Utonagan

Created in England in the 1980's, the Utonagan is a result of crossing Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherd Dogs and Siberian Huskies. The developers wanted to establish a breed that looked very similar to a Canadian Timber Wolf, but without using any wolves in the breeding programme. The Utonagan Dog is an even-tempered breed, loving of its owner and tolerant of strangers, while being sufficiently territorial to make a good watchdog. Still rare and unrecognized, this lovely dog is slowly gaining popularity, which resulted in the formation of its own Breed Club, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Utonagan. However, there are some reports of unpure bloodlines and questionable breeders emerging in recent years, leading the Utonagan Society to develop and enforce very strict conformation standards, registration requirements and breeding guidelines.

Healthy, intelligent and agile, the Utonagan makes a wonderful family pet and urban companion. Its rugged good looks and sound temperament will surely lead to the breed's popularity in the years to come. Being an alert and friendly dog, the Utonagan is playful, devoted and easy to train. Its easy-going personality and love of humans make is also a good candidate for possible therapy work. This is a deep-chested breed, with a muscular body and strong legs. The ears are erect and the head type is lupoid.

Fully weather-proof coat is moderately long, hard and densely undercoated, coming in a variety of wolf-like colourings. The average height is around 26 inches.