Does anyone have a Northern Inuit Dog? Can you please tell me about them?

[Stinkyminkymoo]

Whilst we are not looking to get another dog for at least 4 years, my DH is adamant about getting one before current DDog dies.

So far, so ok. The thing is I don't want the same breed we have. It isn't a breed I would have chosen. He would like another, I don't. She is a big breed which I am fine with so as a compromise, I suggested the Northern Inuit Dog. It has the size & look DH likes and seems to have the temperament that I like.

Can anyone tell me what their character is like? Are they good/friendly with children? Dog friendly? I know they are prey driven but so is current DDog. What is their trainability?

Any info anyone can give would be great, thanks

I was at a dog event a couple of years ago which was host to a Northern Inuit Society fun show. Not a single dog in the ring was alike - there was a huge variety in size, coat type and facial appearance, and my overriding impression of their temperament was poor (lots of reticent, nervy dogs).

I love the looks of some of them but in all honesty put them in the same category as the designer doodles in that they're bred only for their looks, don't retain the working ability of any of their parent breeds and are too often bred for £££ over health.

But I speak as a Siberian person who's never yet met an Inuit as athletic and useful as a full bred husky so I may be slightly biased!

Aren't they GSD SH crosses?

I know someone with 3 NI's 2 females and a male, all have lovely temperments but vary quite greatly in size and build, one big chunky female and the other is much smaller and finer. They are walked on lead unless at a beach or somewhere similar but are all dog friendly and well behaved. I cant speak for the breed as a whole as these have all been brought up very well.

I have two NI's, both boys. My 8 year old is a complete softy, loves everyone and has no prey drive at all (he once let a kitten beat him up, lol). My younger boy (5 months) is also a complete softy but he's very cautious of strangers and sometimes runs and hides if a stranger comes in the house - we're taking steps to address this by socialising him with humans on a regular basis. He will chase our cat sometimes but I know it's because he's young and wants to play. If you're thinking of buying one I would recommend that you buy one from a breeder who is registered with the Northern Inuit Society because there are so many dogs out there which are called "Northern Inuits" but are actually GSD/Husky cross, CSV cross (I have a CSV/NI cross too) or "wolf lookalikes" - they are not the same temperament as a Northern Inuit dog. In my experience, genuine Northern Inuits are amazing dogs, fantastic temperaments and make excellent family pets. However, it's important to know that training will play a part in how well your dog (any dog) behaves. My older boy is agility trained and is very good at it. My younger boy is currently in obedience training and he's showing up all the other dogs at class - NI's are very bright and they are very easily trainable. I know there are some NI's coming through as assistance dogs. I have met a lot of NI's and have yet to meet one who I would not want in my own house. There is a facebook group called Northern Inuit Society Dogs and you could join it if you wish to get more advice. :)

For all intent and purpose they are quite heavily inbred designer mongrels. In my experience they generally have wonderful temprements and for the most part are stunning to look at but they are riddled with many serious health issues. If you want to know personality traits research all 3 of the main breeds used to create them because they can vary quite a bit.