Welcome to the Miscellaneous Group: The Yakutian Laika

Welcome to the Miscellaneous Group: The Yakutian Laika

Thanks to the Yakutian Laika Club of America, the Yakutian Laika was introduced to the US before the Russian embargo.

The name helps to explain the breed. Laika is the Russian word for primitive spitz from Northern Russia which are used for sledding and/or hunting. The name derives from the word layat which means “barker.” Yakutian defines the area of Russia which is inland in Northeastern Russia. The capital, Yakutsk, is the coldest major city in the world and has an average annual temperature of 17.6 degrees F and has had a record low of -83.9 F.

I am fortunate to own one volume of Prince A. A. Shirinsky-Shikhmatov’s Album of Northern Dogs which illustrates Russian Laikas in the late 1800s. Modern breeds commonly recognized as Laikas include the Finnish Spitz, the Karelian Bear Dog, the Samoyed, the Siberian Husky, and the Yakutian Laika.

At first glance, the Yakutian Laika brings to mind its northeastern cousin, the Siberian Husky, and its northwestern cousin, the Samoyed. The Yakut was invaluable—as a hunter, watchdog, reindeer herder, and transporter of people and goods. The ancient Yakut’s survival depended on this lively, biddable, and sweet companion.

The first impression is of a medium-sized spitz breed, approximately the same size as the Siberian Husky. Males are 21.5-23.5 inches tall and females are 20.5-22.5 inches tall. The breed is slightly longer than tall (10-13%), with slightly more leg length than depth of body (55%).

The breed may be somewhat aloof when you approach, as it is keenly aware of its environment. A kind word to the handler and dog will put the dog at ease and its natural friendliness becomes evident.

The double-coated dog has heavy feathering in the forelegs and trousers and carries a mane, especially in the males. Please use your hands to determine breed characteristics as the coat may disguise important features. The breed comes in many attractive colors and patterns, with one color disqualification for any solid color other than white.

The dog’s gait is light and elastic, and single tracks as speed increases. Their normal speeds are a working trot and a gallop, depending on the function and the terrain.

As with all spitz, the head is wedged. The stop is moderate, and the skull is slightly rounded. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the length of the skull. The ears are triangular, set on high and well-furred to protect them from the cold. The ears should be strongly erect, although slightly tipped ears are acceptable but not preferred.

The eyes are evenly set, not oblique. The eyes may be blue, brown, bi-eyed or parti-eyed. Incomplete eye pigment next to a white background is permissible. The nose leather and eye pigment match the coat color (black for black and white dogs and brown for red and white dogs). A snow nose is also acceptable. The lips are tight-fitting (a survival necessity) and well-pigmented. The bite may be scissors or level. Only a front examination is necessary to determine the bite and the existence of the other DQ—an overshot bite or an undershot bite in which two or more of the upper incisors lose contact with two or more of the lower incisors.

The compact body has a straight topline that slopes slightly from the withers to the base of the tail. The croup is moderately sloped. The Yakutian Laika is well-angulated and balanced. The loin is short and broad, and the dog has a slight tuck-up. This spitz’ tail is plumed and carried forward in a mobile, loose curl or is dropped when at rest. A double curl or a snapped tail is to be faulted.

The feet are extremely important for its function. They are oval, compact, well-furred, and cushioned. The Yakut may have dewclaws in the front and the rear. Rear double dewclaws or mismatched dewclaws are not uncommon. This multi-functional and ancient spitz breed will be a charming addition to the Working Group.

For more information, please email the club at: ylcajudgeseducation@gmail.com.