Has anyone else heard of this breed?

Intro: The Utonagan (or Northern Inuit) gets its name from an old Chinook Indian tale and means 'spirit of the wolf'. The breed is designed to appear to look like a wolf but without any wild blood to ruin its temperament. Utonagans are a cross between Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds. The first pair were brought to the UK in the late eighties but it is only in the last ten years, that the breed has become established.

Health: Generally healthy breed, but can be susceptible to eye and hip problems, although this is rare. (Breeders now have puppies eye tested and hip scored). Due to their thick coats, extra care must be taken when excercising these animals in hot weather as they can overheat easily.

Cost: Around £600.

Character: This breed is friendly, intelligent, sociable and without any aggressive traits. The dogs appearance has no reference to his character.

Grooming: A thick, dual layer coat with a large main coat during the winter months. These dogs do moult a fairly large amount of hair. Regular weekly grooming during these periods, will help to keep the coat looking fine.

Special care: There are several variations of Utonagan at present, because the breed is still in its infancy. The main characteristics to look for when buying a puppy are: strong wolf-like appearance, powerful but not stocky build. Either block colours or shades of grey and tan (any wolf colouration).

Exercise: These dogs are large and powerful and are highly energetic. They need a large amount of exercise and like their Husky cousins, are well suited to endurance work.

From the owner: The Ute can adapt to most situations, if you put the time and effort in to training them, and they will reward you with a lifetime of loyal companionship and amusement. They are unlike any other breed of dog. The Ute has a way of getting under your skin and they can look at you and appear to know exactly what you are thinking. Winston M, Slough.

Quick fire questionsSize l

Do they moult? heavy

Do they make good guard dogs? no

Do they make good watch dogs? no

Are they readily obedient? yes

Can you trust them off the lead? caution advised

Are they reliable left on their own? short periods

Will they get on with other animals? yes

Are they suitable for children? yes

Mental stimulation requirements very high

Sounds like a scam to me. Just like "Labradoodles" and other "purebred" mutts, except with a more exotic sounding name and the pretense of being a new, developing breed. The dog in that photo looks absolutely nothing like a wolf and everything like a long-haired husky mix. There are plenty of those in shelters (and probably especially in an area like Vancouver).

I have never heard of it. Doesn't look like a wolf to me. Why did they breed it? Is it to be a better sled dog or something? Frankly with the care to go into the grooming I wouldn't want it. That's way too much work.

It looks similar to a malamute cross..... unless you've really got your heart set on that. I would recommend the BCSPCA if you just want a mixed dog.

It's a mutt with a fancy name. You can get such mutts at most shelters.

Hay, I've been workin' on a really cool breed that you might be interested in!

http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp43/blunderpic...

That is a new on on me. I don't think it looks anything like a wolf the head is was too small, the snout is too short.

Ohh another mutt.

No i haven't but i've seen similar looking breeds

It's the well-known "breed"known as "mutt".