Yakutian Laika

The Yakutian Laika does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to the dog's age, whether puppy, adult, or senior, and keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

Some dogs gain weight easily, so watch your dog's calorie count and weight, and check with your vet about any weight or diet concerns. Treats help with training, but too many can lead to obesity. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, avoid cooked bones and high-fat foods, and learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not.

The Yakutian Laika sheds seasonally. Brush weekly with a pin brush and metal comb to prevent mats and tangles, and brush daily during heavy shedding. A deshedder or detangler can help.

As a working dog, it needs little trimming. Trim between the foot pads to keep snow, ice, and debris from building up and causing irritation. The Yakutian Laika's coat naturally repels dirt and it has no odor, so bathe it only two to three times a year.

Trim its nails as needed, usually every two to three weeks, and clean its ears each week as part of its grooming routine.

Yakutian Laikas have medium-high energy and need regular exercise. They can run beside a bicycle, pull a sled or rig, and play fetch.

Yakutian Laikas can play well with familiar dogs. Introduce unfamiliar dogs with patience and supervision. They need owners who can provide substantial daily interaction.

Yakutian Laikas are biddable, intelligent, and independent. They follow handlers they trust. Sled pulling is instinctive but still requires guidance, and the breed needs basic obedience training.

The Yakutian Laika seeks human leadership and guidance but does not respond well to corrective methods, working more eagerly with positive reinforcement and tasty treats. Socialization, preferably early, helps the breed make the most of its friendly nature.

Yakutian Laikas once pulled a narta, or sled, in close collaboration with dozens of other dogs, so they accept other dogs well. The breed prefers one or several steady canine companions and can join a household with an existing dog with few issues, though the introduction needs care. Because the breed keeps a strong prey drive from its second job, hunting, its time with small and medium-sized animals should never go unsupervised; a Yakutian Laika will likely get on with a home cat if they were raised together.