GROUP 6 - UTILITY

Brief History
The Yakutian Laika is an ancient, native dog breed which was naturally bred by aboriginal people of the North East of Russia as a sled dog and a hunting dog. Certain archaeological discoveries confirm that the local people used dogs for sledding and hunting as far back as 8000 years ago. The very first references about dogs in this region date back to 1633. 

For many centuries, the Yakutian Laika accompanied the northern man in everyday life, helping him to hunt, vigilantly watch his home, herding reindeers and transporting goods in the severe conditions of the far north of Russia.
These skills have glorified the Yakutian Laika as a versatile breed not only in Russia, but also in many countries on different continents.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.
The average life span is 10 to 12 years.

Temperament
Bold, lively, close to man, friendly, sociable and an energetic dog

General Breed Description
The Yakutian Laika is a medium size spitz style dog, strong, compact and well-muscled. The tail is thick and furry, curled up as semi- circle or sickle shape over the back. The eye colour can be dark brown, or blue, as well as odd eyes (one brown, one blue). They have a profuse, double body coat which is the colour white with any colour patches, also bicolour or tricolour.

Coat and Care Requirements
Grooming your Yakutian Laika can become a pleasure for both dog and owner if started early in puppy hood. The coat is a thick, double layered coat. The standoff, longer, outer coat is harsh in texture and the undercoat is short, soft and more dense. Combing and brushing at least once a week is a must. The Yakutian Laika loses his coat once or twice a year.  A thorough combing is recommended to remove any loose or dead coat when a bath become necessary.  Care should be taken to thoroughly dry out the dense undercoat and a dog hair dryer is excellent to achieve this quickly and efficiently.

Size
Height: Males: 55 to 59cms, Females 53 to 57cms.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders in is recommended you enquire about breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Yakutian Laika is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. These may include Hip Dysplasia (HD), Elbow Dysplasia (ED) and some eye conditions.

Suitability
They make an ideal family member, however due to their exuberance when playing, supervision is advised to prevent accidental knocking over. A well fenced, enclosed yard is recommended so they can run and exercise freely when outdoors. They are an agile dog and enjoy daily exercise.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/219