Northern Inuit dog ⋆ Online magazine for women

History of the breed

It is immediately worth noting that the Inuit dog breed is quite young. It was bred about thirty years ago in the UK. It was here that Eddie Harrison set the task of breeding a dog that would be as similar as possible to a wolf, but at the same time have the character of a domestic dog that is easy to train. He achieved his goal, the breed became popular in many countries around the world.

Fact ! When developing the breed, the German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, Inuit dog and Siberian Husky were used.

Description of the breed

The Eskimo Laika is a northern sled dog. The animal is large in size and looks like a wolf. Representatives of the breed are not used to barking; their sounds are similar to the howl of wolves.

The breed standard states the following criteria:

Advantages and disadvantages

Before you get an Inuit dog, you should study the strengths and weaknesses of the breed. The main advantages are:

extraordinary mind;
loyalty to the owner;
excellent relationships with children of any age;
calm character.

However, there are also disadvantages that make the breed less attractive to many breeders. It's worth starting with the fact that she won't get along in an apartment - she needs space to run around and waste excess energy. In addition, because of his good nature, the dog will not be able to become a reliable guard.

Description

The Canadian creator of the breed, Eddie Garison, in the 80s of the 19th century, sought to obtain an analogue of the domesticated docile wolf. And although these hybrid animals are also called direwolves, they do not have a drop of wolf blood. But the breeding work remains classified to this day. The Inut is believed to be a mix of the German Shepherd, Siberian Husky and Inuit species. And according to other versions, this is a descendant of an Alaskan malamute, a husky (or an Eskimo dog) and a German.

Interesting fact

Representatives of the breed played the role of formidable mythical creatures in the Game of Thrones saga.

Interesting fact

Actress Sophie Turner took one of the actors' dogs for herself after filming the famous saga.

Interesting fact

Oddly enough, the Canadian’s historical homeland is England, where breeders made the greatest contribution to the development of the population of strange mammals.

Breed Features

The International Canine Association has not recognized the domesticated “wolf”. But in Europe you can find clubs and kennels that recognize the hybrid as a separate breed. And some dog handlers consider the fidget to be a relative of the Labrador and sled four-legged dogs.

The pseudowolf is very dynamic and requires increased physical activity. In addition, it sheds heavily, just like the wild prototype. Therefore, the pet needs an owner-leader who is ready to devote a lot of time to his strange beast. And in the first 2-3 years of marriage, the leader will have to prove his right to alpha positions every day.

The direwolf, despite its Inuit roots, is not a sled dog, but a companion and watchman. Most often, a live animal is bred as an exotic quadruped in order to impress others and amuse one’s own pride.

Distinctive features

Head

Wedge-shaped, the bridge of the nose is straight, the nose is black or light, but only in white individuals. The nostrils are open.

Jaws

Powerful with a scissor bite. The chewing muscles are excellently developed.

Ears

Erect, triangular, large, heavily pubescent. Set low and close, mobile.

Eyes

Brown, amber, yellow, blue. Almond-shaped, slightly slanted. The eyelids are pigmented in the same tone as the nose.

Torso

Muscular, dry. Males are much larger than females. The tail resembles a sickle, without a curl, with a luxurious edge without curly strands.

Paws

Powerful, textured with hard pads and dark claws. Fingers are gathered into a ball. Elbows and knuckles point backwards.

Wool

Strictly straight, rough with pronounced undercoat. Colors: gray, like its wild “brother,” white, black, black and white, red-brown. Sable pattern is also possible. Stains are not allowed.

Character

The Inuit is very sociable and gets along well with relatives and cats, especially if they live together. It is distinguished by its specific non-sugar character and extraordinary mental abilities. Able to learn and perform complex tricks, work as a rescuer, bloodhound, and border guard.

The northerner becomes strongly attached to the leader-favorite and his household members, and does not tolerate separation and loneliness in a locked space. During periods of prolonged absence of the beloved owner, he is prone to separation anxiety, accompanied by attacks of panic and anger.

Sometimes he is stubborn and rebellious. Can tease others, especially in puppyhood. In general, it perfectly determines a person’s mood and emotions and tries to match them.

At the same time, the intuitive is in dire need of the leadership of the alpha leader, otherwise he himself will take first place and lead everyone to the line. Early training and socialization help to tame the wayward cunning and point out to him his rank as a subordinate. But keep in mind that Canadians do not take well to rudeness, violence and monotonous training without games and fun.

Breed standard

For each breed there are certain standards that regulate every little thing. When going to the nursery, it is advisable to know about them:

The head is harmoniously folded, wedge-shaped, and rather dry. The forehead is not high, almost flat. The lips are of medium thickness and pressed tightly together. The straight bridge of the nose is about half the length of the head or slightly less.
Jaws and teeth. According to the standard, the dog must have the correct bite - full teeth.
The nose is well developed. The nostrils are large and open. The color should be black, but for dogs with light coats an exception is made - it can be bleached.
The eyes are dark, set slightly slanted. They have an almond shape. The eyelids should fit tightly and match the color of the nose.
The ears are triangular in shape, deep and large. Located low and not very wide. Covered with soft, short hair without bald spots.
The neck is strong and short. Smoothly transitions into a powerful body.
The case has an almost rectangular format, the addition is correct. Males are slightly shorter than females. The back falls, smoothly moving from the withers to the croup. The loin is slightly convex, the croup is sloping. The groin is tightened. The chest is oval, slightly extended towards the tail, not very wide.
The limbs are strong and smooth. The joints are not heavy, but at the same time large. The elbows do not sink, are not extended, they look only back. The shoulders and withers are well developed, the thighs are muscular and not very long. The claws are strong, slightly bent.
The tail is powerful, densely covered with long hair. Located just above the back or at its level. The shape must be flat or crescent-shaped - knots, rings and creases are unacceptable.
The coat has two layers - a hard outer coat, as well as a thick, very dense undercoat.
Color. White and black colors without markings are acceptable. In addition, the standard provides for the possibility of sable coloring - here the ratio of black, white and gray colors can be any.

Interesting ! Initially, the presence of a black mask was mandatory for the sable color. However, over time this rule was canceled.

Disqualifying faults

Any deviation from the above standards may result in a reduction in the dog's score at the show or complete disqualification. Lack of teeth, increased aggressiveness or cowardice are also considered unacceptable.

Choosing a puppy

Pungsans have not yet been seen in Russia; dogs of this breed do not live in neighboring countries. But if you suddenly feel the strength and irresistible desire to become a pioneer breeder - to be the first to acquire such an exclusive puppy, be prepared in advance for many difficulties. The very purchase of a small Pungsan dog is very problematic: there are many of these dogs in the DPRK, but it is very difficult to take a baby out of the country - but the cost of this rare breed there is very low.

Little Pungsan is full of self-esteem

In South Korea and the North American continent, the price of a puppy starts from seven hundred dollars, and the upper limit can reach five thousand. Of course, transporting the baby to his permanent place of residence will also be expensive. While the demand for the breed is low, fraudulent resellers do not show themselves particularly, but if the situation changes, the buyer can easily become a victim of deception from greedy and dishonest sellers.

What are the risks here? Instead of a rare Pungsan, they may sell you a more common Samoyed with low body hair, or even a large white mongrel.

What you should pay attention to? First of all, as when choosing a puppy of any breed, look at the head. A smooth “stop” and a wedge-shaped muzzle, slightly reminiscent of a wolf in shape, are the main distinguishing features of Pungsan

His expressive eyes are also different: they are similar to an almond in shape and slanted in Korean style.

At first, a baby’s ears may hang slightly down and forward, like those of a shepherd puppy, but they can also immediately be erect, like those of a wolf. Based on this, even a specialist will not be able to draw a clear conclusion. But the unique breed's wool will not allow you to make a mistake: the hair coat has a pronounced seasonal division: in winter, a thick dense undercoat causes the guard hairs to rise almost perpendicular to the skin, and in the summer the undercoat falls out almost completely and the guard begins to dominate.

Character

Before you get an Inuit, you need to study the dog and the most important parameter is its character.

Representatives of this breed do not tolerate loneliness well, so it is not worth getting one if you are too busy. But in a big company he feels like a fish in water. He will be happy to play with children or run with teenagers and adult owners.

How much pride is in this look

Where to keep it and how to care for it?

The domestic wolf is quite large, so it is better to keep it in the house than in the apartment. The puppy grows quickly and needs special vitamin supplements. It is important to organize proper balanced nutrition for the animal. Thick fur allows the pet to feel comfortable outdoors during the cold season; it can even be kept in an outdoor enclosure all year round.

A large dog can be kept in a large apartment, but it is necessary to frequently walk in the fresh air with active games. Otherwise, in an apartment with a sedentary lifestyle, he may develop obesity, which will lead to serious illnesses. The Northern Inuit is low maintenance. Like others, he needs to be bathed and brushed periodically, and his nails cut once a month. The animal sheds, but this process goes quickly. It is imperative to brush your ears and teeth. If plaque has formed on your teeth, it must be removed by a specialist.

Nutrition

The half-wolf is at risk of certain diseases. Excess weight, which provokes cardiovascular diseases, has a particularly detrimental effect on it. Possible diseases of the eyes, joints and allergies to certain products. It is recommended to periodically carry out prevention against helminth infection. For your pet's health, it is important to provide proper nutrition with the necessary vitamins and mineral supplements.

Anti-helminth medications for dogs include Drontal, Azinox Plus, Prazitel, Dirofen Plus, Milbemax, Kanikvantel, Prazitsid Plus (Susepnzia), and Ivermectin.

Special dry food is considered an ideal option; it contains well-balanced proteins, fats, carbohydrates, mineral supplements and vitamins, which are necessary for the normal functioning of all vital organs of the animal. There must be clean water. You can feed your pet natural food, fresh meat, and cereal porridge. It is advisable to use coarse meat with veins, it contains more nutrients for the dog.

Hygiene

In general, Inuit are not the easiest dogs to care for. So, it is important to know about the rules of hygiene:

combing - two to three times a week, and when shedding (twice a year) daily, using a long-toothed comb;
bathe as needed, but as rarely as possible;
eye examination - daily;
examination of the ears – once a week;
trimming nails - once a month or less often if the dog runs around a lot and grinds down its claws.

By keeping these rules in mind, you can ensure maximum comfort and excellent health for your pet.

Diseases inherent in the breed

In general, Schipperkes are the owners of good health. Their lifespan is 13–15 years. But hereditary diseases have not spared this breed at all. Basically, veterinarians note the genetic predisposition of these dogs to the following pathologies:

Epilepsy. This is a chronic disease of the nervous system that manifests itself in seizures. During them, the dog may lose consciousness. The disease is not completely curable, but can be corrected with medication, so the pet has every chance of living a long and happy life. Cataracts and retinal atrophy. Cataract is a clouding of the lens, which results in decreased visual acuity up to complete blindness. Retinal atrophy is the death of light-sensitive receptors. Treatment is medicinal, the earlier it is started, the more effective it is. Hypothyroidism - insufficient production of thyroid hormones. It manifests itself as weakness, lethargy, and rapid fatigue of the pet. Possible dullness and hair loss. Treatment is carried out by introducing the missing hormones. Hip dysplasia. Incorrect development of the hip joint, in which abrasion of cartilage and then bone tissue occurs, can manifest itself at first as a slight lameness, and lead to disability

Treatment can be either medicinal or surgical; it is important to start it in a timely manner. Perthes syndrome. The pathology consists in the death of the tissues of the hip joint, which leads to its destruction

It manifests itself as lameness, the dog’s desire to protect the paw with the affected joint. Drug therapy is effective only in the initial stages of the disease, then surgery cannot be avoided. Mucopolysaccharidosis is a metabolic disorder. It may manifest itself as clouding of the eyes, enlargement of the tongue, and deformation of the skeletal system. It is treated with a bone marrow transplant or enzyme medications, but both types of therapy are expensive and not widely used.

Features of feeding and diet

Many breeders prefer to feed their dogs dry food. But here you need to be careful - some cheap varieties contain dangerous allergens, to which northern Inuit dogs are especially sensitive.

Remember ! When kept in an apartment, dogs are prone to obesity. It is worth remembering this and feeding them very moderately.

A more correct solution would be to feed “naturally”. The basis should be lean meat - rabbit, poultry or beef. Sometimes you can replace it with fish (sea, boiled, without large bones) or offal. It is also important to enrich the diet with vegetables (carrots, zucchini, pumpkin) and cereals (millet, oatmeal, wheat, buckwheat). It is very important to regularly provide low-fat fermented milk products - cottage cheese and kefir, as a source of calcium.

Where and how to buy a Northern Inuit dog puppy

This breed is not common in the Russian Federation, so purchasing a puppy will be quite problematic. Today there is not a single domestic nursery for breeding the Northern Inuit dog. Thus, if you want to acquire an exotic, you will have to order it directly from UK nurseries. There is a queue for puppies even before they are born, which also affects the cost. The price for a dog varies from 20,000 to 30,000 Russian rubles, plus you will have to pay transportation costs.

There is a maximum of 5 puppies in a litter.

Sometimes on Internet sites like Avito you can find an advertisement for the sale of purebred Northern Inuit dog puppies. But there is a high probability of stumbling upon an unscrupulous seller who sells a cross between huskies and other breeds. To avoid becoming a victim of deception, you should consult a dog trainer before purchasing a pet.

We recommend reading: Piroplasmosis in cats: symptoms and treatment of the disease

Today, the cost of one Inuit dog puppy varies between 20,000–30,000 Russian rubles

Lifespan and reproduction

Unfortunately, representatives of the breed cannot boast of a significant life expectancy. In most cases, they live about 10-13 years, and if serious illnesses occur, then even less. Even by dog standards, this is below average.

Healthy ! These dogs grow very quickly, so it is important to provide puppies with a diet with sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamins.

It is advisable to allow males from 1 to 7 years of age to breed, and females from one and a half to 6 years of age. Then you can get the healthiest and most abundant offspring without unnecessary risk to the life of the pets.

Description and characteristics of the Inuit

The Northern Inuit is otherwise called the Canadian Husky. It is in Canada that the majority of Eskimo Inuit live. It was in Canada that work was carried out on crossing the German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky and the aboriginal Inuit Eskimo dog.

Selection began in the 80s of the last century. At the same time, there is a version that Labradors took part in the breeding of the breed instead of shepherd dogs.

The purpose of the experiments was to breed a domestic wolf. Dogs of the breed look like a wild animal, but do not carry its fresh genes. It's possible. There are several species of wolfdogs in the world. Crossbreeding between dogs and grays is possible. The offspring does not lose the ability to reproduce. However, wolf genes make dogs timid and difficult to train. Inuit are ideal companions.

Northern Inuit are used as sled dogs

The Utonagan also descended from the aboriginal Inuit dog. These dogs are sled dogs. However, the differences in appearance between the Utonagan and the Inuit are vague. The external characteristics of each breed are also vague. It's not just about youth.

Most canine associations condemn the creation of hybrids, that is, the crossing of several already formed species. The Inuit remain unrecognized. This partly frees up the hands of breeders who continue to experiment with the appearance of dogs.

The unofficial Inuit standard is:

The head is wedge-shaped and dry, with a low and flat forehead, the transition from which to the nose is moderately developed. The nose itself is straight, half the length of the head. The lips are of medium thickness and tightly compressed. This is partly facilitated by the tone of the chewing muscles and a correct, full bite.

Developed eye sockets do not look heavy and are characterized by an average filling of the space under them. The eyes themselves are almond-shaped and slanted. Triangular ears are located on top of the head. They are planted at an average distance from each other.

The body of the Inuit is rectangular. Bitches are longer than males. The line of the back rises smoothly from the croup to the withers. The loin is moderately arched. The Inuit's groins are tucked up, and the sternum is of medium width and extends towards the tail. The last one is woolly, attached at the level of the back. The tail is straight and hangs calmly.

The Inuit's height and weight are "vague". Weight ranges from 25-50 kilograms. The height of dogs of the breed reaches 76 centimeters at the withers. The bottom bar is 59 centimeters.

The wool is two-layer. The awn is tough. The undercoat is soft and dense. The Inuit fur coat is colored sable, white or black. The last two colors must be unmarked.

The requirement for a white mask on the face, like that of wolves, is losing relevance. At the initial stage of the formation of the breed, only white Inuit did not have a mask. More precisely, the mark was not noticeable. Now Inuits without masks are also recognized.

Dogs are recognized by amateur clubs. There is one, for example, in England. Having been bred in America, the breed gained popularity in Foggy Albion. It was here that an association of Inuit lovers was founded, they monitor their standard, and hold exhibitions.

How to choose a puppy

You should choose a puppy very carefully - it depends on whether you will have to face unnecessary problems in the future.

Puppies are very similar to wolf cubs

First you need to ask for the parents' veterinary passport. It can be used to determine whether there are genetic diseases in the family that could be passed on to the puppy. Also, do not forget about the external examination - the puppy must be strong, and the coat must be even and smooth.

An equally important factor is the psychological component. If the puppy is too cowardly or angry, this is an alarming sign - in the future such traits may develop and cause a lot of difficulties.

Description of the Inuit dog

As already mentioned, the Inuit is very similar to the wolf. The dog is quite large, athletic, and almost never gains more than its average weight. The height of the dog at the withers is from 60 to 85 cm, the average weight for males is up to 50 kg and for females up to 40 kg.

He is distinguished by athletic muscles, a toned stomach and strong legs. The limbs are well developed, smooth with large joints. The joints are directed backwards, without depressions or displacements. The paws are large, grouped together. The claws are very strong, bent back.

The Inuit's tail is completely straight; any bends or bends are a defect. The dog's head is wedge-shaped with a low forehead. The jaw is developed, a full-fledged correct bite. The nose is medium in size with open nostrils. The color always depends on the color; the lighter the pet, the lighter the nose.

The eyes are slightly slanted and not large. The color can be different, but most often the pigment of the eyes matches the color of the nose. The ears are quite large, set low and not widely apart.

The Inuit's coat is short, double and hard. It has a thick undercoat that fits tightly to the body. The color is not very varied, it can be white, black. Sometimes there is a sable pattern on the main color. Other colors are not typical for this breed. Previously, belonging to this type of dog indicated the obligatory presence of a white mask on the face for any color other than pure black.

However, recently animals with such a characteristic feature appear less and less often, but this does not prevent qualified dog breeders from recognizing such dogs as pedigree. Today the breed is quite in demand all over the world.

Coat and possible colors

Inuit wool is double wool, which protects well from frost, wind, and moisture. It is rough to the touch, with straight guard hairs. The undercoat is dense and well developed. The length of the coat is medium, the same length throughout the body, only on the neck, limbs and tail it is slightly longer.

The most popular dogs are wolf-colored, but the following are allowed:

pure white;

solid black;
sable - from peach to gray;

black-gray;
grey-red;
black and tan;
reddish-brown with saddle cloth.

The color transition is smooth. Stains are not acceptable. Until recently, a “wolf mask” was mandatory, but today dogs without a characteristic mask are also recognized by experts as purebred.

Interesting Facts

Representatives of the breed are often used as guide dogs, as well as in search and rescue operations - their good nature, intelligence and keen sense of smell make them an excellent choice. Northern Inuit dogs are also in demand in the sports world. They are used in flyball, steeplechase and other dog sports.

And during the filming of the popular series “Game of Thrones,” the northern Inuit dog breed was chosen to play the role of the direwolf animal.

Still from the series “Game of Thrones”

The Northern Inuit dog is not the easiest to keep and train. But from the day the puppy appears in the house, all family members and acquaintances will definitely fall in love with him.

Description of the breed

The Karelian Bear Dog belongs to the 5th group “Spitz and primitive type breeds”, 2nd section “Northern hunting dogs”. This distribution by the International Canine Association indicates that the breed was formed for many years without the participation of humans and their breeding activities. The standard clearly states the purpose of the representatives - the hunting type, and they work best on elk and bear.

Appearance

The bear dog is of medium size:

females are in the height range of 49–55 cm (ideal height at the withers is 52 cm), weight is 17–20 kg;
Males should fall within the range of 54-60 cm (with an ideal height of 57 cm), weight - 25-28 kg.

Karelian Bear Dogs have a strong build; the length of the body should be only slightly greater than the height at the withers. The standard reflects the basic requirements regarding the appearance of a representative of the breed:

the head is of medium length, triangular in shape in front;
the skull is wide (the widest part is between the ears), slightly convex in profile;
the transition from the forehead to the nose (stop line) is not very pronounced;
the chest is of moderate width, but long - approximately reaching the level of the elbows;
medium-length tail, curved upward;
limbs are powerful and strong;
The paws are rounded, with tightly packed toes.

The Karelian Bear Dog is medium in size, black and white in color and has a curled tail.

The gait of Karelian bear dogs is light, and when trotting, it harmoniously and imperceptibly turns into a gallop.

The dense skin does not have large folds or layers, and is covered with straight and coarse hair. In the hip area, on the neck and along the spine, the hairs are longer. The undercoat is soft and dense. The color must be black (dull shades are acceptable, including some with hints of brown) with clear white markings on the head, neck, chest, belly and legs.

Character and psyche of the breed

Karelian Laikas are natural hunters; they have a strong hunting instinct and are well oriented in the area. Representatives of this breed are very playful, self-confident and can defend their territory from other animals and men, but they do not show overt aggression towards people.

Karelian bear dogs use barking in hunting and when they see a stranger, but do not attack people

By their nature, Karelian bear dogs are true huskies, they are purposeful and serious. They make good guards - the dogs bark when they see an uninvited guest, but the animal will not attack. As for the owner, the pet will definitely choose one leader and will obey him unquestioningly. Karelian huskies are often quite jealous, so not every representative of the breed will get along well with a child. This is not a family dog at all, so if you have a baby, it is better to take a closer look at other breeds. The same applies to pets - with proper and timely socialization, the dog will be able to get along with a dog, cat or other pet, but will definitely not have any special love for it. It is better if the Karelian hunter is the only favorite.

Bear huskies require a strong hand, so such a pet is unlikely to be tough for a novice dog breeder. Education must be strict and systematic; this is the only way to cope with the stubborn and independent nature of the animal. If an approach is not found, the dog simply will not listen, and this can become a big problem.

Disqualities and disadvantages

Deviations from the standard are shortcomings of a particular animal and, depending on their severity, affect the assessment of experts up to and including disqualification. The disadvantages are:

graceful physique;
narrow skull;
excessively convex forehead;
yellow eyes;
absence of teeth (except for the first premolar and 3rd molar);
soft ears;
protruding, barrel-shaped chest;
a large percentage of white color, which creates the effect of individual black spots on the white coat, and not vice versa, as it should be;
straight or poorly bent tail;
wavy coat;
timidity in behavior;
the presence of noticeable staining of the ends of the hairs in black in white areas;
violation of the geometry of the limbs, in particular the vertical position of the humerus.

Serious shortcomings that become a reason to permanently exclude a representative of the breed from exhibition and breeding work are:

behavioral deviations (aggression or excessive timidity);
malocclusion;
blue eyes;
drooping ears;
any color other than that described in the standard.