Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
Laikas developed across the northern regions of Eurasia as versatile hunting and sled dogs adapted to harsh climates, deep snow, and long periods of work without loss of efficiency. The breed evolved naturally among the peoples of Siberia, the Urals, and the Far East, which ensured genetic stability, strong immunity, and exceptional endurance. Their primary purpose was hunting fur-bearing animals, large predators, and game birds, as well as assisting in transportation across difficult terrain. In the 20th century, systematic classification began and major breed groups were established. Today, Laikas are used as hunting, service, and sporting dogs, having preserved their natural temperament and working qualities.
General Appearance
Laika is a harmoniously built, agile northern dog with a strong yet dry physique that emphasizes its functionality and versatility. The format may be slightly elongated or nearly square, depending on the type. The body is strong, muscular, with a defined topline and deep ribs that allow efficient work in freezing temperatures. The head is wedge-shaped and dry, with an alert expression. The ears are erect, mobile, and set high. The tail is characteristically curled into a ring or sickle. Movement is free, sweeping, and springy, ensuring energy conservation over long distances. The overall appearance reflects strength, agility, and stability, highlighting the breed’s working type.
Important Proportions
All Laika types require a balanced body and harmonious lines to ensure functional performance in hunting and sled work. Males are typically slightly taller at the withers than females, emphasizing sexual dimorphism. The body length may slightly exceed the height while maintaining compactness. Chest depth is approximately half the height at the withers, providing lung capacity and endurance during prolonged work. Head length is about 40% of the dog’s height, with a clearly defined wedge free of roughness. Limbs are proportional with correct angulation, allowing sharp turns, quick acceleration, and prolonged work in the field.
Behavior and Temperament
Laika is known for its balanced, energetic, and independent character, retaining its strong natural instincts. Key temperament traits include alertness, excellent orientation, and the ability to react instantly to changes in the environment. Laika is loyal to its owner but does not require constant supervision, capable of making independent decisions during the hunt. At home it is calm and attentive, wary of strangers but without undue aggression. In work it shows determination, courage, and stamina, and can work alone or in pairs. Laika learns quickly but requires a respectful and consistent approach, maintaining a tendency toward independence.
Head
The head of the Laika is wedge-shaped, dry, proportional to the body, with smooth lines and clear breed expression. The skull is of medium width, slightly rounded, with a moderately pronounced stop. The muzzle is elongated without being narrow, gradually tapering toward the nose. Cheeks are moderate, reflecting the working type without heaviness. The nose is black or dark depending on coat color. Lips are dry and tight. Jaws are strong with a scissor bite. The overall impression is dryness, expressiveness, alertness, and functionality suitable for demanding work.
Facial Region
The facial region is formed by a long, strong muzzle with a straight or slightly convex nasal bridge. The nose is fully pigmented, nostrils well open for free breathing during intense work. Lips are thin and tight, forming a clean contour. Teeth are large and even, with a full set and correct scissor bite for secure grip of game. Whiskers are sensitive and aid in orientation. Cheeks are dry, emphasizing the wedge shape. Muzzle musculature is well developed but not coarse. The facial region reflects the breed’s alert, focused, and working nature.
Eyes
Laika’s eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, set slightly obliquely, giving an alert and lively expression. Eye color ranges from dark brown to hazel, harmonizing with coat color. The gaze is attentive and intelligent, reflecting quick assessment of situations. Eyelids are dry and tight, with no looseness or rolling. Sclera is clean. Pigmentation of eyelid rims is complete. Eyes combine expressiveness and functional protection, essential for orientation in forests, tundra, and open terrain.
Ears
The ears of the Laika are erect, triangular, mobile, and set high, ensuring excellent hearing and quick reaction to sound. They are of medium size with pointed tips. Cartilage is firm, allowing the ears to maintain position during active work. The inner side is covered with short hair to protect from snow and wind. Incorrect ears such as floppy or overly wide bases are considered faults. Correct ears highlight the breed’s type and northern functionality.
Neck
The neck is strong, muscular, dry, and of moderate length, blending smoothly into the withers. Musculature enables powerful pulls, sudden acceleration, and secure holding of game. The topline of the neck is slightly arched. Skin is tight with no dewlap. The natural angle allows the dog to carry its head high for broad visibility. Proper neck proportions ensure free movement and stability. An overly short or heavy neck disrupts balance and reduces work efficiency.
Body
The body is strong and balanced, suited for prolonged work in harsh conditions. The topline is level or slightly sloping toward the croup, without sway or convexity. Withers are pronounced and muscular, transitioning into a short, strong loin. The back is straight and firm, supporting significant exertion. The chest is deep and oval, providing lung capacity and stability on soft snow. Ribs are moderately sprung. The abdomen is tucked up. The croup is strong and slightly sloping with good musculature. The body reflects the functional northern working type.
Tail
The tail of the Laika is a distinctive trait: high-set, heavily coated, curled into a ring or semi-ring, typically lying on the back or side. When relaxed, slight lowering is acceptable without straightening. The tail must be long enough to form a pronounced curl. Low-set, straight, or short tails are faults. Tail form and carriage emphasize the breed’s northern origin and provide added protection in cold when the dog may cover its nose and paws.
Forequarters
The forequarters are straight, dry, strong, placed well under the body, providing stability and thrust. Shoulder blades are long, sloping, and close-fitting. Upper arms are well developed with correct angulation for free stride. Forearms are straight and muscular. Pasterns are strong and slightly sloping to absorb impact on uneven terrain. Feet are compact, round, with tight pads. Proper structure ensures maneuverability, light movement, and stamina.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong, muscular, with well-defined angulation providing powerful thrust. Thighs are broad and muscular. Lower thighs strong. Hocks are well defined without looseness. Metatarsi are vertical. Feet are compact and strong. Correct hindquarters ensure propulsion, agility, and endurance in difficult terrain.
Gait and Movement
Laika’s gait is free, light, and springy, with good reach and drive. Movement is straight, confident, without body sway. At the trot, the dog shows efficiency and rhythm, covering long distances without fatigue. At speed, stride becomes more extended but remains coordinated. Faults include crossing, wobbling, restricted stride, or incorrect limb alignment. Proper movement reflects the breed’s working function.
Coat
The coat is dense, double, adapted to extreme climates. Guard hair is straight, harsh, and close-fitting, protecting from moisture, cold, and mechanical impact. Undercoat is thick and soft, adjusting to seasonal change. A pronounced ruff forms on the neck and shoulders. Tail and hindquarters have longer hair forming fringes. Variations in length and density are allowed depending on Laika type. Coat must be healthy, not overly soft or curly.
Permitted Colors
Colors vary by Laika type and include white, grey, wolf-grey, black, red, fawn, and piebald. Zonal coloration is common. Spots may be irregular. Unclean or diluted shades are undesirable. Pigmentation of nose, eyelids, and lips must be dark and harmonious with coat. Color must preserve natural functionality, including camouflage and sun protection.
Size
Size varies by variety but generally remains medium. Males: 52–60 cm at the withers. Females: 48–56 cm. Weight: 18–28 kg. Dogs must appear dry, muscular, and athletic. Oversized or undersized individuals lose functional balance. Correct size ensures endurance and agility in northern terrain.
Faults
Faults include deviations affecting type or working ability: weak bone, looseness, poor musculature, incorrect topline, improper head shape, lack of wedge, incorrect ears, poor pigmentation, light eyes, loose lips, weak bite, missing teeth, faulty movement, soft or sparse coat. Faults must be assessed in relation to overall functionality.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include unjustified aggression or extreme shyness; incorrect bite; multiple missing teeth; albinism; full depigmentation of nose, eyelids, or lips; floppy ears; short or straight tail; severe limb deformities; movement disorders; congenital or acquired defects preventing work.
Important Notes
Evaluation prioritizes working type; thus, judges consider both exterior and functionality. Laika must retain natural instincts, climate resilience, and endurance. Minor deviations are acceptable if they do not affect performance. Seasonal shedding is not a fault. Temperament must be alert but manageable. Overall harmony, strength, and endurance define the true northern type.
Conclusion
Laika is a universal, resilient northern working dog that retains natural temperament, high performance, and strong structure. It is ideal for hunting, sled work, and life in cold climates. Laika is balanced, observant, intelligent, capable of independent decisions, yet loyal to its owner. Its exterior reflects strength, agility, and natural beauty. Preservation of breed qualities requires proper care, training, and selection focused on working lines. Laika remains a symbol of northern breeds and an example of harmony between natural evolution and functionality.
