Breed Comparison
Siberian Husky Vs. Yakutian Laika

Both breeds are similar size though Yakutian Laikas do have more variety in size above and below the standard.   It is a good idea to discuss size of the parents of your Yakutian "Laika puppy because while we cannot predictu mature size for sure if you prefer one that is on the larger or smaller side we will have suggestions.

Both the Siberian Husky and the Yakutian Laika are primarily sled dogs.  Both breeds originate from Northern Siberia.   The Yakutian Laika is a more all purpose dog as they were also used for secondary purposes of herding, minor hunting and watch dogs.   The Yakutian Laika does tend to be more off-lead reliable once bonded to their home and family.  However our own lines of Siberian Huskies also tend to be very people bonded and generally are not the escape artists that the breed has become infamous for.   

The coat of a Siberian Husky is generally shorter and more coarse than the Yakutian Laika.  The Yakutian Laika coat can be more challenging sometimes but should also be a pretty easy coat to maintain.  Both breeds are best kept with regular brushing and getting the accustomed to the air dryer as puppies will help greatly when they are adults.   The Yakutian Laika coat as a puppy feels very soft.  The mature Yakutian Laika coat is still nice to touch but is a bit more coarse which allows it to be cared for properly and keeps from dirt, snow etc. sticking to the coat.  

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The Yakutian Laika coat cannot be compared to a wooly husky coat.  The coat of a wooly type ijn Siberian Husky is incorrect.  As such it can be a wide variety.  I have seen some from show lines that simply had a wooly undercoat, obviously these were placed as pets.   I am lucky that my Siberian lines do not seem to carry the recessive genes for this.   Because the wooly coat in Siberian Huskies is not correct it is not bred toward a standard and also means the breeder would not be breeding toward the standard.   Remember a standard is a blueprint for the breed and outlines what makes a dog fit the appearance, ability, and temperament of the breed.  So this is important even for a pet.   

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The Yakutian Laika coat though generally more full than a Siberian Husky is still a correct working coat and generally pretty easy to maintain.   The young puppy coat can be more work.   The coat change from puppy to adult is a slow transition that happens over the first few years of life each time the dog changes coats seasonally.  So, people who have only had the breed a few years may expect they will keep that cotton/kashmir feel for life, but they should change over time.   

Both breeds are allowed to come in most colors and patterns.  Neither breed should appear in merle or brindle.  Also blue (dilute) can be found in Yakutian Laikas but should be avoided as it is not yet known if they will be prone to Color Dilution Alopecia.   The Russian National breed club has made a clear stance against the blue color   Though we also originally liked the idea of the blue dogs and the ones born here unexpectedly before most people knew the gene was even in the breed didn't show signs of CDA there are not enough blue dogs to know if this will be an issue or not.   

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Our breeding dogs were chosen for overall quality, breed type, working ability and health.  My personal preference is for the black and white, chocoloate or tri-color dogs in various patterns and markings.   However, our dogs do produce a wide variety of colors.  

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The gene that causes the brown or chocolate color is referred to as brown in FCI.  In different AKC breeds it is referred to as chocolate or liver most commonly.  The Yakutian Laika breed in the USA uses the term chocolate for this color.  

Both the Siberian Husky and Yakutian Laika are allowed in any color or pattern the Yakutian Laika patterns are undoubtedly some of the most unique and fun color patterns of any breed in the world.   I will soon set up a photo gallery to show some of the most interesting colors and patterns that have been born here.