I was wondering what the temperament of this *breed* is like. I have a friend who is considering buying one in the belief that they really have wolf in them. But, after doing some research on the laws around these dogs, found they rarely have any wolf in.
My concern is that she will buy this mixed breed of dog and not be able to cope. After reading that they are often a mix of Siberian Husky, Alaskan malamute, Akita, GSD and Other Spitz breeds. I think that this mix of temeraments and obviously the breed related health problems will lead to huge problems in the future if se is a little lax in training and the parents arent health tested or the generations before.
Could anyone offer their opinions on these dogs so that i can copy and paste them for her to see that it is not just me who thinks well bred KC registered dogs are a slightly safer bet when buying a family companion?
Many thanks
Maggy

Hopefully Wolfie will be along soon as I think you are talking about an Utonagon dog and I know he has one. You are right that they don't have any actual wolf in them though :)

Ummmmm.... Mel, Wolfie is a she.... :rolleyes:

Geoff :)

How was I supposed to know that G3off? :D

Well, she did say she fancied her vet & he was a he...... Yes I know, we won't go into that... :rolleyes:

Geoff :)

Even *I* don't read every post here :D :D

The temperament of such a mixed breed will be a bit of a lottery depending upon the mix. Most of the dogs sold as  "wolf dogs" tend to be Siberian/GSD crosses. Their health will obviously reflect the health of their forebears, and, with the best will in the world, I cannot see someone with a top quality Champion Siberian or GSD deliberately creating mongrels, so the likelihood is that the parents were not the best quality representatives of their breed(s). If your friend buys a specific breed, then, within reasonable limits, you know what you are getting, type and temperament-wise. If you buy a mix, then you are taking potluck. Just as an example, the Siberian Husky is, in general, the most loving, affectionate and human friendly dog you could ever hope for. Its jaws, however, are designed to bite and chew frozen meat and can exert more pounds per square inch than a Rottie. Add to the mix a suspicious, aggressive, bad-tempered breed and you could end up with a lethal weapon. Your friend should stick to a recognised breed, not a breed invented to make money. Then at least, she will know exactly what she is getting!
Mick

Hi Maggie.

Utonagans/Northern Inuits don't have wolf in them. The first of thier breed were in fact Husky/Malamute/GDS crosses (although that's not the case now)

These dogs are very loving and loyal, but, they don't like to be left alone. Regarding training, they are incredibly intelligent animals, but, they do have a stubborn streak. They do respond well to play reward though.

The Utonagan/Inuit is not for the faint hearted and I wouldn't recommend them to the novice dog owner. If your friend wants more info on this breed, or to find a reputable breeder, tell her to visit www.utonagan.net or www.wolfdogs.co.uk

Mick, I'm not even going to comment on your post!!! 

Hi Wolfie,

Sorry if you feel that I have insulted your breed. From the web link you gave it appears that the Utonagans are a serious attempt to create a new breed, and, as you say, all breeds of domestic dog are essentially man made. It wasn't clear from the first post whether the lady's friend was interested in a Utonagan or in one of the numerous "Wolf dogs" sold in Loot and elsewhere, most of which are, in my experience, simply crosses bred to make money, giving both wolves and the breeds involved in the crosses a bad name.
A couple of years ago I recently met one guy proudly walking his "95% Canadian Timber Wolf" which he said he had paid £1000 for. Far from being the size of a timber wolf, this poor bitch looked like an undernourished, undersized poorly bred Siberian Husky and apart from the colour, looked nothing like a wolf at all.
Once again, sorry if you felt I was insulting the Utonagan - that was not my intention.
Mick

Utonagans are a new breed, not an attempt. I believe they have been around for years. They also have fantastic temperaments, but as Wolfie pointed out, are not a breed for the novice owner. I hope the OP manages to change their friends mind.

That's ok Mick, no offence taken ;) :)

I do see your point though. There are unscrupulous people out there that will pass off crosses as wolf dogs (be it hybrids or not) purely for financial gain. None of then giving a damn about the temperament or health risks to these animals.

The Utonagans are a breed in thier own right. They have been around for the last 12 years or so. Many people make the mistake of assuming that these animals are crosses, or wolf hybrids. I can assure you that this isn't the case, although they are the only recognised breed standard for the wolf lookalike, that's all they are, a lookalike.

Mick
So are you saying that GSD's are bad tempered and aggressive?
Kat

Hi Kat,
Not at all. Simply trying to point out the potential dangers of mixing poor examples of ANY breed.

Good, you won't be shot then!
Kat

I'd better go and put the rifle away Kat!!! LOL