In the late 1980’s various northern breeds were selected for type and size  (including the Husky and Malamute) and another breed for trainability the (German shepherd). These  were carefully bred over several generations to create the Northern Inuit. In the early years a handful of other dogs (from these same breeds) were brought in to the breeding programme to improve the breed by expanding the gene pool and setting certain characteristics. For many generations now the Northern Inuit has been bred pure, Northern Inuit to Northern Inuit, and a definite type has been established.

Sadly during the brief  history of this breed there have been breeders who have strayed from the objective of keeping this a Northern breed, by adding other breeds such as Collie, Akita, Belgian Shepherd etc. These particular crosses became another breed, the Utonagan. One particular breeder imported many health problems to the Utonagan breed, including Von Willebrands Disease, Hip Displasia, Epilepsy and Heart defects-the current Utonagan Society is trying to sort out the problems and eliminate them from the breed, but they have a long way to go. This breed has nothing to do with the Northern Inuit and is NOT the same thing.

More recently other breeders chose to cross our Northern Inuits  with Czech wolfdogs (a breed that needs a DWA  licence in the UK), German Shepherds and other breeds - merely using the Northern Inuit as a base. These dogs are being sold under various names, such as British Inuits, lllimars, Snow Dogs, Tamaskans etc.-again they are NOT Northern Inuits and will display very different temperaments. Some of these breeders are using photos of Northern Inuits to illustrate their ‘breeds’ on websites and advertisements, but the public should be aware that the dogs they are breeding are nothing like a Northern Inuit and there is no guarantee as to what the cross is they are actually selling. This could be potentially dangerous especially where children are concerned.

Also, there are many ‘breeders’ selling various crosses as Northern Inuits –asking extortionate amounts of money for crossbreeds with no papers and just conning the public. If anyone wants a genuine Northern Inuit (or Utonagan) they should contact the relevant Society.

The Northern Inuit Society is able to offer help and advice and can recommend approved breeders –all genuine Northern Inuits come with an embossed NIS registration certificate and 12 months free membership to the society. The Northern Inuit Society is unique in keeping to the original brief, using Northern breeds and breeding for temperament and health, as well as looks.

 The purpose of The Northern Inuit Society is to present, promote and improve the quality of The Northern Inuit dog, maintain the Northern Inuit as a working dog breed and, above all, as a family companion. The Northern Inuit Society keep a database of registered litters, owners and members and hold several events up and down the country throughout the year, bringing owners and their dogs together and exhibiting the versatility of this wonderful breed. We also offer  help and advice to owners and interested persons. The goal of the society is to gain UK Kennel Club recognition.

The Northern Inuit dogs we have today withhold some of the characteristics and traits of the original Inuit type dogs but without the intense working drive that would pervert family life. They have a calmer nature more befitting of the family dog. Although originally this type of dog would have to battle against the elements for basic survival they have fitted in well with our modern day lifestyle as a loyal pet, capable of competing successfully in obedience, agility, fly ball etc, as well as their original job of pulling sledges. Where the Northern Inuit has not proved a success  as a guard dog, due to  their friendly manner and willingness to  greet any visitor as a long lost friend.

The Northern Inuit is a very affectionate and versatile dog, with an incredible sense of smell and willingness to please. The future of the Northern Inuit looks bright and could provide future services such as Search and Rescue dogs, Guide Dogs for the blind, Hearing Dogs for the deaf, P.A.T dogs, Assistance dogs for the disabled, Rescue dogs with the RAF and some have qualified as P.A.T. dogs. Several Northern Inuits have passed the KC Good Citizen Award scheme, achieving Bronze, Silver and Gold standard for their proud owners.

If introduced at a young age Northern Inuit dogs mix well with other pets and because of their friendly personalities they love the companionship of other dogs and very rarely argue, usually submitting when challenged. They make great family members and like to be included in everything the family does. They love children and are happy to play games for hours or cuddle up on the sofa for a kip. Those that are privileged to own a Northern Inuit, or more, know how loving and caring these dogs truly are.

However, they are NOT a dog that can be left alone while you are at work, this can lead to a very distressed dog and destructive behaviour. They have very strong pack instinct and it cannot be over emphasised that they NEED CONSTANT COMPANY, human or canine –but any canine companion should be large enough to take the rough and tumble of Northern Inuit play.

The Northern Inuit is a faithful companion and bonds very closely with their family. You never forget that smile, they have a wonderfully expressive face and really do ‘smile’. They require a medium level of exercise as they are not over active dogs, but they are boisterous in play!

Northern Inuits are larger then a Siberian husky, with dense double coats ranging in colour from white through to black and reds, with grey being the most common. They can have a ‘mask’ but colour change should be subtle. They moult twice a year, the heaviest being the spring moult but good brushing keeps this under control. Some Northern Inuits do not tolerate cereal based complete dog foods very well and as a breed they do best on BARF diets.

Northern Inuits are very independent and strong willed dogs and not really suited to a novice dog owner. They are trainable (but it helps if you have an abundance of  patience and a good sense of humour) and they should be well socialised from a very early age. With confident handling they can be reliably obedience trained and safely let off the lead.

HIGHGROUND NORTHERN INUIT DOGS