Yakutskaya Laika
Yakutskaya Laika
There is actually a fourth breed of sled dog recognized by the FCI. However, this was only (provisionally) adopted as a standard in September 2019. You have probably never heard of this breed of dog, because it is rarely found here.
Provisionally recognized
The Yakutskaya Laika, also called the Yakutian Laika or Kolyma-Indigirka Laika, is a breed of dog provisionally recognized by the FCI in 2019, whose region of origin is in northeastern Siberia (Yakutia region). This breed belongs to Group 5, Section 1: Nordic sled dogs.
Origin and history
The Yakutskaya Laika is a typical Nordic dog of the original type. The roots of the breed lie in the Kolyma region of northeastern Siberia (Yakutia region). Representatives of this breed were incorporated into the Siberian Husky breeding program founded by Leonard Seppala. A breeding pair was imported to Germany by Erwin van Wel in 2002.
Description
The Yakutian Laika is a light but powerful dog of medium size. Its dense coat is adapted to life in the arctic climate. It is active, agile, curious and friendly. Males reach a height of 53–58 cm (optimum 55 cm), while females reach 52–55 cm (optimum 54 cm). Its body structure is powerful, with well-developed bones and muscles, slightly longer than tall.The head is wedge-shaped and proportional to the size of the dog. The eyes are wide, almond-shaped and can be blue, dark brown or variously colored. The ears are wide at the base, triangular and mobile.
Use
The Yakutian Laika was used in ancient times by the peoples of Yakutia in **hunting mammals and birds**. It has an excellent sense of smell, hearing and vision, as well as strong hunting instinct and endurance.
This rare breed has been valued in Russia for centuries as a sled dog, hunting dog and all-round family companion. Interestingly, the Yakutskaya Laika is considered one of the founding fathers of the Siberian Husky, as Yakutskaya Laiki imported to Alaska played an important role in its breeding development.