Utonagan

Breedgroup of the Utonagan

The Utonagan belongs to the Breed group "Non-Sporting"

History of the Utonagan

The Utonagan breed comes directly from the Northern Inuit Dog, which in turn is from Siberian Husky, GSD and Alaskan Malamute type dogs. There were also 5 dogs, supposedly imported from the US in the 1980's, with low wolf content. This claim has since been disproved by DEFRA themselves. There is no more wolf in the Utonagan than in your average Poodle!

They are a wolf look-a-like, but with no wolf!

Temperament of the Utonagan

Utonagan are bred to have an exemplary temperament, i.e. to not react aggressively to humans under any circumstances, even if directly challenged. Responsible breeders will breed to maintain this temperament, along with good general health.

In practise one cannot guarantee that every single Utonagan will NEVER challenge a human being; they're dogs, not robots. Ill-handling, lack of socialisation, lack of training, injuries or other health issues will all have a potentially detrimental effect on a Utonagan's behaviour - the difference is that, usually, these factors do not have severe implications. A Utonagan would have to be put under extreme duress to become a genuine danger to humans; though of course they are perfectly capable of squabbling with other dogs, and - as with any medium to large breed - must be handled firmly and responsibly if allowed to run in a pack (i.e. 2 dogs together or more).

They do have a medium to high prey drive (depending on the individual) but are regularly, successfully integrated with other species within the household. Cats, rabbits, rats, parrots ... all can become friends with Utonagan dogs if introduced properly.

Utonagan are often giddy as young dogs, but respond well to appropriate training. Discipline is definitely required as they are intelligent dogs who will get their own way if at all possible! Remember that, although they are not a working breed, they have their origins in 3 hardy, intelligent and stubborn types of working dog!!

The only behavioural issue that is regularly reported is Separation Anxiety. This is often alleviated by allowing them other canine companions, and certainly by providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation. But most importantly, this can be prevented by giving them clear rules and guidelines so that they are comfortable and happy with their (low-ranking!) position in your pack.

Breedstandard of the Utonagan

The Utonagan is a dog breed (Canis lupus familiaris) The Utonagan strongly resembles a wolf but in fact has no wolf content at all, consistlng of only three breeds of domestic dog: Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Siberian Husky

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Appearance

The Utonagan is medium in size and well-muscled, but with a slender build so as to resemble a wolf as closely as possible. The breed has a thick double coat that appears quite different in winter and summer. The guard hair is straight and slightly coarse to the touch. The pelage can be silver grey, cream, or brown with black overlay and a characteristic wolf mask. It also comes in all white and all black.

Temperament

The Utonagan has a superb temperament and makes a wonderful family dog and companion. They love the company of people, and get along well with cats and smaller dogs if introduced to them at an early age.

The Utonagan is not a guard dog, and will lick a stranger rather than bark at them. Utonagan will, howl from time to time.

Care

The Utonagan needs companionship and attention, and can develop destructive behaviour if left alone for long periods. Unlike some of their ancestors, Utonagan will return to their owner when called if trained properly. Most Utonagan adore being trained and are eager to please their owners.

The Utonagan's coat is very easy to manage and (roughly) only requires a twice weekly brush. However, when the dog is moulting, its coat will require more attention.

Health

Some have thick coats that keep them warm in cool conditions but they have great difficulty staying cool in summer. This becomes a problem when walking the dog during hot weather, so owners must be careful not to over-exercise the dog and to keep water available when playing.

Utonagan can live up to 10-15 years of age.

Generally the Utonagan is an active agile and healthy dog, they should not be overtly exercised until their bones are fully mature.

Prior to breeding all breeding stock should be KC/BVA hip scored and eye tested clear.

History

The Utonagan and Northern Inuit were created from 5 rescue dogs of unknown origin, imported to the UK from America in 1987. Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd were then added.

The original dogs were bred by Edwina Harrison, who would often advertise them as Wolf dogs in Exchange and Mart. See link to article in external links. Buck, the founding father, looked like a Malamute. His more wolf-like pups were prized for breeding.

The breed now known as the Utonagan and the breed known as the Northern Inuit originally came from the same stock.

The Utonagan Society developed its lines by returning to stock from the conceptual breeder, as such the Utonagan and Northern Inuit are therefore now two separate breeds.

Sadly because of this breeds beautiful good looks and charming personality it has suffered at the hands of unscrupulous breeders willing to put making money before ensuring the health of their dogs and subsequent puppies. As a result the Utonagan does suffer with some health problems due to these unethical breeders and the small gene pool.

The name Utonagan was taken, by Lyn Barraclough one of the original breeders, from a story "Adventure with a Totem" from Myths & Legends of the North American Indians by Lewis Spence. It was then suggested by Brian Jenkins her partner as the breed name.

It is originally from a Chinook tale where Ut!ô'naqan is interpreted as "Spirit of the Wolf".

See also

SaarlooswolfhondCzechoslovakian WolfdogWolfdog

References

Edwina Harrison London Daily Mail - article by June SouthworthChinook texts

Care of the Utonagan

Moderate grooming for most of the year with more attention required during Spring and Autumn shedding.

Daily (if not twice daily) walks are required, plus play sessions. These dogs do not often do well as the only dog in the household, though there are occasional exceptions to the rule, often dependant on circumstances (i.e the amount of time the owner has available.

A secure garden is advisable, and preferably one that isn't particularly well manicured!

Training of the Utonagan

The more training you do with your Utonagan, the better your relationship with him/her will be. They are intelligent dogs and most certainly benefit from mental stimulation.

Though they were not bred with a working purpose in mind, they can adapt well to most disciplines. You just need to find the one that fits you dogs character and physical condition. For example, some have taken well to sledding, wheras others may not have the desire or ability. Others may prefer the physical and intellectual work of Agility, but some won't see what all the excitement is about!

The most popular vocation for Utonagan so far seems to be as PAT (Pets As Therapy) dogs.

Other information on the Utonagan

Contact The Utonagan Society at www.theutonagansociety.com for further details, puppies or rescue dogs.

Utonagan on the web:

• Utonagan Dog Breed
  Doggiewoggie - news, information and fun stories about dogs: Utonagan Dog ... The Utonagan is a man made dog (as with many dogs today) that has been ...
• Utonagan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  The Utonagan is not a guard dog, and will lick a stranger rather than bark at them. ... The Utonagan and Northern Inuit were created from 5 rescue dogs of unknown ...
• Dog Breeders by Dog Breed - Utonagan
  Dog Breeders by Dog Breed - At the RelatingtoDogs Dog Directory, we ... Dog content - RSS FEED. The Dogs Website Directory Dog Breeders by Dog Breed - Utonagan ...
• Utonagan Dog Breed Information
  Dog Breed Information about Utonagan .. Extensive information about the breed, Description, Origin, History, ... made dog ( as with many dogs today ) ...
• Utonagan dog training
  Utonagan ... The Utonagan is a very muscular dog, well balanced and is ... the Utonagan along other dogs, or even offer a permanent dog companion to ...
• Dog Breed Advice - Utonagan
  The Utonagan is a dog breed-under-development that strongly resembles a wolf. ... The Utonagan is a man made dog ( as with many dogs today ) that has been ...

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