Breed Summary

The Tamaskan is a highly versatile arctic breed of sled-dog type that is known to excel in agility, obedience and working trials. Morphologically, Tamaskan Dogs were bred to physically resemble wolves and they have a notable lupine appearance.

Originally coined “the Wolfdog without the Wolf” these gorgeous dogs are designed to look as wolflike as possible, without the typically associated behavioral traits of true wolfdogs. Tamaskan Dogs should be friendly, social, outgoing and playful, without any signs of aggression nor overly shy.

The Tamaskan is still considered to be a “work in progress” breed and, due to its rarity and scarcity (limited genepool), the ITR has an open-studbook policy whereby unrelated outcross dogs are occasionally added to the Tamaskan breeding program in order to increase genetic diversity within the breed. New outcrosses may also introduce new desirable features into the breed, as well as (sometimes) negative traits; therefore, each potential new outcross dog is carefully selected by the ITR’s Committee of Breeders and must adhere to strict guidelines with regard to health, temperament, and appearance.

Offspring from outcross litters may vary in appearance, due to the influence of the outcross parent, but this is factored into consideration when selecting potential future combinations... By selectively breeding for the desirable traits, and breeding-out the undesirable traits, it is possible to augment these features over subsequent generations.

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Breed Standard

General Appearance:
The Tamaskan Dog is large and athletic. He/She should have a wolf-like appearance with coarse and thick fur, small ears and a straight bushy tail.

Important Proportions:
The length of the body from point of shoulder to the rear point of pelvis is longer than the height of the body from ground to top of the withers.

Character:
The Tamaskan Dog is friendly and affectionate. He should not appear aggressive or overly reserved towards people or other dogs. His high intelligence and eagerness to please make him versatile in his uses as a working dog and loyal companion.

Croup: Short, not broad, falling away Elbow: Close fitting, turned neither in nor out. Neck: Slightly arched, long and strong. Pastern: Slightly slanted, strong, flexible. Stifle: Well bent, turned neither in nor out. Stop: Slight/Moderate.

Tail: The tail should reach to the hock joint but not beyond. At rest the tail is carried downward, but when the dog is excited or in motion, it is carried higher. The tail should not be carried curled over the back. Coarse thick hair but not feathered. Topline: Level topline with a slightly sloping croup. Tuck-up: Taut belly, tucked up. Withers: Well muscled, pronounced.

Ears: Of medium size, but small in proportion to the head. The ears are triangular in shape and slightly rounded at tips. Set wide apart on the skull. Carried facing forward and erect. Eyes: Eyes are Yellow through amber & brown. Almond shaped and of medium size. Blue eyes are a disqualifying fault. Close fitting lids. Nose: The nose, lips, and eye rim pigmentation should be black; a lighter streaked 'snow nose' is acceptable only in winter months. Jaws & Teeth: Jaws strong and symmetrical. Well-developed teeth, Scissor bite.

Coat: Straight, close. Winter and summer coat differ. In winter an immense undercoat forms all over the body including the inner part of the ears. Well furred neck. The coat should form a slight ruff around the neck and shoulders framing the head. Forequarters: The front legs are straight, close together and the feet should turn slightly outwards. Height: Males 65cm – 75cm (25in - 30in) Females 62cm – 72cm (24in - 28in) Weight: Males 30kg – 40kg (66lbs - 88lbs) Females 25kg – 35kg (55lbs - 77lbs)

Movement:
Movement should be light and balanced, yet powerful and flowing. Big stride: should be able to easily cover massive amount of ground.

Coat Colors:

Wolf Grey

Red Grey

Black Grey

Acceptable Masks:

There are three types of mask that are acceptable, in every variation the mask must reach all the way to the nose.

Minimum Mask

Middle Mask

Full Mask