Yakutian Laika dogs are intelligent, active, and affectionate. They are around 21 and 23 inches tall, weigh between 40 and 55 pounds, and live between 10 and 12 years.
Yakutian Laika Dog Breed Standard
In terms of colors, the following are considered authentic Yakutian Laikas by the American Kennel Club:
- black and white
- white and black
- brown and white
- white and gray
- gray and white
- white and red
- white
Authentic Yakutian Laikas tend to have black, buff, and tri-colored markings, as recognized by American Kennel Club.
Yakutian Laika Dog Breed Price
The average cost of the Yakutian Laika puppy is between $1200-$1400 USD.
A few things to know about the Yakutian Laika Dog Breed
Yakutian Laikas were used to serve different purposes like herding, hunting, and pulling sleds. The natives of Yakutia have bred them from ancient times as assistants they cannot dispense with.
These versatile dogs would always be happy to be by your side or participate in activities such as agility tasks, herding, coursing ability, and sledding.
As documented, for centuries, these dogs have been known to be faithful companions and irreplaceable assistants of people in conditions where even the slightest show of weakness was an offense and punished with death.
These people treated these dogs with much respect by behaving with them like they were a member of their families rather than mere domestic animals.
It is how they became the faithful companions as reputed to be now – devoted, biddable, and lively individuals. The dog breed is immensely considerate and gentle with children with whom they establish rather tight bonds.
No matter how friendly they are, start social training them as early as possible, preferably when they are still pups. They are a bit reserved with people whom they do not know.
However, in most cases, they get excited when they get a new playmate. The people who bred these dogs understood the faults of human aggression.
Thus, they eliminated it systematically from these dogs. The ears and noses of the breed are rather sensitive and make good watchdogs. Also, they bark when they anticipate making a new acquaintance.
Thanks to their friendly nature, these dogs are regarded as great guardians. Also used to pull sleds along with other dogs, the breed is acceptable for other dogs.
You can be sure that the breed prefers having one or more canine companions at all times, and you can bring them in as pets even if you already have dogs.
There would not be many issues over here, but it is better to proceed cautiously. In earlier days, these dogs accompanied their owners on hunting trips and even were used for hunting. Hence, these dogs still retain their drive to hunt prey.
Therefore, you must never let them communicate without supervision with other average or smaller animals. If you have brought up a Yakutian Laika with a cat, you can be sure they would get along just fine.
Things to expect when caring for Yakutian Laika dogs
Please remember that owning these dogs is not just a privilege – it is a responsibility as well. They would depend on you for their basic needs, such as shelter and food, but they deserve much more.
So, when you are getting a dog in your life, you must know that you have to understand the commitment that such an act calls for.
Yakutian Laika health requirements
Yakutian Laikas are hardy individuals, and if you wish to keep them that way, you must check them for health issues like hip dysplasia, bloating elbow dysplasia, and certain kinds of abnormalities with their eyes.
The National Breed Club recommends that you evaluate their eyes and hips regularly. The hips must be assessed by PennHip or OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals).
Yakutian Laika grooming needs
A Yakutian Laika sheds at definite seasons. It can go out of hand if you do not brush them regularly. Usually, brushing them each week is advisable to remove tangles or mattes in their hair.
When your dogs shed heavily, you must brush them daily to ensure their head does not get onto everything.
You must use a metal comb and a pin brush when grooming them. You can also make your work a little easier by using a detangler or deshedder. However, please remember that you must not trim their coat as working dogs.
Trim within their foot pads to ensure that debris such as snow and ice does not accumulate over there. Their coats repel dirt naturally, and they do not have any odor. Never bathe them more than thrice a year. Also, trim their nails when it is necessary.
As part of a grooming routine, clean their ears each week.
Yakutian Laika exercise needs
These are sled dogs with a pronounced prey drive. Hence, they need enough training and consistent exercise. Since they have a medium-to-high energy level, they like doing activities such as running next to bikes, rig running, sled running, and playing fetches in the yard.
If the Yakutian Laika you own is familiar with other dog breeds in your home, they would like to play with them. However, they tend to be wary of dogs and people they do not know.
Usually, they warm up rather quickly, but it is always better to supervise them when meeting someone for the first time.
If you cannot spend time with your dog, this is not the right breed for you to own.
Conclusion
It is also easy to train these dogs – it will be a pleasant experience. It is mainly because of how keenly intelligent they are and how well they do the bidding of their human parents.
However, since they tend to be so strongly independent, they would not follow the orders of their handlers till the time they trust them.