Tamaskan Dog

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Breed Details

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Tamaskan Dog is a rare dog breed that is of the sled dog type. It originated from Finland and is a very versatile breed that is known to excel in obedience, agility and working trials. These dogs are capable of pulling sleds which is a trait that is inherited from their Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky ancestors. Even if the dog has no recent wolf ancestry, this dog has been bred to look like wolves and have a notable lupine appearance. The motto of the breed's parent club is "Wolf-dog without the Wolf", which perfectly expresses the essence of the Tamaskan dog.

These dogs are highly trainable as they are also highly intelligent. They make wonderful family dogs for as they can get along well with anyone on the family, including other dogs and other house pets. Grooming is very easy for this dog as weekly brushing would mostly cover it all.

They are known to excel in agility, obedience and working trials. These dogs also make excellent sled dogs and most Tamaskans that live in colder parts of the worlds regularly participate in recreational and occasionally competitive, dogsled racing including skijoring. They are wonderful search and rescue dogs for their keen sense of smell, stamina and endurance.

Color

The dog's coat color can be Black Grey, Red Grey and Wolf Grey. It should always be with Black overlay and characteristic wolf mask. Solid colors are not accepted.

Coat

The dog's coat is usually straight and close. In the winter season, the coat differs as an impressive undercoat forms all over the body including the inner part of the ears. Their necks are well-coated. Around the neck and shoulders, the coat should form a slight ruff framing the head.

Personality

The Tamaskans are generally very intelligent and are known to excel in agility, obedience and working trials. These dogs also make excellent sled dogs and most Tamaskans that live in colder parts of the worlds regularly participate in recreational and occasionally competitive, dogsled racing including skijoring. They are wonderful search and rescue dogs for their keen sense of smell, stamina and endurance. These dogs can also be trained for therapy or assistance dogs because of their friendly and laid-back personality. They are very social and are great with humans, children, other dogs and other family pets. However, they should never be left alone as they can become bored. Bored dogs can lead to a destructive behavior. This dog loves to dig holes and can pull strongly on their leash as these traits were inherited from their arctic heritage.

Care

The Tamaskans requires very little grooming. Regular brushing once a week should be enough to keep them looking at their best. More brushing may be needed during their times of moulting. These dogs are seasonal shedders. The breed is known to be generally healthy and free from any genetic diseases. They can be prone to epilepsy, Degenerative Myelopathy and Cryptorchidism or undescended testes. There is also the very small chance of having hip dysplasia as over the years the Tamaskan Register insisted that all breeding stock should be scored before mating to prevent contacting it. Given proper nutrition and care, sufficient exercise and regular visits to the vet, these dogs can live up to 14-15 years on the average.

Training

These dogs are highly trainable for their high intelligence levels. The dog should have a handler who knows how to display strong leadership skills. Training should emphasize that the human owners are the pack leaders and that they are higher in pack rank than canines. As these dogs are highly intelligent, they can do well at almost any kind of training. They would typically excel in agility, obedience and sled racing.

Activity

These dogs are highly active and will require plenty of activities and exercise. This includes a daily, long, brisk walk or jog. If properly trained, the dog can be let off the lead and the dog will return on its own. The Tamaskans need challenges thrown at them mentally and physically. They will need free running and mind exercises as intelligent dogs. As an active breed, they can become destructive if they do not get their walks or if left alone for any length of time. They should be with an active family that has somebody at home most of the time. Apartment life is not for these dogs and will require a family with a large garden or yard.