History
  • Humble beginnings started when breeders in the 1980s wanted to create wolfy looking dogs who were also great family dogs. They started by crossing Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds, along with other mixes.
  • A small group of dedicated breeders continued adding more dogs into the genepool and in 1988 called the breed Northern Inuit; thus forming the Northern Inuit Society.
  • Over time a group split from the Northern Inuit Society, called their dog Utonagan and formed the Utonagan Society. They were focused on improving the overall health of the breed and set down regulations for breeding tests and a code of ethics. 
  • With time, some breeders desired to add unrelated bloodlines from sled dogs from Lapland. The Utonagan Society did not approve of these new dogs, so they further split. Those who added the Lapland dogs called their breed Tamaskan. 
  • In 2006 the Tamaskan Dog Register (TDR) was formed. The TDR sets forth the regulations for health testing dogs and breeding policies. Some breeders have been removed from the TDR for not following the required health testing on their dogs. 
  • Tamaskan is still a relatively new breed and have open stud books, meaning they allow new outcross dogs to be used, and are registered with the American Rare Breed Association. 

Temperament
  • Very loyal and family (or pack) oriented dogs. They do not want to be left behind and can suffer from separation anxiety
  • Sensitive and attuned to people, therefore experienced dog owners are recommended
  • Friendly with people and other dogs and generally not good guard dogs. Northern aloofness is sometimes present.
  • Higher energy and ready to join you as a companion in all things
  • Highly intelligent and quick to learn new things when given the right motivation
  • Higher prey drives (can be worked on with proper training)

Appearance
  • Large sized dogs (Male 25-29 inches, Females 24-28 inches) and reach full maturity at 3-4 years of age
  • Intelligent gaze and rangy wolf-like appearance with fully pricked ears, well furred coats, and straight tails
  • Slightly longer than they are tall
  • Thick double coat
  • Coat colors include red gray, wolf gray, and black gray agouti patterns

Care
  • Shed quite a bit and require regular brushing (however; they do not require a groomer)
  • Energetic dogs that enjoy long walks and require lots of activity throughout the day
  • Great companion dogs and enjoy being in multi-dog homes
  • Enjoy high quality diets and some can have food sensitivities
  • Adaptable breed and can fit in many different lifestyles and circumstances
  • Independent minded who will need lots of training in short sessions with the right motivation!
  • Some can be prone to separation anxiety which can lead to destructive behaviors when left to their own devices

Health Tests
All TDR registered breeding dogs are:
  • Hip scored (results must fall within the range of BVA 0-18, AVA 0-18, FCI A-B, FGH A-B, or OFA Excellent, Good, Fair)
  • Elbow scored (results must be BVA 0, AVA 0, FCI Normal, FGH Normal, or OFA Normal)
  • DNA profiled to confirm parentage
  • Eye examined (results must be OFA CAER Normal, BVA Eye Scheme Normal, AVA AVES Normal, or ECVO Normal)
  • Tested for DM status (results must be DM clear or carrier)
  • Cardiac examination
  • Additionally, many breeders choose to have additional genetic health tests completed through DNA tests like Embark

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​Tamaskans are not yet an AKC Registered breed. However, we are ARBA recognized and can compete in IABCA Dog Shows
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