Last Updated on 11/17/2021 by Veronica Jones
Introduction to the Breed
The Utonagan dog is a medium to large dog. They are very strong, but have a kind and gentle nature.
The Utonagan dog is a hybrid breed that looks very similar to a wolf and Northern Inuit dog, and this wolf-dog makes an excellent new member for most families.
If you want a new addition to the family that is strong yet gentle, then the Utonagan dog may be exactly what you need. Our full guide to the Utonagan dog breed will teach you about the origins of the breed, how to groom one, their temperament, how much they cost, and much more.
History and Origins of the Utonagan Dog
The Utonagan dog is a fairly new dog breed since it is a hybrid breed. Edwina Harrison first developed this breed in the 1980s. Edwina Harrison had a goal of making a dog that would look like a wolf but was sweet and gentle like any domesticated dog, and she created the Utonagan breed.
The Utonagan dog breed is unique because it is a hybrid, meaning it is a mixture of three dog breeds: the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd. Moreover, the Utonagan dog breed is a mix of five other dogs that were rescued, but the exact dog breeds are unknown.
The Utonagan dog breed is very popular amongst canine lovers despite not being recognized by the American Kennel Club because they are a relatively new dog breed. They are gentle and affectionate, making them great pets for families. Plus, their unique look makes them desirable because they look wild despite their kind personalities.
However, they can also be great working dogs. This is likely because they have genes from a German Shepherd, Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute.
Due to its gentle nature, a Utonagan dog is not usually a first choice for a guard dog. They will be vocal if they feel that there is danger to their loved ones like a Siberian Husky, but they will likely not guard your home as well as German Shepherds.
Physical Appearance – What Do Utonagan Dogs Look Like?
The Utonagan dog will often look like a wolf. Since they are a mixture of a German Shepherd, Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute, this dog breed has a medium to large stature with big bones. They have a long muzzle like a Siberian Husky and bright brown eyes like a German Shepherd.
One of the most distinctive features of this dog breed is its coat, which is medium to long in length. They have dense and straight double coats with medium to long fur. Their coats usually have a mixture of brown, gray, white and black fur, with fur markings similar to a husky with adds to their wolf-like appearance.
Utonagan Dog Temperament and Behavior – Are Utonagan Dogs Friendly?
This dog is a very even-tempered and sweet dog breed. They love to spend time with people they love, making them a great family dog. They are also a great example of friendly dog breeds, as they can even be a therapy dog in hospices, hospitals and schools.
However, they can be dominant and want to get their way. Luckily, you can train a Utonagan puppy early to avoid this behavior.
Training a Utonagan Dog
Training a Utonagan puppy will not be as difficult as a Siberian Husky, but you will likely still need to be firm. They are an intelligent dogs like a German Shepherd, but they still have the assertiveness and need for dominance like an Alaskan Malamute.
The key to training is by training a Utonagan puppy to mold their behavior easily by praising good behavior. Early socialization with humans and other dogs can also prevent dominance issues in the future. It would be best that they get trained by experienced owners, as they can become dominant over first-time dog owners.
These are a few things you can try to train Utonagan puppies.
Redirection
Redirecting behavior means to show dogs, “You can do this but not that.” Punishing a dog with other methods is often cruel and does not teach them what they can do instead of misbehave. For instance, you can give your dog their dog toy when they try to chew on the couch pillows to show them what they can chew. Redirection can also teach your dog how to trust you more, not just fear you.
Walking on a Leash
This hybrid can be dominant by nature, so teaching them how to obey you at an early age is crucial. Many puppies will likely try to lead and pull on the leash when you walk them. A non-retractable leash can be handy to help your dog walk beside you, not in front of you. You can also bring some treats with you to praise your dog everytime they listen to you.
No to Jumping
Many pet owners think it is cute when their small dog jumps on them when they come home. However, Utonagan canines are large breed dogs that can accidentally hurt or scare people they greet. Gently nudge your dog off when they jump on you and only praise them when they greet you calmly. You may also tell them, “No,” firmly before they try to jump on you and only give pet and praise them once they are calm. They will eventually learn to not jump on people once you reinforce this rule.
How Much Exercise Do Utonagan Dogs Need?
These hybrid dogs are energetic dogs that need a lot of physical exercise. This family dog to get physical and mental stimulation by walking, doing dog sports, etc., to prevent destructive behaviors, stress, weight gain and such.
The Utonagan breed will likely need at least 1 hour of exercise a day because they are an active breed. However, it will still depend per dog, as some your particular dog may want more or less exercise. Sportier Utonagans may want up to 2 hours of exercise. Senior Utonagans may only want 30-45 minutes of light exercise, which will likely be short but frequent walks.
Puppies will vary, but a good rule of thumb is to let a puppy play for 10 minutes several times a day, excluding walking. A puppy will show signs of tiredness, so you can put aside the toys once they slow down and yawn to avoid making your puppy tired an stressed.
Remember that it is fairly easy for this wolf dog to get hot easily because they have a thick double coat. Try to walk them early in the morning or late in the afternoon during the summer months, and offer them plenty of water after playing or walking.
It would also be ideal to have a safe, fenced outdoor space for them to play and roam. This large dog will love to run, explore, etc., and they can get destructive and anxious if they are lack mental stimulation and exercise. You can also keep lots of toys inside your home for them to play with to prevent them from misbehaving in your home.
Grooming a Utonagan Dog
This wolf dog will have more high maintenance fur than some other pets. Their fur is fairly easy to groom in the summer like a German Shepherd. They will likely only need regular brushing and occasional baths to maintain their coat in the hotter months.
They may shed a lot during the summer like a Siberian Husky. A double coated dog will shed parts of its inner and outer coat to provide more air circulation when it is hot. You can brush their fur once or twice a day to manage shedding. The inner coat sheds the most during the summer, but it will grow back when the weather gets colder.
However, it will be more work during the winter because of their double coats. Their fur becomes denser and thicker to prepare for the cold similar to an Alaskan Malamute, so it will be harder to brush through. It will still be important to brush daily to prevent matts. Brushing also removes dirt that is stuck under their double coat.
Other than brushing and bathing your wolf dog, you will also need to clean the outside of their ears gently and brush their teeth daily to dental problems. It is also important to trim their nails to prevent pain and difficulty when they walk.
Utonagan Dog Health Issues
If the Utoganan puppies come from reputable breeders, it is likely that they will be fairly healthy. They can also stay generally healthy when they exercise and eat high-quality dog food. However, they are still prone to some genetic health problems, which include:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is an inherited health problem where a dog’s thighbone is not connected to their hipbone properly. It can be painful as your dog ages because the bones will rub together. Some common symptoms include limping and lower activity levels. Luckily, you can treat it by offering anti-inflamatory medicine from a vet and avoiding exercise on any hard surface.
Obesity: Dogs love to eat, but they can become indulgent and overeat if the dog owner is not wary of how much they eat. Even if this wolf hybrid dog breed likes to exercise, they can still gain weight if they overeat. Obesity can lead to many issues in a dog, such as heart problems, diabetes, etc.
Bloating: Bloating is a common issue for a large-sized dog like the Utonagan dog. Big dog breeds have broad chests, which means air can easily get stuck in their tummies and cause bloating. If this occurs, they need to see a veterinarian right away since bloating can be fatal.
Are Utonagan Dogs Good as Family Pets?
A Utonagan dog can make a great family dog and companion dog. However, caution must be taken if you have very young children. A Utonagan dog can grow up to 30 inches tall and weigh 110 pounds. While they are a friendly dog breed, accidents can still occur during playtime if the kids are too young. The child may also be too rough with the Utonagan.
Otherwise, this dog is a great active dog to have around older kids. Their breed characteristics means they need lots of exercise, which can keep kids entertained. They are very even-tempered and gentle with the proper training despite their wild appearance.
Since they are gentle and can be trained, they can also be around seniors. Well-trained Utonagans can become therapy dogs in hospitals and hospices because of their gentle and sweet nature. Therefore, they can be great to have around big kids.
Are Utonagan Dogs Good with Cats?
The Utonagan dog can be with cats and other animals, but it will depend on many factors. This dog has a high prey drive, making it difficult to introduce other pets into the home when they are already old and used to being the only pet. Moreover, the Utonagan is fairly dominant, so they may threaten other new pets like domesticated dogs and cats that enter their territory.
However, it is possible if Utonagan puppies have proper and careful socialization with other pets while they are young. You can introduce the puppy to your current house pet slowly until they get used to each other. Plus, having another animal that they can grow up with can prevent issues like separation anxiety when you go to work or school.
Finding Utonagan Dog Puppies for Sale
It is crucial to know where you can buy a Utonagan puppy if you want them to be happy and healthy. How the puppy was bred will affect their health and temperament.
It would be best to buy a Utonagan puppy from a reputable breeder. There are a few breeders that have high standards for breeding and follow proper health screenings and procedures for dog breeds. You can learn a lot about a potential breeder by asking them these questions:
- Do you breed these puppies?
- How many puppies are in the litter?
- Can you see the parents of the litter?
- Can you see where the dogs were bred?
- How many litters has the mother dog had?
- Can you get the registration details of the dam (mother) and sire (father)?
- Will the breeder vaccinate the puppies before you bring them home?
It would be best to avoid puppy farms at all costs because they solely breed for profit with little concern for the puppy’s health. A puppy farm will typically not care about the parents and puppies health because they do not give them proper care. They only want to maximize their profit margin, so the mother and puppies are usually kept in filthy environments with little space, light, ventilation, etc. These poor conditions can cause puppies to have behavioural and health issues in the future.
It is also wise to meet the puppy’s parents if you are not sure about what dog breed you want. Meeting the parents lets you learn about their personalities and temperaments. That way, you will know how the puppy may act when it is an adult.
Checking the mother dog’s health is also essential to see if she can offer the puppies enough milk. A mother’s milk offers puppies antibodies to fend off disease. Plus, the milk is full of nutrients to help the puppy grow into a strong dog.
You can find a reputable breeder by checking approved kennel club breeders. However, it is important to remember that this dog is a rare breed. Therefore, it may take some time to find reputable breeders to buy a puppy from.
How Much Does a Utonagan Dog Puppy Cost?
The Utonagan dog is a fairly rare breed, making the price fluctuate quite a bit. The price can range from $600 to over $1,000.
Good names for a Utonagan Dog
If you decided that a Utonagan dog is the dog for you, you can start thinking of some fun names.
Here are some ideas that you can use to name your Utonagan dog.
Male:
- Marmaduke
- Heath
- Tyson
- Rocky
- Spike
- Spartacus
- Brutus
- Colt
- Bruno
- Prince
Female:
- Donna
- Betsy
- Morgana
- Daisy
- Jenny
- Athena
- London
- Stormy
- Bella
- Freya
Utonagan Dog – Similar Breeds
Are you wondering if you should get a Utonagan dog? Here are some similar dog breeds that you can check out if you are still deciding on what dog to get.
Tamaskan: The Tamaskan Dog also comes from the UK like the Utonagan dog. They are both large dog breeds that can weigh 50-100 pounds. The Tamaskan also looks like a wolf, but they have shorter hair than the Utonagan. They can also be a working dog because they are strong and smart.
Alaskan Malamute: Alaskan Malamutes are a great option if you want a dog that is easier to find, but they would be best for an experienced dog owner. Alaskan Malamutes are very active dogs that also look similar to wolves. Unlike the Utonagan, the Alaskan Malamute is recognized by major breed clubs like the British Kennel Club. This dog can also function as a working dog or a great family pet.
Northern Inuit Dog: Similar to the Utonagan, the Northern Inuit dog is a hybrid that also comes from a mix of Siberian huskies, German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes. They have a similar markings and colors to an Utonagan’s wild appearance. They have much shorter fur, which is great for a hopeful dog owner who wants an Utonagan with short fur. However, Utonagan dogs shed the same as a Northern Inuit and other double-coated breeds.
Finnish Spitz: A Finnish Spitz has a similar personality to a Utonagan because it is energetic yet loyal and kind, making them great family pets. However, the Finnish Spitz is much smaller than a Utonagan because it only weighs up to 29 pounds. This dog is ideal for families that want a domestic dog that is a bit smaller than a Utonagan but has the same personality.
Summary
If you want a dog that looks unique and wild but is sweet and kind, then the Utonagan dog is what you are looking for. They can become a working dog, but they make great family pets thanks to their gentleness.
Bringing a new puppy home is always something to look forward to, but it is crucial that you learn more about the breed before buying one. This guide can help you learn more about the Utonagan breed personality and maintenance to see if it matches your lifestyle.
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Reference list
- The Kennel Club, “Puppy and dog walking tips”, https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-training/getting-started-in-dog-training/dog-training-and-games/puppy-and-dog-walking-tips/, Date Accessed – 13 August, 2021
- VSAS, “Why Shaving Your Double-coated Dog Is Not Your Best Idea”, https://vsas.org/2017/07/why-shaving-your-double-coated-dog-is-not-your-best-idea/, Date Accessed – 13 August, 2021
- VCA Hospitals, “Common Dog Dental Problems”, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-care/promoting-wellness/common-dog-dental-problems, Date Accessed – 13 August, 2021
- VCA Hospitals, “Hip Dysplasia in Dogs”, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs., Date Accessed – 13 August, 2021
- Vet Nutrition, “Five Ways Being Overweight Can Harm Your Dog’s Health”, https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/10/dogobesity/, Date Accessed – 13 August, 2021
- Pet WebMD, “Dog Bloat: How to Protect Your Pup”, https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/gastric-volvulus-bloat-dogs#1, Date Accessed – 13 August, 2021
- NCBI, “Passive immune transfer in puppies”, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7125514/, Date Accessed – 13 August, 2021
- American Kennel Club, “Finnish Spitz Dog Breed Information”, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/finnish-spitz/, Date Accessed – 13 August, 2021
