Tamaskan dog
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| Tamaskan Dog | |||||||
 A Tamaskan Dog |
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| Country of origin | Finland | ||||||
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The Tamaskan dog is a breed of domestic dog (canis lupus familiaris) originating from Finland known to excel in agility, obedience and working trials, along with its ability to pull sleds due to its Husky and Malamute ancestors. Morphologically, it is the most wolf-like dog with no recent wolf ancestry. A slowly increasing interest in the breed has resulted in the importation of Tamaskans in continental Europe, the UK and the USA, largely due to the efforts of The Tamaskan Register, the official registering body.[1]
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[edit] Description
Tamaskans are large dogs, being similair in size to German Shepherds. Adults typically measure 24-28 inches (61-71 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh 50-45 kg (23-84 pounds). Tamaskans have a lupine appearance with a straight bushy tail and thick coat which comes in two main colours; red grey and wolf grey. The eyes are yellow through amber and brown, with light coloured eyes being very rare.[1]
[edit] Temperament
Unlike true wolfdogs, Tamaskans are considered ideal family dogs, as they are tolerant toward other dogs and small children. Tamaskans are highly intelligent and some have been known to exceed in agility and obedience training, as well as sled racing. They are highly social, and typically do not cope well without the company of people or other dogs. A tamaskan left alone for long periods of time may develop destructive behaviour or try to escape its home.[1]
[edit] Health
Despite originating from ancestors suffering from hip dysplasia, no known health issues have yet arisen. The Tamaskan Register insists that all breeding stock be scored before mating and so far, Tamaskans have kept a breed average of 8.1.[1] Tamaskans have an average lifespan of 14-15 years.[1]
[edit] History
The first generation of Tamaskan to be registered were born in 2002, bred by the two main founders of the breed. Since that time the founders have continued to search for wolfy looking dogs to improve the breed. The last foundation dog was added to the breed in 2006, when the doors were closed on any new bloodlines. The breeds used include the Northern Inuit, Utonagan, Siberian Husky and Finnish racing huskies. Each dog was carefully selected for its appearance, intelligence, temperament and health.
The first Tamaskan to be imported into America arrived in 2005 and they had their first litter in 2007. Since that time the Tamaskans popularity has grown and there are now five registered breeders across America.
The country of origin is difficult to determine, Tamaskan were bred in Finland, Britain and America before the bloodlines were closed in 2006 which could mean that all three are the countries of origin. Currently no country has accepted the Tamaskan as a registered breed, although it is believed the Tamaskan may soon be recognized by the FSS, as well as recognition through other Clubs.
The Tamaskan Dog Register, created by the four founders of the breed, is still the official Governing Body for all Tamaskan dogs throughout the world, maintaining the pedigree and health records for all authentic Tamaskans. The Tamaskan Dog Society of Great Britain (TDSGB) and the National Tamaskan Club of America (NTCA), both affiliated to the TDR were also created in early 2006.
