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The Northern Inuit

The Northern Inuit dog was created in the UK about 20 years ago, using northern breeds, such as  the Malamute and Husky, adding the german shepherds for trainability. Since then, the Northern Inuit. has come along way and is gaining in popularity at an alarming rate. Where once we were always asked when walking our dogs 'is that a husky', sometimes people actually recognise the breed in its own right.

The Inuit dog has existed for thousands of years. The Inuit people needed a dog to suit their lifestyle, and as a working companion, for this, legend has it, they staked out several bitches to be mated by wolves.By selective breeding and culling of the offspring, they eventually got what they wanted - a dog that could work long hours in cold temperatures, would live as a family pet and be obedient and loyal.

The Northern Inuit is a wolf look-a-like, and is totally non aggressive. They are the most versatile of dogs, but they are not for the novice owner as they can be very stubborn and are very quick witted. The owner of an Northern Inuit must show themselves to be the "Alpha" member of the pack or be prepared to be the underdog. A firm hand is most definitly needed, however the plusses far outweigh the cons of owning an northern Inuit as they are a joy to live with and attract attention where ever they go.

 

Northern Inuit Breed Standards

 

General Appearnace

A dog of medium build, athletic but not racy.

 

Head

Not too broad, skull slightly domed. Muzzle equal in length to skull, strong and gently tapering. Cheeks flat. Nose preferably black but a "snow nose" is permitted. Nostrils large. Slight stop. Lips close fitting and black. Perfect scissor bite.

 

Ears

Fairly wide apart but not low set. Not too large, carried erect.

 

Eyes

Oval and set at a slightly oblique angle. Any Colour permitted.

 

Neck

Strong and muscular with a well defined nape.

 

Forequarters

Shoulders flat. Moderately angulated upper arm but shoulder blades well laid back. Elbows fitting close to the chest which must not be too broad ( approx 4 finger width between front legs ) or drop below the elbow. Distance from ground to elbow slightly greater than that from elbow to withers. Oval bone, neither too heavy or too light, pasterns upright but flexible. Feet oval and toes open and well knuckled. Pads black and well cushioned with hair.

 

Body

Topline level, Ribs long to give overall proportions of height to length as 10 – 9, well sprung from the spine but flattening on the sides to allow the elbows to move freely. Loin short and deep with no exaggerated tuck up. Croup broad and fairly short but not steep. The tail is a smooth continuation of the croup and must reach no further than the point of the hock. May be lifted when excited and carried upright or sickle in movement.

 

Hindquarters

Well angulated with broad, muscular thighs, the strength being carried through to the second thigh. Hocks short and perpendicular to the ground. Upright when viewed from the rear. Feet oval, can have five rear toes. Removal of dewclaws optional.

 

Coat

Dense, waterproof double coat, slightly coarse in texture. Body coat 3 – 5 cm. Longer on ruff and breechings. Tail bushy.

 

Gait

Far reaching, covering the ground with an easy stride.

 

Size

Bitches: Minimum 23" (59 cm), Maximum 28" (71 cm)

Dogs: Minimum 25" (64 cm.) Maximum 30" (76 cm)

Overall balance more important than size.

 

Colour

Pure white or any Colour Sable from Grey or Apricot through to pure black. White faces permitted on any Colour. Masklike or cap like markings permitted on the faces of any Colour other than whites. Where white appears on the legs and feet the Colour change must be gradual.

 

Temparament

Friendly, placid and out going

Note: Males should have two apparently normal testicles descended into the scrotum.

 

Breed Faults

Curly tails, long or single coats, Ink Marked, black and tan colours. Cow or sickle hocks. Any departure from the standard should be considered a fault. The seriousness with which the fault is regarded should be in proportion to its degree.

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