The Yakutian Laika (pronounced yuh-koo-tee-un) will be recognised by the Royal Kennel Club with effect from 1 July 2026. The breed will be classified in the Working Group on the Imported Breed Register. Until such time as a Royal Kennel Club interim breed standard has been published, the Yakutian Laika is not eligible to compete at Royal Kennel Club licensed breed shows.
Rooted in the vast and demanding landscape of northeastern Russia, the Yakutian Laika is an ancient working breed shaped over millennia by its vital role in transport, hunting and daily survival. Celebrated for its resilience, instinct, and unwavering devotion, the breed was carefully revived in the 1990s and formally recognised by the Russian Kynological Federation in 2004. Today, the Yakutian Laika stands as a striking, versatile companion whose popularity is steadily rising worldwide.
The Royal Kennel Club will recognise 227 breeds of pedigree dog from 1 July 2026 following the simultaneous recognition of the Miniature American Shepherd. The last breed to be recognised was the Hungarian Mudi in July 2025.