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The Northern Inuit Dog Breeding began in the late-80's in an attempt to return a domestic dog breed to phenotypically resemble the wolf.
Description
Appearance
A dog of medium build, athletic but not racy. Slightly longer than tall (as 10-9), with leg length slightly longer than overall depth of body. Oval bone is neither too heavy nor too light.
Head Not too broad, skull slightly domed. Muzzle slightly longer than skull. Nose black (winter noses acceptable Scissor bite.
Eyes Oval, forward facing and set at a slightly oblique angle. Accepted colors: Brown, Blue,Yellow and amber.
Ears Set fairly high, not too large and carried erect.
Body Topline level. Tail set fairly high and reaching to the hock, carried down when standing, may be lifted when exicted.
Coat Dense double coat, slightly harsh in texture, well defined ruff and breeches. Tail bushy.
Size Males: minimum 25 inches. Females: minimum 22 inches. - Overall balance more important than size.
Color
Pure White or any shade of Grey and Sable through to pure Black. White faces and dark masks are permitted but any color change should be subtle.
Faults curly tails, long soft silk coats, patchy/pinto or Black and Tan colours.
Temperament
Friendly, but can be protective if it needs to. It is not uncommon to see a Northern Inuit to fight back when challenged.
In the late 1980s the selective breeding of the following breeds produced the early Northern Inuit Dogs Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute. Some of these cross matings were with wolves already crossed with these breeds and also the German Shepherd. This breed was included for training purposes. After years of breeding the resulting dogs were named the Northern Inuit dog, even though they are not a northern breed. The aim of this was to create a dog that closely resembles a wolf in appearance but with the gentle character of a domestic dog.
The Northern Inuit dog like many other dogs needs a knowledgeable home, as their ancestry contains more primitive spitz type breeds. They do not enjoy being left alone for long periods which can lead to separation anxiety.
Over the years various people have split from the Northern Inuit Society and formed their own groups, these include The Inuit Dog Association, The British Inuit Dog Club and The Utonagan Society. (The Utonagan Society has now also split) Each of these factions believe they are improving the breed by how they are now breeding. This is based on the beliefs of each individual club. Some problems have become apparant such as HC (Hereditary Cataract), HD (Hip Dysplasia) and epilepsy. Problems occur within all breeds of dog and any good breeder should have completed these health tests.
It is important to note that Pedigree certificates for these dogs are not recognised by the Kennel Club but nevertheless good breeding practise is carried out in the way of Hip Scoring, Eye Testing and veterinary checks. Inuit Dogs are proving popular and have ability in many areas including Pets As Therapy (PAT Dogs), Search and Rescue, Agility, Obedience, Socialisation training and Cani Cross (Canine Cross Country). The first Inuit Dogs at Crufts were taken there in March 2008 to take part in the first ever cani cross event. The two dogs were a Northern Inuit that placed 6th (Akna Kennnels) and the dog that came first in the ladies event a British Inuit (Bred by Shoshone Kennels and trained by Akna Kennels). Visit the bbc website link for more information [1]
Inuit Dogs can also be registered with the Kennel Club, in the Companion Dog Club and on the working register. They can compete at Companion Dog Shows or Exemption Shows and agility and obedience competitions. They can also compete at some sled dog events including pulling a rig (wheeled sled), scootering and cani cross.
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