Russia's First Cloned Hunting Dogs Thrive in Yakutia After Mammoth Research Breakthrough

Russia’s first cloned hunting laikas now live in Yakutia. Journalists on the 'Yakutia: Territory of Growth' press tour recently met one of them, a dog named Kérecheene. The clones were created using advanced reproductive technology originally intended for mammoth research. The project began with a different goal. Scientists first sought viable mammoth cells but later applied the same methods to dogs. They took tissue samples from top specimens of the Yakut hunting breed, extracted somatic cells, and implanted them into the egg cell of a surrogate mother.

In 2013, two cloned puppies were born, each costing 4 million rubles. The original dog, Syutik, served as the genetic source. Both clones inherited the breed’s working qualities and later produced offspring that excelled in hunting.

The second clone, Bélèkh, turned nine this year. During transit through Vladivostok, the dogs recognised each other. Syutik and her clone showed no aggression, instead displaying mutual affection and playing together. The cloned laikas have thrived in Yakutia. Their successful integration and hunting abilities confirm the project’s effectiveness. The technology used may have broader applications in preserving rare or valuable breeds.