dogs and are well adapted to harsh climates.

Appearance and Dog Breed Characteristics

The Yakutian Laika is a medium-sized, spitz-type dog that is native to Russia. They are well-known for their thick double coat of fur, which comes in white and black shades and is medium in length. Yakutian Laikas have a wedge-shaped head, prick ears, and a bushy tail. They are muscular and agile dogs that are well-suited for working in cold climates. Yakutian Laikas typically weigh between 50 and 66 pounds. Their ears are triangular, and the tips are slightly rounded. Their tail is often carried over their backs. Yakutian Laika’s expression is friendly yet alert and they definitely draw attention with their striking appearance.

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Maintenance and Grooming

The undercoat of a Yakutian Laika is very dense which helps protect the dog from the cold weather of its homeland. They are definitely not considered hypoallergenic dogs and they tend do shed a lot. Frequent brushing is needed to keep the coat free of mats. They need to be trimmed regularly, especially between the foot pads, to keep them from accumulating ice and snow while they are working outdoors in harsh climate. During the shedding season, it is recommended to brush them daily. Their coat does not have a doggy smell and it naturally repels dirt, so frequent baths are not necessary. Bathing a Yakutian Laika 2 or 3 times a year is enough.

Activity Level

The Yakutian Laika is a working dog and enjoys exercise. They need plenty of exercise, preferably in a rural setting where they can run and explore. If they are not given enough exercise, they can become destructive. They are good with children but may be too active for very small ones. They are born sled dogs and they love to hunt or herd. They’re known to be working dogs that are able to work from dusk to dawn, so physical activity is very important. They are not adapted to apartment living and would do better in a rural home with plenty of land to run. They should have at least 45 minutes of exercise a day.

Temperament and Personality

Yakutian Laikas are known to be very friendly and intelligent dogs. They are quite good with children and make great family pets. Yakutian Laikas are also one of the most versatile dogs, making them perfect for a wide range of activities such as tracking, sledding, carting or weight pulling. Yakutian Laikas are always up for a new challenge and love to please their owners. They are quite easy to train, and most importantly, they are always eager to please the master.

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Yakutian Laikas: Excellent Watchdogs

They enjoy children, however, they may be too rough for Laikas and should be supervised when playing with them. Disrespectful children, who may tease or be mean to dogs, should definitely not be allowed around Yakutian Laikas. Yakutian Laikas are excellent watchdogs and will bark when they hear something strange. They are also quite territorial and make good guard dogs. They are very affectionate with their families and will follow their owners around wherever they go.

Health

Yakutian Laikas can live 10 to 12 years and are considered a healthy breed. They are not prone to any major health problems, but like all breeds, they can have some minor issues. Some Yakutian Laikas may developd issuses like:

  • hip dysplasia;
  • elbow dysplasia;
  • eye problems;
  • Gastric Dilation Volvulus.

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint does not fit snugly into the pelvic socket. It can cause lameness and arthritis. Elbow dysplasia is a condition in which the elbow joint does not develop normally, often leading to arthritis. Eye problems can include progressive retinal atrophy, a condition that leads to blindness, and cataracts, which is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Gastric Dilation Volvulus is a condition in which the stomach twists, cutting off blood flow to the organ. This can be life-threatening.

Health Care

With proper diet and care, Yakutian Laikas can enjoy long, healthy lives. Make sure to provide your Yakutian Laika with plenty of exercise and visit the veterinarian for regular check-ups to help keep them in good health and treat the issues that may arise as soon as possible.

For Whom?

Yakutian Laikas are a perfect breed for those looking for a loyal, intelligent and versatile dog. They should not be left alone for long periods of time, because they develop separation anxiety. The perfect conditions for them live is in colder climates and they shouldn’t be kept in hot weather for extended periods of time. Yakutian Laikas are also suitable as working dogs in a variety of environments.

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Are Yakutian Laikas Good with Children?

They should be supervised around small children because they have a strong prey drive. The same goes for other small animals. The proper training and socialization is the key to a well-adjusted, affectionate and loving Yakutian Laika. They are suitable for active families with older children or for those who enjoy spending time outdoors.

Yakutian Laika Puppies Price

The price for a Yakutian Laika puppy can vary depending on the breeder. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,200 to $1,400 for a puppy. The price can vary depending on the breeder’s location, the rarity and other factors. Make sure to always do your research before purchasing a Yakutian Laika puppy to ensure you are getting a healthy, well-bred dog. Even though this breed is considered to be fairly rare, you should be able to find a reputable breeder easily. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the Yakutian Laika’s health and history to ensure that you are buying a healthy, quality dog.

Trivia

  • They are registered by the Russian Kennel Club, the FCI and the AKC (American Kennel Club) Foundation Stock Service.

Hope you enjoyed our blog post about these cute furry friends! Let us know what’s your favorite dog breed! Cheerio!

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