|
|
|
|||||||
| Registered users don't see this ad - Register Now (It's free!) |
Useful Tools |
ViewsUtonaganFrom Pet Encyclopedia
[edit] IntroductionThe Utonagan is a wolf like breed developed over the last 20 years to resemble the wolf as closely as possible without containing any wolf content whatsoever. They originate from the UK and were developed by crossing Alaskan Malamute Husky and GSD. They have a fabulous temperament and are friendly easygoing and very very affectionate. They can be destructive if left alone for long periods and can also be escape artists. They have the ability to do well in any discipline and have been used for obedience, agility, flyball, skiddoing and many, because of their exemplary nature, are registered Pets As Therapy Dogs (PAT Dogs) visiting Hospitals and Nursing Homes across the UK. They are slow to mature but extremely intelligent dogs, who are easily trained from a young age and enjoy pleasing their owner in any sphere. They are not suitable for guard duties as they welcome everyone, but will alert you when someone visits. They do howl and can be very vocal, woo-wooing their opnion to all and sundry. They are a large, excitable and boisterous breed, therefore not suitable to be placed in homes with small children, because if the child or the dog is allowed to get too excited the child may be knocked down and injured accidentally. They do get with all other pets but introductions must be done slowly and carefully from a young age. They are the perfect family dog when owned singularly or as one of a pair. Any more than this and there will be scuffles and arguments to find who's boss, which causes both the dogs and the owners unecessary distress.
[edit] Origin and HistoryThe breed was developed in the 80's by crossing two already established wolf like breeds, the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky and later the GSD was introduced to increase height and a more sleek appearance.The founder breeds have not been been used since the 80's. Though our Society were formerly breeding under the name of Northern Inuit, in 2003 our society changed the name of our breed to Utonagan, due to there being two differing types within the two societies following two totally differing breed standards. It was our aim to improve health and breed out blue eyes and spitz tails associated to the founder breeds, whereas the Northern Inuit Society preferred to keep these traits and continue to date to breed beautiful Northern Inuit dogs. Today's Utonagan are a beautiful breed in their own right, having a fabulous friendly and easygoing temperament.
[edit] AppearanceOVERALL PICTURE Should resemble a Timber Wolf. Large, strong and powerful presence but not too heavy in build with longer legs compared to build of body . A powerful and adaptable dog. Built for travel. Agile, ability for endurance and fast work, alert and intelligent. The temperament , friendly and intelligent with no hint of aggression EYES Colour ranging from Brown to amber or yellow (preferred). Good pigment, almond in shape, coat accentuating the eye so that they look larger. Blue eyes will be considered a fault.
GAIT Effortless, with a good reach and ground cover, powerful drive from the hindquarters. COAT Dense double coat, waterproof harsh top coat and soft thick undercoat, thicker /longer around neck, tail area. No feathering on legs, excess feathering in comparison to coat on ears, tail and trousers undesirable.
[edit] TemperamentThe Utonagan temperament is exemplary, if purebred. They are a gentle giant and love to please everyone. If allowed to get over-excited they can become boisterous and clumsy and may knock small children over, so over-excitement of Utonagan should be avoided in enclosed areas. They are extremely intelligent and can work out how to open doors, crates and windows, so be warned. They can be trained very easily and from a very young age. They are very affectionate and require alot of love, attention and company. They do not do well left alone for long periods and can become destructive if this happens.
[edit] HealthAs with all large breeds, the Utonagan can be susceptible to developing Hip Dysplasia and it is advisable that all Utonagan are BVA hip scored at 12 months of age. Hip dysplasia Breed mean Score @ 1.11.2007 Breed Number tested: 75 Range Breed: 6-106 Mean Score Utonagan: 21 All registered Utonagan to be used for breeding should first be BVA hip scored and eye tested before being used. We advise all owners of Utonagan to have their dogs BVA Hip scored and eye tested so that we can keep the hip scores low and accurately establish any possible problems within the breed relating to their eyes. There has been possible cases of Multi Retinal Dyspalsia, (this is currently undergoing research with the British Utonagan Association in conjunction with the genetecists at the Animal Health Trust) and also some history of cataracts, this is why all dogs should be regularly eye screened to build up a history of the lines being used. There has also been several Uni lateral and bi lateral Cryptorchids ( commonly referred to as monorchids where either one UNI or both BI testicles have not descended into the scrotum. Also a few reports of under or overshot jaw. And a few reported cases of Addisons Disease. All these problems are common in all breeds and this is why breed clubs have rules on breeding stock and generally the Utonagan overall is a healthy breed. If anyone has a Utonagan who has developed health problems please contact one of the Utonagan affiliations so they may offer advice or so that they can input this information onto their database for future information. [edit] Utonagan AdviceAfter doing your homework and studying the breed you will realise that a lot of hard work comes with a large breed. If a genuine breeder has decided that you are suited to this lovely breed they should ensure before you take pup home that it is 8 weeks old or above and they have been : 1. Vet checked, with a copy of such provided. 2. Micro-chipped 3. DNA profiled and DNA record held at the Kennel Club 4. BVA eye screened. 5. Wormed 6. Front-lined 9. Insured for 6 weeks 10. Have life time after care with breeder 11. All with a food pack of their current food Some breeders may have had puppies first inoculations, depending on their vet but if your puppy has not had these you should be advised to get them as soon as you can you will be informed in your after care letter provided by your breeder. You should also receive the puppy’s Registration documents and change of ownership papers and a pedigree certificate. [edit] External LinksThe British Utonagan Association [edit] References |
|||||||||||||
