learn more about
The Tamaskan
History
The Tamaskan originated as an offshoot of the Utonagan, which itself descended from the Northern Inuit.
In 2003, several Utonagan breeders decided to separate from the Utonagan Society. They continued under the name British & International Utonagan Society, which was dissolved in 2006. Afterwards, the Tamaskan Dog Register (TDR) was founded. The four founding kennels of the breed are: Blustag, Blufawn, Alba, and Moonstone.
The original Utonagan dogs were renamed Tamaskan, and dogs from Finland were added to the breeding program, including from the Polar Speed kennel. This breeder also owned an American Wolfdog and a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, both of which were used in breeding.
Because the genetic base of the breed was still very narrow, a Saarloos Wolfdog was introduced in 2009, followed by a Siberian Husky in 2010.
In 2012, some Tamaskans were DNA tested for wolf heritage. The result: positive. Although the breed had long been presented as the “Wolfdog without the Wolf,” the TDR decided to drop this motto to avoid confusion.
The conclusion? The Tamaskan can indeed be considered a wolfdog.
Even to this day, other breeds and new bloodlines (outcrosses) are still being added to the Tamaskan. This is done to increase genetic diversity, strengthen the breed’s health, and reduce the risk of inbreeding. This intentional approach contributes to preserving a robust, healthy breed with a well-balanced character.
The Dutch Tamaskan Club
In May 2013, the Nederlandse Tamaskan Club Club (NTC – Dutch) was founded. The NTC aims to preserve and further improve the breed, with special attention to the health and welfare of the Tamaskan. The club focuses on preventing and combating hereditary defects within the breed and provides a platform for breeders and owners to collaborate in preserving the characteristics that make the Tamaskan unique. The NTC plays an important role in promoting responsible breeding and safeguarding the health of the Tamaskan in the Netherlands and beyond.
Would you like to read more about the Tamaskan? Visit the NTC or the TDR (English) website here.
Temperament
The Tamaskan is an energetic, socially friendly dog strongly attached to its family. Most dogs enjoy physical contact and often behave like lapdogs, despite their size. While most Tamaskans are fairly open toward strangers, some may be more reserved. With proper guidance, however, they can learn that the “human world” around them is safe. Extreme shyness – as sometimes seen in the Saarloos Wolfdog – is not desired in the Tamaskan.
The Tamaskan is intelligent, versatile, and well-suited as an active and loyal companion. It is not suitable as a guard dog – some Tamaskans, like Mirai, won’t bark at all when someone comes to the door.
Generally, the Tamaskan is a social dog that gets along well with other dogs. Conflicts are usually avoided, provided they have positive early-life experiences and proper guidance.
Some (intact) males or females may become more intimidating toward other dogs as they mature.
Is the Tamaskan the right family dog for me?
Despite its approachable appearance, the Tamaskan is a dog that certainly has its challenges. It is, let’s say, not a dog for everyone. While many breeders say this about their own breed, there is an important message behind this statement:
Does this temperament work well for my family and me?
Temperament – a dog’s innate emotional responses – forms the foundation, but character is shaped further by upbringing and environment.
Due to the diversity of bloodlines, temperament can vary significantly from one dog to another – even within the same litter. There’s a saying among Tamaskan breeders and owners for good reason:
Although the Tamaskan typically gets along well with other pets, many of them have a prey drive!
A fleeing animal can trigger the hunter in them. For this reason, off-leash walks in wildlife-rich areas are not recommended. With good socialization, animals like cats can be accepted as part of the pack – but only if introduced early in life. Introducing a cat later may cause issues.
A Tamaskan will surprise you — in both positive and challenging ways. Be prepared for the worst, so you can truly appreciate it when things (start to) go well again.
During puppy class, Mirai was startled by a slightly older pup who suddenly lashed out at her. She ran away and sought protection by standing behind me.
When a puppy gets frightened, it’s important to respond with empathy and support.
Respect the pup’s reaction by offering space, stepping back together, or allowing the pup time, control and distance to recover from the scare (article in Dutch).
Ignoring fear or forcing a puppy – for example, by pushing it back into the situation – is counterproductive with Mirai, and many other dogs. Safety, space and trust are the foundation for recovery and growth.
If there’s one thing Tamaskans dislike, it’s being alone...
They prefer to be constantly in the presence of their family or pack. Self-reliance and the ability to be alone must therefore be gradually taught, starting in puppyhood – and this process is not always easy or quick.
Without a careful and gentle build-up, behavioral issues such as howling, destruction, or even escape attempts may occur. This makes the Tamaskan unsuitable for people who are often away from home or don’t have the time to patiently guide this process.
The looks
Several breeds have been crossed into the Tamaskan dog. This results in a lot of variation in appearance – and that’s what makes the breed unique. Ideally, a Tamaskan has the appearance of a large, athletic dog with a proud and intelligent expression.
Example of standard features:
Size: comparable to a Belgian or German Shepherd. Wolf-like appearance with a thick coat and bushy tail. Legs are straight and strong.
Three main colors: red-gray, wolf-gray, and black-gray.
Eye color: amber to brown (blue eyes are rare and considered a fault).
Full or partial face mask.
In this picture, you see Togo, a son from Aramis’ first Tamaskan outcross litter, with Arwen (snowbourne Tamaskan).
gezondheid
The Tamaskan is a young breed. Breeders aim for low inbreeding coefficients (Embark COi) to promote genetic health. Despite carefully selected combinations of tested parent dogs, genetics remains partly unpredictable. A good match from tested parents can reduce many risks but can never guarantee everything.
The environment also plays a major role: how a puppy grows up and the quality of its nutrition influence its health.
We adjust our expectations if we find that our breeding dogs don’t meet health or temperament standards. When it comes to breeding choices, our rule is: better not to breed than to create a poor match.
