Northern inuits

[mrstnov13]

I am in love with this breed and all the variant breeds/wolf dogs out there. I have always wanted to own one and now I'm in a position to offer a forever home to a puppy.

Can any recommend breeders in the UK or give any tips or advice that might put me off? I need to do as much research as possible and fully prepare myself. Thanks in advance.

No advice, but the first dog our lab puppy was off lead with was a beautiful huge NI bitch. Met the owner regularly in fields near our house. Owner was a policewoman and a marathon runner. The dog was a rescue with a history of abuse and the woman used to take her running with her.

Beautiful gentle dog, and she was so tall she was nearly sniffing as high as my face when she said hello, the woman told me there are lots go through rescues as people underestimate their energy levels and training/mental stimulation needs which can make them a handful.

They're beautiful dogs and really playful and loyal but can be a real handful. They have a high prey drive, they 'talk' (loudly), they needs lots of exercise/enrichment or they'll get destructive and they shed like mad. They're big, powerful dogs too. Not trying to put you off just be prepared! Lots of NIs and related breeds like huskies and malamutes (both of which went into the genetic mix for NIs) end up in rescue because novice owners and those used to other types of dog like the 'wolf' look but cant handle the personality.

Look up 'Northern Inuit Society Dogs' on facebook, loads of advice and experiences on there including members of the NI Society committee who can help you find a breeder.

They're gorgeous but like all similar breeds they're a lot of work. High prey drive and high exercise needs too. Like huskies, many can't be let off lead as they will just run off as fast as possible!

They're also prone to being destructive and vocal when left alone, so if you're out of the house a fair bit you may need to invest in doggy daycare for him/her.

As others have said, they get surprisingly big! I’ve met a few and the height on some of them. Size can be an issue if you are small in stature - what will happen if dog sees something that needs a chase? Will you end up flat on your face in the mud?!

Make sure your house is big enough as well - wooshy tails will take things off tables and sideboards, food on kitchen counters will be head height, the average kitchen bin will be no match and they WILL need good garden space for off lead time, with very good fencing, ideally over 6ft all the way round.

Personally I would join a specific forum and ask actual owners of these breeds of dogs. I have huskies / malamutes and a wolf dog. None are destructive. None are vocal when left alone. Mine are vocal with me and the odd police car or fire engine siren. People sometimes have panicking especially when they have been vocal as one howls the other has a low guttural growl. If you have not owned this breed before or owned any big breeds before don't get one just on looks. The breed has to fit in with your lifestyle. They need lots of exercise regardless of horrible weather which mine lay out in. They blow their coats other dogs moult , believe me there's a huge difference. I'm hoovering 3 times a day at present as they are blowing their coats. The fur ends up everywhere! Dont expect a clean house as I spend hours cleaning. I have a secure garden 6ft fence almost a half acre and live rural. I dont think they are suitable for town houses in my opinion.

NI's can be a really challenging breed to own - can you offer the right home?
As you say you like Wolfish looking dogs, you might be interested in Eurasiers, which are (a bit!) wolf-like, but are smaller and usually a far easier proposition