DogMatchUp

Golden Retriever vs Yakutian Laika

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Golden Retriever
Medium

Golden Retriever

Sporting Group

Yakutian Laika
Medium

Yakutian Laika

Foundation Stock Service

Quick Comparison

Size

Golden Retriever Medium
Yakutian Laika Medium

Lifespan

Golden Retriever 10-12 years
Yakutian Laika 10-12 years

Exercise Needs

Golden Retriever 5/5
Yakutian Laika 4/5

Grooming Needs

Golden Retriever 3/5
Yakutian Laika 3/5

Breed Overview

Golden Retriever Overview

Golden Retrievers embody grace and athleticism with their sturdy, well-balanced frame and distinctive golden coat. Their broad head features intelligent dark eyes and a friendly expression, while their thick, water-repellent double coat comes in various golden shades. Known for their gentle mouth, developed for retrieving game without damage, these dogs combine strength with elegance in their fluid movement.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted

Yakutian Laika Overview

Yakutian Laikas are hardy, medium-sized spitz-type dogs with distinctive wedge-shaped heads and thick double coats. Their almond-shaped eyes, erect triangular ears, and curved tail carried over the back create an alert, dignified appearance. Displaying remarkable agility and strength, these dogs combine an athletic build with elegant proportions, standing proudly with well-muscled shoulders and strong legs.

Origin: Russia (Yakutia region)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Affectionate, Intelligent, Active

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Golden Retrievers are more energetic than Yakutian Laikas, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Golden Retrievers require less grooming attention compared to Yakutian Laikas.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Golden Retrievers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Yakutian Laikas.
  • Trainability: Yakutian Laikas may be slightly easier to train due to their Yakutian Laika's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Yakutian Laikas adapt better to apartment living, while Golden Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Golden Retriever and Yakutian Laika, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Golden Retriever Yakutian Laika
Size Medium Medium
Life Expectancy 10-12 years 10-12 years
Country of Origin Unknown Russia (Yakutia region)
Breed Group Sporting Group Foundation Stock Service

Physical Characteristics

Feature Golden Retriever Yakutian Laika
Height
22-24 inches
55-61 cm
21-23 inches
53-58 cm
Weight
55-75 lbs
25-34 kg
40-55 lbs
18-25 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Seasonal Seasonal

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Golden Retriever Yakutian Laika
Temperament Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted Affectionate, Intelligent, Active
Energy Level
5/5
4/5
Intelligence
1/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature Golden Retriever Yakutian Laika
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
4/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
2/5

Temperament & Personality

Golden Retriever Temperament

Friendly Intelligent Devoted

The Golden Retriever is known for being friendly, intelligent, devoted, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Yakutian Laika Temperament

Affectionate Intelligent Active

The Yakutian Laika is characterized by being affectionate, intelligent, active, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Golden Retriever and Yakutian Laika, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Golden Retriever
5/5
Yakutian Laika
1/5

Good with Children

Golden Retriever
5/5
Yakutian Laika
5/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Golden Retriever

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 5/5

Yakutian Laika

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 5/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Golden Retriever

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 5/5

Yakutian Laika

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 4/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Golden Retriever

Low High

Rating: 5/5

Yakutian Laika

Low High

Rating: 4/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Golden Retriever

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Yakutian Laika

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Golden Retriever

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Yakutian Laika

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Care & Maintenance

Golden Retriever Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

5/5

Golden Retrievers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.

Grooming Requirements

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Golden Retrievers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.

Yakutian Laika Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

Yakutian Laikas need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.

Grooming Requirements

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Yakutian Laikas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.

Health & Lifespan

Golden Retriever Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 10-12 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Heart Issues
  • Cancer

Yakutian Laika Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 10-12 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Dental Disease
  • Bloat
  • Allergies

Pros & Cons

Golden Retriever

Pros

  • Excellent family dog
  • Highly trainable
  • Great with children
  • Friendly disposition
  • Versatile working ability

Cons

  • Heavy shedding
  • High exercise needs
  • Prone to health issues
  • Can be mouthy
  • Requires regular grooming

Yakutian Laika

Pros

  • Excellent cold weather adaptability
  • Versatile working abilities
  • Strong protective instincts
  • Good with family members

Cons

  • High exercise requirements
  • Strong prey drive
  • Can be stubborn
  • Seasonal shedding

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Golden Retriever and Yakutian Laika, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.