Last updated 1 August 2026
A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as unacceptable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.
Brief historical summary
The Yakutian Laika is an ancient native dog breed which was naturally bred by aboriginal people in north east Russia as a sled and hunting dog. Archaeological discoveries confirm that the local people used dogs for sledding and hunting as long as 8000 years ago. The first Breed Standard for the North-East Sled Dog was adopted in 1958 and it formed the basis for the Yakutian Laika breed standard published in 2005 by the Russian Kynological Federation. For many centuries, the Yakutian Laika accompanied the northern man in everyday life, helping him to hunt, vigilantly watching his home, herding reindeers and transporting goods in the severe conditions of the far north. These skills ensure that the Yakutian Laika is a versatile breed.
General appearance
Medium size, strong, compact, well-muscled, with moderately long legs and thick skin with no signs of looseness. Coat well-developed and sufficient for living and working in severe Arctic conditions. Difference between sexes clearly pronounced, males stronger and more powerful than females.
Important proportions
Length of body from point of shoulder to point of buttock exceeds height at withers by 10–15%. Length of head slightly less than 40% of height at withers. Length of muzzle about 40% of length of head. Length of foreleg to elbow slightly more than half of height at withers.
Temperament
Bold, lively, loyal to man, friendly, sociable and energetic.
Head
Wedge-shaped, moderately pointed, in proportion to size of dog. Skull moderately broad, slightly rounded. Cheeks moderately pronounced; well-filled in below eyes. Stop well defined. Muzzle wedge-shaped, gradually tapering. Nose large, black or brown, with wide open nostrils. Lips dry, tight-fitting, well pigmented.
Eyes
Almond-shaped, set straight and wide apart. Not deep set. Dark brown, blue, or blue segments on brown iris, or combination. Eye rims close fitting, matching colour of nose. Unpigmented eye rims permissible.
Ears
Set on high. Thick, erect or half-pricked. Triangular, wide at base. Covered with dense, short hair. Ears laid back while moving.
Mouth
Teeth large. Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaw. Level bite acceptable. Tightly undershot bite tolerated in mature dogs.
Neck
Moderate length, muscular.
Forequarters
Very well-muscled. Shoulder sloping, of moderate length. Upper arm, sloping, of moderate length. Elbow set close to the body. Forelegs long, straight, parallel. Pasterns short, strong, slightly sloping.
Body
Compact and muscular. Topline straight with only very slight slope from moderately pronounced withers to set on of tail. Back broad and firm. Loin short and muscular. Croup wide, long, muscular and rounded; almost horizontal. Chest broad, ribs well sprung. Underline slightly tucked up.
Hindquarters
Well boned and muscular. Viewed from the rear, straight and parallel. Stifles well bent. Thighs broad and muscular. Lower thigh of medium length. Hocks well defined. Rear pasterns vertical.
Feet
Well arched, with close fitting toes. Hind feet slightly larger than the front feet. Pads very hard. Thick coat between toes.
Tail
Set high, covered with thick furry coat, curled up in a semi-circle over back. At rest, may hang loosely. Sickle curved tail undesirable.
Gait/Movement
Fast, elastic.
Coat
Thick, glossy, straight, coarse, of medium length. Very well-developed, dense undercoat. Forms a mane on neck, especially pronounced in males. Shorter on head and front of legs. Thick feathering on back of legs. Tail feathered with a small fringe.
Colour
White and with any patching (bicolour or tricolour). Any solid colour except white highly undesirable. Any other colour or combination of colours unacceptable
Size
Height at the withers: Males: 55–59 cms (21¾-23¼ ins). Females: 53–57 cms (20¾-22½ ins).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
*Note for prospective puppy buyers
Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.