Tamaskan

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Barking Level:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Protective:

Height: 63 - 71cm M | 61 - 66cm F

Weight: 30 - 45kg M | 23 - 38kg F

Life Expectancy: 14 - 15 Years

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Introduction

The Tamaskan dog breed originally came from Finland. He is a result of crossing the Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies. He is a large breed that is primarily used as a working dog.

As family companions, Tamaskan dogs are very loyal and affectionate. They can live harmoniously with children and other pets. Training these dogs can be difficult, so they are more suitable for experienced dog owners than novices.

Grooming for this breed is easy as he is low-maintenance. However, when it comes to exercise, a lot of time is required. This is a healthy dog breed that can live for 14–15 years.

History

The Tamaskan’s name means ‘mighty wolf’ in the Native American language. This dog breed first originated in Finland and has existed for about 40 years. However, his origins still remain unclear and up for debate as it wasn’t properly documented.

Some believe that his history can be traced back to 5 Husky-type dogs that were imported to the United States in the early 1980s. The breeding programme crossed these canines with Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds. This resulted in the creation of the Tamaskan dog.

Others claim that only 3 dog breeds were used to develop the breed. These are the Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Siberian Husky. Later on, Finnish Siberian Husky crosses were included in the breeding pool. Note that Tamaskan dogs are not purebred dogs but designer dogs.

How the Tamaskan breed came to be is vague, but the purpose of his creation is not. Breeders were aiming to create a new dog breed with a wolflike appearance but has an even temperament and possesses a hard-working drive.

The Tamaskan is a new dog breed, thus he is not yet officially recognised by the Kennel Club or any other major kennel clubs. However, he is acknowledged by the Tamaskan Dog Register, the American Canine Association, and the Dog Registry of America.

Tamaskan dogs are rare, but their popularity is slowly rising not only in the United States but the rest of the world. United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Croatia, and Canada are becoming fond of these wolflike dogs.

Although this wolflike breed is rare, there are a number of well-known Tamaskan dogs. One of them is Tuffy, who became the mascot for the North Carolina Wolfpack in 2010. Another famous Tamaskan is Luchta, who played a wolf in The Crucible, a Broadway production of Arthur Miller’s play.

Are Tamaskan dogs part wolf?

Probably not. As mentioned earlier, the breeding of the Tamaskan is poorly documented. Thus, it is difficult to know if purebred wolf dogs were used in creating the dog breed.

However, even if dogs possessing wolf genes contributed to the creation of the Tamaskan, the possibility that he has a high percentage of wolf blood is extremely low. This means he has the same percentage found in any other dog.

Appearance and Grooming

The Tamaskan breed is a large dog that is nearly as big as a mature Grey Wolf. He has an athletic and muscular build. Male Tamaskan dogs stand about 63–71 centimetres (25–28 inches) tall and weigh approximately 30–45 kilos (66–99 pounds). Female Tamaskan dogs measure around 61–66 centimetres (24–27 inches) in height and weigh around 23–38 kilos (50–84 pounds).

A litter of the breed may consist of 6–10 Tamaskan puppies. Know that large breeds mature very slowly than their smaller counterparts. It would take 2 years at most for Tamaskan puppies to become fully grown.

The Tamaskan breed has a long neck. He also has a long snout and a black-nosed muzzle. His ears are erect, pointed, and triangular in shape. He has almond-shaped eyes that come in various colours including brown, amber, and yellow. Lighter shades are considered rare. His legs are long and so is his straight, bushy tail.

The Tamaskan sports a double coat comprising of a sleek, dense undercoat and a medium-length, coarse, shaggy outercoat. He has 3 main coat colours including red grey, black grey, and wolf grey.

Grooming the Tamaskan breed is less demanding than other breeds. This wolflike dog is low-maintenance and only needs weekly brushing. Since the breed sheds twice a year, which occurs in spring and autumn, daily brushing should be done during this time. It is also a good idea to get his undercoat hand-stripped by a professional groomer.

Only bathe the Tamaskan dogs when they start to smell or get too dirty. Avoid frequent baths as it can damage their skin and coat, drying them out.

Overgrown nails are discomforting and painful for your dog. Dirty and unkempt ears can lead to serious ear infections. Thus, weekly nail trimming and ear cleaning are essential. Do not forget to brush his teeth every day too as dental disease is prevalent in dogs.

Temperament and Intelligence

Are Tamaskan dogs good pets?

The Tamaskan breed makes a good family dog as he is dubbed as ‘the Wolfdog without the Wolf.’ This means that although he is specifically created to replicate a wolf’s appearance, he is does not possess the typical behaviour of one. The breed is a playful, friendly, and sociable family companion. He is far from aggressive nor extremely wary of humans—traits which wolf dogs usually have.

Tamaskan dogs are deeply devoted to their family. So being left alone at home for long periods can be detrimental. It can lead them to develop separation anxiety and other destructive behaviours. This breed needs a family member that can stay with him most of the day.

The Tamaskan is an extroverted canine and can build friendships with both humans and other pets. For this to happen, he should have proper socialisation and training beginning in puppyhood. It will shape him to become a confident and well-behaved dog who is open to new experiences.

The Tamaskan breed adores children and loves to spend time playing with them. However, his huge build can easily know down smaller children. To avoid accidents, always be there to supervise their interactions. Children should also know the dos and don’ts of properly handling their canine playmate to avoid hurting him.

Are Tamaskan dogs aggressive?

No, Tamaskan dogs are not inherently aggressive. However, they can become ferocious and hostile if provoked or when their family is in danger, much like any dog. With this in mind, Tamaskan puppies should be raised in a loving and caring home as their living environment can affect determine their aggression.

Are Tamaskan dogs protective?

Yes, Tamaskan dogs are quite protective of their loved ones. Strangers will be met with wariness and indifference but not aggression. That said, Tamaskan puppies need early socialisation as it helps them navigate the world. They will mature into friendly dogs who have a reliable intuition that can precisely differentiate people with bad intentions from those who do not.

Are Tamaskan dogs easy to train?

The Tamaskan breed is highly intelligent and eager to please. But he is not the best fit for first-time dog owners. That's because his cleverness can cause him to become mischievous.

The stubbornness of the breed is another reason why novices may have a hard time during training sessions. Thus, the dog needs an experienced dog owner who has patience and firm leadership.

Start training whilst your dog is young. Be consistent as indecisiveness can confuse him and may result in triggering his obstinacy. Harsh punishments such as screaming and hitting should always be avoided. Not only is this ineffective but also abusive and may lead him to develop behavioural problems.

Positive reinforcement works great for the Tamaskan breed as he loves to impress his owner. Every time your dog does a good job, commend him by giving praises or treats. This will keep him motivated and focused in training as well as help build a strong bond between you and your dog.

Nutrition and Feeding

The Tamaskan dog breed is a very active canine. He needs high-quality dog food that is packed with lean proteins and carbohydrates to keep his energy going throughout the day. Moreover, the dog food should be specifically formulated for large-breed dogs. This ensures that he is provided with sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals.

The ideal serving for a full-grown Tamaskan dog is 2–5 cups of dog food per day. It should be divided into two smaller portions. Avoid giving him one large meal as it can cause several health problems, from indigestion to obesity to dog bloat. Always make sure that he has unrestricted access to fresh water, especially during hot summer days.

Health and Exercise

The Tamaskan dog breed has a longer lifespan compared to other large dogs. He can live between 14 and 15 years. These dogs are hardy and healthy. However, some are prone to a few health issues. The most common diseases found in this breed of dog include:

Hip Dysplasia

This orthopaedic disorder is prevalent in large dogs. It occurs due to a slipped disc on one or both hips. Medications, physical therapy, are surgery are the common treatments for this disease. As hip dysplasia is often hereditary, choose a Tamaskan puppy from a reputable breeder who has a health-tested their breeding stock.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

The deterioration of the spinal cord results in DM. This condition is serious as it causes paralysis and has no cure. Senior canines are usually the most susceptible to this health problem.

Although DM is sparsely seen in the Tamaskan breed, be aware of the symptoms. Unsteady gait, difficulty in walking, wobbling, and worn toenails are the most common signs.

The exercise requirements of a Tamaskan dog is relatively high. Since he is an active working dog, he needs around 60–90 minutes of exercise and mental stimulation. Your dog will need daily walks or jogs. He should also have other energy expending activities including agility, fly ball, canine freestyle, and pulling.

Tamaskan dogs are not the best option for people living in apartments. They are extensively energetic and need a large back garden where they can run and play freely. Lack of exercise can lead to undesirable behaviour such as destroying furniture and excessive barking.

Cost of Ownership

How much does a Tamaskan puppy cost?

Tamaskan puppies can cost between £850 and £950. Food expenses can amount from £380–£500 a year. Providing your puppy with basic supplies such as a dog bed, crate, and toys can total to around £200.

Vet check-up sessions cost about £30–£60. You will likely need to pay approximately £100 for initial vaccine shots and £50 for annual boosters. Acquiring pet insurance for your Tamaskan puppy adds about £28 to your monthly bills.

Tamaskan Breed Highlights

The Tamaskan dog breed has a wolflike appearance but a friendly and even temperament.
He is a low-maintenance dog that requires weekly brushing.
He is challenging to train and is more suited for experienced dog owners.
As a highly energetic working dog, he will need a lot of time for exercise.