Utonagan

In my own words

 

Hey did you think I was a wolf at first? I definitely look like a wolf, don’t you think so? Don’t worry though, I’m not at all wild! I’m actually really friendly and sociable so don’t let my appearance deceive you. I’m sure we’re going to be the best of friends! My breed is pretty new, isn’t that cool? We’re one of a kind!

I love playing with children and being with my family. It’s always nice to be at home and have cuddles. Though I do like a good walk, I can go for miles! I love playing flyball and doing agility too, it helps keep me in shape you see! Did you know that my kind make really good therapy dogs? Surprising huh? We’re a lot friendlier than we look!

Information essential about the Utonagan

 

Kennel Club Group:

Non KC

 

Size:

Medium: No specified weight but should be in proportion to its height

Height Male 25” (60 cm) Female 23” (58 cm)

Popularity:

Breed History:

 

The Utonagan (or Northern Inuit) gets its name from an old Chinook Indian tale and means ‘spirit of the wolf’. This breed is designed to look like a wolf but without the wild blood to ruin its temperament. As a relatively young breed, this dog is still being developed. They are a cross between Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds.

 

The first pair were brought to the UK in the late eighties but the breed has only become properly established in the last ten years. They were breed as companions with the look of a wold and are very adaptable, being used for a wide variety of purposes including PAT therapy dogs in hospitals, schools and hospices. They are not currently recognised by the Kennel Club

Character:

 

The Utonagan is a friendly, intelligent dog with a well balanced temperament which makes them wonderful companions and family dogs. They love the company of people and are quite good with children. Provided they are well socialised with other animals from an early age they can live quite happily with other household pets. They have a high pack mentality – they respect a pack hierarchy and need a firm, strong leader that they can respect.

Temperament:

 

This breed has a well balanced temperament and is friendly, intelligent and sociable without any aggressive traits. The dogs appearance has not reference to its character. They are not a dog that likes to be left alone and problems may arise if they are, such as destructive behaviour and escaping. They can be boisterous in play but do well in many activities including being PAT therapy dogs.

Conformation:

 

As this breed is still being developed, the appearance can vary from dog to dog. The main characteristics to look for when buying a puppy is a strong wolf-like appearance and powerful but not stocky build. The tail may be curled or straight and the ears are quite small and erectin relation to the head. The  eyes are usually dark and almost hypnotic and overall this breed has the impression of athletic grace, strength and stamina with the instant appearance of a wolf.

 

Coat:

This breed has a thick double coat that appears quite different in winter and summer. The guard hair is straight and slightly coarse.

Colour:

 

The coat is usually a wolf-like grey or brown and a darker facial mask is often seen on these dogs.

Training:

 

This breed is receptive and quick, intelligent learners. They respond best to a reward based training schedule. They require early traing and socialisation with firm and fair training.

Care:

 

This breed is an average shedder and benefits from being brushed about twice a week with more brushing required when the coat is shedding.

Health:

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is between 9 and 13 years. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. As this breed is still in development there is little research or data on health concerns relating to this breed. It is recognised some health implications may arise from ailments the parent breeds are prone to such as hip dysplasia in German Shepherds. Generally healthy breed, but can be susceptible to eye and hip problems, although this is rare. (Breeders now have puppies eye tested and hip scored).

 

Exercise:

The Utonagan can be quite boisterous and energetic in play and does very well in activities such as flyball and agility which focuses its energy. They have a high energy drive so regular exercise is required. They benefit from at least two walks a day but thy have the stamina to be suited to extended periods of exercise. Due to their thick coats, extra care must be taken when exercising these animals in hot weather as they can overheat easily.

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