Utonagan Breeder Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The Utonagan is a breed that's often misunderstood, but with the right guidance, you can become a confident and knowledgeable breeder.

The Utonagan is a rare breed, originating from the 1980s in the United Kingdom, bred by crossing the Chow Chow, German Shepherd, and Samoyed.

To become a reputable Utonagan breeder, it's essential to research and understand the breed's characteristics, temperament, and needs.

The Utonagan is known for its large size, with adults weighing between 70-110 pounds and standing between 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.

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The Utonagan breed has a fascinating history that spans over three decades. In the early 1980s, mixed breed dogs from the US and Canada, including Arctic breeds like the Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky, were brought to England and crossed with local wolf-like mixed breeds.

Edwina "Eddie" Harrison played a key role in the development of this breed, along with a dedicated group of breeders. Genetic testing confirmed that these early breeding efforts incorporated wolfdog mixes.

The breed was initially dubbed "Harrison Wolfdogs" or "wolf-look-alikes", but was later officially founded in 1998.

The Utonagan breed has a fascinating history that spans several decades. In the early 1980s, mixed breed dogs from the United States and Canada, including Arctic breeds like the Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky, were brought to England and crossed with local wolf-like mixed breeds.

This crossbreeding effort was led by Edwina "Eddie" Harrison and a dedicated group of breeders, who aimed to create a distinctive wolf-like breed. Initially dubbed as "Harrison Wolfdogs" or simply "wolf-look-alikes", the genetic foundation of the breed was laid.

Genetic testing later confirmed that these early breeding efforts incorporated wolfdog mixes, which diverged from the Northern Inuit lineage. The breed was officially founded in 1998, but divisions within the committee led to a name change in 2002.

The Utonagan breed gets its name from an old Chinook Indian tale and means 'spirit of the wolf'. The breed is designed to look like a wolf but without the wild blood to ruin its temperament. They are a cross between Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds.

For more insights, see: Utonagan Puppies

The Utonagan is a relatively young breed, developed in the 1980s as a cross between Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and German Shepherds.

They're designed to look like wolves but with a domesticated temperament, making them a great companion for families.

In fact, the breed is adaptable to various living environments, whether in rural or urban settings, and is known for being friendly and sociable.

They're intelligent and trainable, thriving on positive reinforcement training, and are often used as therapy dogs in hospitals, schools, and hospices.

Utonagans are a medium to large-sized dog, weighing between 55 and 110 pounds, and have a thick double coat that comes in a variety of colors.

Their wolf-like appearance belies their gentle nature, making them an excellent family companion, especially for families with older children.

However, socialization at an early age is key to helping them get along with younger children, so don't be discouraged if you have a family with little ones.

The Utonagan's physical characteristics are quite impressive. They have a stocky yet athletic build, making them a large-sized mixed breed.

One of the most distinctive features of the Utonagan is their thick, fluffy coat, which makes them appear even larger than they already are.

Their coats can come in a variety of colors, including silver and white, brown and tan, and mixes of these natural colors, making them look like wolves.

The Utonagan is a large-sized dog with a stocky yet athletic build. They have a thick, fluffy coat that makes them appear even larger than they are.

Their coats can be found in various wolf-like colorations, including silver and white, brown and tan, and mixes of these natural colors. This makes them often look like a wolf to the untrained eye.

Their unique eye colors can be bright blue, or they can have heterochromia, where each eye is a different color.

The Utonagan's coat is definitely a showstopper, but it's also a lot of work. Their thick coat requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.

You'll need to brush your Utonagan at least three or four times a week to control excess shedding and remove dirt. This will help prevent matting and tangling.

During the summer months, their coat will shed heavily, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions. You may want to consider hiring a professional groomer to help with this process.

As with any dog breed, nail maintenance is also crucial. Regular checks will help prevent overgrowth and potential health issues.

A weekly brush-through is usually enough to keep their coat in good condition, removing loose hair and preventing matting.

The Utonagan's personality is a unique blend of good nature and independence. They can be loving and affectionate with those they know well, but may be standoffish with strangers.

Early socialization is crucial for any Utonagan, as it helps prevent reactivity to people and other dogs. This is especially important for a happy and healthy life.

Their emotional intelligence is off the charts, allowing them to understand your moods and needs. They'll often give you a soulful look when you need it most, which can be incredibly comforting.

With proper training, Utonagans are remarkably easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can learn complicated commands with ease.

They're naturally great with children of all ages, thanks to their low aggression levels and stable temperaments. Early socialization is still a must, but it's a great breed for families.

Their ease of training also means that even young children can interact with them safely. With proper introduction and training, your Utonagan will be a beloved family member.

For another approach, see: Great Pyrenees Puppy Breeder

The Utonagan is a generally healthy breed, but like all breeds, it's not immune to health issues. They can be prone to hip dysplasia, a common orthopedic condition that can lead to joint instability and pain.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that can be influenced by factors like breed, size, and rapid growth. It's essential to work with a responsible breeder who has had their dogs' hips scored to minimize the risk of this issue.

Regular exercise is crucial for the Utonagan's overall health and well-being. They require at least an hour-long walk daily, and they love to engage in high-energy activities like agility and flyball.

Their thick coats mean they need extra care in hot weather to prevent overheating. A fenced, secure backyard is also a must-have to keep them safe and happy.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of:

Their lifespan is between 9 and 13 years, and with proper care, they can live a long and happy life.

Grooming is a crucial aspect of a Utonagan's health and care. Regular brushing is essential to control excess shedding and remove dirt from their thick coat.

A weekly brush-through is usually enough to keep their coat in good shape, removing loose hair and detangling any mats. This helps distribute natural oils through the fur, keeping their coat healthy and shiny.

However, Utonagans do go through shedding phases, particularly during seasonal changes. During these times, more frequent brushing can help manage the extra fur and prevent a fuzzy mess in your home.

It's recommended to brush your Utonagan three to four times a week to maintain their coat. If you're not comfortable with the extra work, consider hiring a professional groomer to help with the process during shedding phases.

The Utonagan breed is generally healthy, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Their lifespan is between 9 and 13 years, and with proper care, they can live a long and happy life.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in larger breeds, and Utonagans are no exception. This condition can lead to joint instability and arthritis, making it essential to keep an eye on their hip health.

Regular exercise is crucial for Utonagans, as they have a high energy drive and can become boisterous if not given enough physical and mental stimulation. A minimum of two walks a day is recommended, but they can handle extended periods of exercise.

Some Utonagans may be susceptible to eye and hip problems, although this is rare. Responsible breeders now have puppies eye tested and hip scored to minimize the risk of these issues.

Obesity is a serious health concern for Utonagans, as it can lead to joint issues, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Ensuring they get enough exercise and a balanced diet is vital to maintaining their overall health.

Here's a brief rundown of potential health issues to be aware of:

By being aware of these potential health issues and taking steps to prevent them, you can help your Utonagan live a long and healthy life.

The Utonagan is a high-energy breed that requires daily exercise to feel content. They need at least an hour-long walk daily.

Playtime is also essential, and they enjoy indoor or outdoor activities like fetch or tug-of-war. These pups thrive on mental stimulation, so engage them with problem-solving toys or interactive games.

A secure, fenced backyard is a must-have for this breed, as they're notorious escape artists. Without a safe outdoor space, they'll find ways to get into trouble.

Their large size and howling vocalizations make them unsuitable for apartment living, even if they're well-behaved.

Feeding your Utonagan is a crucial part of their overall health and care. The breed requires a diet consistent with that of a large-sized breed with high energy levels.

Their active minds crave stimulation, so try using food motivated tasks like snuffle mats or filled toys to keep them engaged. Harder puzzle toys can also be very effective.

Low-calorie treats like sweet potato are a great option for training, as they're less likely to add extra calories to their diet. Salmon oil can also be beneficial for their thick coat.

Consult your veterinarian to determine the best food for your Utonagan, as every dog is unique in their diet requirements.

The Utonagan breed is known for its loving and well-mannered nature, making it a great fit for families with older children. However, their large size and energetic natures mean they may accidentally injure younger kids.

A Utonagan's friendly demeanor extends to other family dogs, and they tend to bond easily with them. They're generally easygoing with almost everyone in the home, including other pets.

In households with multiple pets, Utonagans are often the peacekeepers, getting along smoothly with other dogs and even cats. Early socialization can help cement these positive relationships and make them even more enjoyable.

If you have cats in your household, don't worry about introducing a Utonagan - they'll likely develop an affinity for them after some initial introduction and socialization.

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The Utonagan is surprisingly low maintenance in the grooming department, so you won't need to upgrade your vacuum cleaner to keep up with their wolfish mane.

These dogs are adaptable to various living environments, whether in rural or urban settings, making them a great choice for city dwellers or country folk alike.

With a well-balanced and muscular build, Utonagans are agile and strong, displaying an impressive combination of beauty and athleticism.

Their friendly and sociable nature makes them an excellent family companion, and they're known for their loyalty and affection towards their human family members.

You can expect the breed to be quite fond of children, especially if they're socialized at an early age.