Tamaskan dog

Infobox Dogbreed
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country = Finland
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image_caption = A Tamaskan Dog
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name = Tamaskan Dog
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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.cite web | url = http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/t/tamaskandog.htm | title = Tamaskan Dog | publisher = Dogbreedinfo | accessdate = 2008-06-12 | month = June | year = 2008]

Description

Tamaskans are large dogs, being slightly taller in size to German Shepherds but not larger. Adults typically measure 24-28 inches (61-71 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 95 pounds. Tamaskans have a lupine appearance with a straight bushy tail and thick coat which comes in three main colours; red grey, black grey and wolf grey. The eyes are yellow through amber and brown, with light coloured eyes being very rare. Blue eyes are unacceptable

Temperament

Unlike most 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.Unlike some of their husky ancestors the Tamaskan Dog responds well off the lead and with a small amount of training and perhaps some treats or biscuits they will usually always return when called.

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 8.2. Tamaskans have an average lifespan of 14-15 years.

History

The first generation of Tamaskan to be registered were born in 2002, bred by the two main founders (Blustag & Blufawn Kennels) 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 (which consist of unregistered huskies and husky crosses bred for competitive sled racing in Lapland). 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 six 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 founders, 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.

The Tamaskan Dog Club of Australia will also be arriving in early 2009.

References

Animall Wellness Magazine 7447079635 Volume 10 Issue 1

External links

* [http://www.tamaskan-dog.com The Tamaskan Dog Register]
* [http://www.tamaskan-dog.us The National Tamaskan Club of America]
* [http://www.tamaskan-dog.co.uk The Tamaskan Dog Society of Great Britain]