Utonagan
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The Utonagan (pronounced /juːt??n??ɡ?n/[needs IPA][the previous pronunciation was gibberish]) is a breed of dog that resembles a wolf, but in fact is a mix of three breeds of domestic dog: Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Siberian Husky.
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[edit] 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, all black and Ink Marked, meaning white with markings of brown, silver or black which look like ink spilled on blotting paper
[edit] Temperament
The Utonagan is often described as being of superb temperament and is also often talked about as a wonderful family dog and companion. They love the company of people, and get along well with cats and smaller dogs.
The Utonagan is not a guard dog, and will lick a stranger rather than bark at them. Utonagan will howl, from time to time.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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 added. The original dogs were bred by Edwina Harrison, who advertised them as wolf-dog hybrid.[1] Buck, the founding father, looked like an Alaskan Malamute. His more wolf-like pups were prized for breeding.
The Utonagan and the Northern Inuit originally came from the same stock, but the Utonagan Society further developed its lines by returning to stock from the conceptual breeder. They are now considered two separate breeds.
The name Utonagan was found in a book of Native American mythology by one of the original breeders, Lyn Barraclough. 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".
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