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 Pictures and Information courtesy of the Utonagan Society
The Utonagan has been bred exclusively in England since the 1980's. The
Utonagan as with all new breeds, started out as a cross breed. The aim
being to create a dog that would closely resemble the wolf without any
wolf content, with selective breeding using the Alaskan Malamute,
Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd.
Utonagan love the company of people and other dogs and are not suitable
for families that are out for long periods at a time as they may become
bored and destructive if left alone for too long.
Utonagan are very curious (down right nosey) and love to explore –
gardens need to be secure as they can be ingenious escape artists.
Utonagan moult at least twice a year and needs to be brushed frequently, once or twice a day, during these periods.
The Utonagan Society have managed to create a dog, which greatly
resembles a wolf. However, although the Utonagan resembles the wolf,
they are not wolf-hybrids but wolf look-alikes. DEFRA have investigated
the breed for wolf content, and have determined that there is none.
One of the aims of the society is to attain Kennel Club recognition.
Hip Score's and Eye Tests are now being accepted by the Kennel Club,
which is a great achievement.
The Utonagan Society were able to get a Utonagan to crufts in 2005,
Mahkahtala Iskote and Twatha R'non appeared at Discover Dogs.
Mahtahtala Iskote @ Carrara appeared in the Good Citizens' ring, in the
PAT Pet Parade (www.petsastherapy.org.uk) on Friday 11th March
2005. They hope that this will create more interest in this
fabulous breed.
Although startling to some, the Utonagan has a fantastic temperament.
They are very intelligent, loyal and affectionate. The Utonagan
are very happy alongside children and other pets, and close bonds are
quickly formed. The temperament of these dogs is so sound, that the
society has been invited to work in association with Pets as Therapy,
leaflets about registering to be a PAT dog have be given out with every
pedigree from the beginning of April 2005.
Many large breeds suffer from Hip Dysplasia, however this is not common
in the Utonagan as hip scoring and careful breeding minimize any
potential problems. Life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years.
 Pictures and Information courtesy of the Utonagan Society
Official records of adults and litters are kept by the Society and they
encourage breeding of good quality puppies that are society registered
and screened for genetic disorders. The Utonagan society advise that
puppies are purchased from their members to ensure that they have been
responsibly bred in accordance with the Societies code of ethics and
are not the product of backyard breeders.
Pictures and Information courtesy of the Utonagan Society
Utonagan Breed Standard
General Appearance:- Large, strong and muscular (not heavy), to resemble the grey wolf as closely as possible.
Temperament:- The temperament should be exemplary without any hint of aggression whatsoever.
Adult Weight:- Males 70-100 pounds - Females 55-90 pounds.
Height:- 24-33 inches at the shoulder.
Length:- Nose to tail: Males 5ft - 6ft 5ins - Females 4ft 5ins - 6ft.
Nose:- Preferably black. Lack of pigmentation (snow nose) to be considered a fault.
Eyes:- Almond in shape. Colour ranging from brown to amber or yellow. Blue eyes unacceptable.
Ears:- Small in comparison to the head, slightly rounded at the tip.
Mouth:- Broad muzzle with powerful jaw.
Neck:- Rather thick and long.
Body:- Streamlined chest. Body fairly long with level topline and sloping croup. Well sprung rib, slightly arched chest.
Forequarters:- Forelegs straight and fine boned in comparison to the body. Elbows close to the chest.
Hindquarters:- Well developed with well turned stifle. Dew claws unacceptable.
Feet:- Front paws large, back paws smaller than corresponding dog.
Tail:- Average length 17ins.
Gait:- Long and sloping to resemble the wolf.
Coat:- Thick double coated, preferably with a mane during the winter months. Colours allowable: Grizzled combination of grey, black, tan and buff and single colours of white or black.
Faults:- Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault. The seriousness with which the fault should be considered, should be in exact proportion to the degree.
Note:- Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
11th June 2006 |