Northern Inuit Dog

The Northern Inuit Dog is a sled dog breed developed in Northern Canada. They are highly intelligent, loyal, and devoted dogs that make excellent family pets.

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Northern Inuit Dog Breed overview

The Northern Inuit is an energetic and affectionate breed that can make an excellent companion for those who have the time to dedicate to their high energy needs. With proper socialization, training, and exercise, Northern Inuits can adjust to a variety of living situations, including life with children or as a search and rescue dog. They require regular grooming to maintain their thick coat, but are not prone to excessive drooling or mouthing. While they have a tendency to wander, they are loyal and will form strong bonds with their owners making them an ideal choice for active individuals or families.

Height:
23-32 inches
Weight:
55-110 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-15 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Northern Inuit Dog

Health

The Northern Inuit Dog is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems are the most common health issues that affect this breed. The breeder should do regular health checks and provide a health guarantee for the puppies they sell. Puppies should also have a regular schedule of vaccinations and deworming.

Exercise

The Northern Inuit Dog is a highly energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are highly intelligent dogs that thrive on regular exercise and training sessions. A daily walk and plenty of playtime in a secure area will help to keep this breed happy and healthy.

Grooming

The Northern Inuit Dog has a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They shed heavily twice a year, so owners should be prepared for a lot of hair in their homes during these periods. Regular brushing and bathing will help to keep the coat in good condition. The nails should also be trimmed regularly, and the ears should be checked for any signs of infection.

Training

The Northern Inuit Dog is a highly intelligent breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training techniques. They are sensitive dogs that require a firm and consistent approach to training. Early socialization and training are essential to avoid any behavioral problems later in life.

Nutrition

The Northern Inuit Dog is an active breed that requires a high-quality, balanced diet. They should be fed a diet that is rich in protein and contains all the essential nutrients that their body needs. Owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine the right diet for their dog based on their age, weight, and activity level.

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Northern Inuit Dog Traits & Characteristics

The breed is recognized by the Kennel Club in the UK but not by the AKC in the United States. According to the UKC, the breed standard for Northern Inuit Dogs includes a height range of 23 to 32 inches at the shoulder and a weight range of 55 to 110 pounds. They have a thick double coat, which can be any color of the rainbow, including black, white, brown, red, and gray. The breed standard requires a wolf-like appearance, with a long, bushy tail, and a slightly upward-curving tail. The head is wedge-shaped with a broad, flat forehead and a powerful jaw.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The Northern Inuit is an extremely affectionate dog that will show loyalty and love towards their owners. Strong bonds are formed making the breed ideal for families and those seeking a companion.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Northern Inuits are wonderful with kids, often joining in on their games with enthusiasm. Their high energy and playfulness make them perfect companions for children, as long as they are socialized properly.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

When properly socialized, Northern Inuits are friendly towards other dogs. Being a pack animal, they crave interaction with other canines and can get on well with other breeds.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Northern Inuits are usually wary of strangers, but will rarely act aggressively if socialized properly.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Northern Inuits are highly active and playful. They enjoy games and activities, especially with their human family members.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Northern Inuits are highly intelligent and alert, always being aware of their surroundings. This makes them suitable for tasks and jobs that require vigilance.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Northern Inuits can adapt to different environments and situations with proper socialization and training. They can handle living in an apartment as long as their exercise needs are met.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Northern Inuits shed heavily twice a year, and require regular grooming to maintain their thick, double-layered coat. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent mats and tangles.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Northern Inuits require regular grooming to keep their thick coat in good condition. They should be brushed daily to avoid matting or tangling, especially during seasonal shedding. Regular baths are also necessary.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Northern Inuits are not known for excessive drooling, making them a good choice for those who prefer a cleaner breed.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Northern Inuits are a medium sized breed, weighing between 55-110lbs and standing 23-32 inches tall. Their size makes them suitable for homes with large yards or outdoor spaces.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Northern Inuits are highly energetic and require plenty of exercise each day. They need a good amount of outdoor activity and playtime with their owners.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Northern Inuits require plenty of exercise each day to stay in good health. Daily outdoor activity, such as jogging or hiking, and playtime with their owners is essential.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Northern Inuits are natural working dogs and thrive in roles where they can use their intelligence and energy to complete tasks. They can excel in search and rescue, tracking, and other jobs that require physical ability.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Northern Inuits aren't known for their natural hunting abilities, but their intelligence and work drive make them trainable for certain tasks, such as herding and hunting small game.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Northern Inuits are known for their high energy levels and physical stamina. They can maintain a high level of activity for prolonged periods, making them well-suited to physically demanding tasks.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Northern Inuits are a relatively healthy breed. However, like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Northern Inuits have a high energy level and need plenty of exercise to stay in shape. Failure to provide enough exercise can lead to obesity and other health problems with time.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Northern Inuits are well suited to cold weather conditions with their thick double coat of fur. They enjoy playing in snow and don't require additional warmth during winter.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Northern Inuits can tolerate warmer temperatures but are not well suited to extreme heat. It's important to provide plenty of shade and water during hot weather.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Northern Inuits are not ideal for apartment living due to their high energy levels and exercise requirements. They need plenty of outdoor space to run and play.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Northern Inuits enjoy exploring their surroundings and can wander off if left unsupervised. It's important to keep them on a leash or in a fenced yard.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Northern Inuits are sensitive to their owner’s moods, making them skilled at providing comfort when needed. Using positive reinforcement is essential to prevent them from becoming anxious or fearful.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Northern Inuits don't like being left alone for long periods, as they thrive on interaction with their owners.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Northern Inuits do bark but generally aren't excessive barkers. They tend to bark to alert their owners to danger, so training them to bark on command can be beneficial.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Northern Inuits are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and obedience training are all ways to keep them mentally engaged.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Northern Inuits are highly intelligent, trainable, and loyal. With proper socialization and training, they can make an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Northern Inuits are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques. They are eager to learn and can be trained for a variety of tasks and activities.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The Northern Inuit is an extremely affectionate dog that will show loyalty and love towards their owners. Strong bonds are formed making the breed ideal for families and those seeking a companion.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Northern Inuits are wonderful with kids, often joining in on their games with enthusiasm. Their high energy and playfulness make them perfect companions for children, as long as they are socialized properly.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

When properly socialized, Northern Inuits are friendly towards other dogs. Being a pack animal, they crave interaction with other canines and can get on well with other breeds.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Northern Inuits are usually wary of strangers, but will rarely act aggressively if socialized properly.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Northern Inuits are highly active and playful. They enjoy games and activities, especially with their human family members.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Northern Inuits are highly intelligent and alert, always being aware of their surroundings. This makes them suitable for tasks and jobs that require vigilance.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Northern Inuits can adapt to different environments and situations with proper socialization and training. They can handle living in an apartment as long as their exercise needs are met.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Northern Inuits shed heavily twice a year, and require regular grooming to maintain their thick, double-layered coat. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent mats and tangles.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Northern Inuits require regular grooming to keep their thick coat in good condition. They should be brushed daily to avoid matting or tangling, especially during seasonal shedding. Regular baths are also necessary.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Northern Inuits are not known for excessive drooling, making them a good choice for those who prefer a cleaner breed.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Northern Inuits are a medium sized breed, weighing between 55-110lbs and standing 23-32 inches tall. Their size makes them suitable for homes with large yards or outdoor spaces.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Northern Inuits are highly energetic and require plenty of exercise each day. They need a good amount of outdoor activity and playtime with their owners.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Northern Inuits require plenty of exercise each day to stay in good health. Daily outdoor activity, such as jogging or hiking, and playtime with their owners is essential.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Northern Inuits are natural working dogs and thrive in roles where they can use their intelligence and energy to complete tasks. They can excel in search and rescue, tracking, and other jobs that require physical ability.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Northern Inuits aren't known for their natural hunting abilities, but their intelligence and work drive make them trainable for certain tasks, such as herding and hunting small game.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Northern Inuits are known for their high energy levels and physical stamina. They can maintain a high level of activity for prolonged periods, making them well-suited to physically demanding tasks.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Northern Inuits are a relatively healthy breed. However, like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Northern Inuits have a high energy level and need plenty of exercise to stay in shape. Failure to provide enough exercise can lead to obesity and other health problems with time.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Northern Inuits are well suited to cold weather conditions with their thick double coat of fur. They enjoy playing in snow and don't require additional warmth during winter.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Northern Inuits can tolerate warmer temperatures but are not well suited to extreme heat. It's important to provide plenty of shade and water during hot weather.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Northern Inuits are not ideal for apartment living due to their high energy levels and exercise requirements. They need plenty of outdoor space to run and play.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Northern Inuits enjoy exploring their surroundings and can wander off if left unsupervised. It's important to keep them on a leash or in a fenced yard.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Northern Inuits are sensitive to their owner’s moods, making them skilled at providing comfort when needed. Using positive reinforcement is essential to prevent them from becoming anxious or fearful.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Northern Inuits don't like being left alone for long periods, as they thrive on interaction with their owners.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Northern Inuits do bark but generally aren't excessive barkers. They tend to bark to alert their owners to danger, so training them to bark on command can be beneficial.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Northern Inuits are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and obedience training are all ways to keep them mentally engaged.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Northern Inuits are highly intelligent, trainable, and loyal. With proper socialization and training, they can make an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Northern Inuits are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques. They are eager to learn and can be trained for a variety of tasks and activities.

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History of the Northern Inuit Dog

The Northern Inuit Dog is a relatively new breed that was developed in the 1980s by breeding Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and German Shepherd Dogs. The breed was developed by a British couple, Mike and Shirley Hall, who wanted to create a dog that had a wolf-like appearance but was better suited to the harsh conditions of the British weather. The Northern Inuit Dog was also used as a cast dog in the hit TV series Game of Thrones.

Northern Inuit Dog Puppies

Northern Inuit Dogs are medium to large dogs and require plenty of space to grow and explore. They are friendly and outgoing dogs that make excellent family pets. Puppies should be socialized from an early age to avoid any behavioral problems. Training should be consistent and firm, with positive reinforcement techniques being used. The breed is energetic and playful, and they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay healthy and happy.