Yakutian Laika

Overview

The Yakutian Laika comes from the Sakha Republic, where it was the working dog of the Yakut people for sled hauling, hunting and herding. It is a medium spitz with a dense double coat, often white with black or grey patches, and sometimes blue or odd-coloured eyes. It is sociable and more people-oriented than many hunting laikas.

A walker inherits a dog that likes company, loves to run in a team and finds British winters mild.

Exercise and walking needs

Two hours a day with as much trotting as possible. The breed has sled-dog stamina and takes a long walk as a warm-up.

Canicross, bikejor or a pulling harness give the dog the job it was bred for, if the owner is on board.

On the walk

• Pulling: Expect it. The dog was made to pull and will lean into any lead. Use a harness and decide early whether to work with the pull or train against it.
• Recall: Spitz independence plus hunting history means off-lead time should be earned in secure places.
• Heat: The coat is for Siberian winters. Summer walks must be early, short and shady, and the dog needs water on hand.
• Other dogs: Bred to live and run in a team, so generally good with others. Play can be rough and fast.
• Moult: Twice a year the undercoat drops in clumps. Bring a brush and expect a hairy car.

Tips for professional walkers

1. Pair it with other fit, playful dogs on a group walk; it thrives on company.
2. Choose cool, shaded routes from May to September.
3. Check paws for ice balls in winter, when the dog is at its happiest and least careful.

What to ask the owner

• Does the dog do any pulling sports, and does the owner want the pull encouraged or discouraged on walks?
• How does it react to small animals and wildlife, and has it ever caught anything?
• What is the hot weather plan, and at what temperature should a walk be cancelled?

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