American Tamaskan Breed Description

An Owner's Tamaskan Description
Wolves often incite fear in humans. Part reputation, to be sure, and part those piercing eyes that cause the heart to pump faster when one of these creatures is near. I own a Tamaskan Wolfdog.

Despite of the name, these are not real wolves, and not wolf/dog hybrids. Their ancestry is Husky and Malamute, with some German Shepherd thrown in. They are great working and companion dogs with a wild look that inspires yearnings for outdoor adventures, no hint of inciting fear.

Wolfgang brings out my adventurous side, that's for sure. Every time we make our monthly trip into the mountains, Wolfgang takes my imagination into a whole new realm. He runs free to the river, hides behind trees and tries his best to sneak up behind me. I know he is creeping up behind me and that I must not move or else I'll spoil the game.

Unable to restrain myself, I turn quickly, just as he makes his final move and we roll around onto the ground. To wrestle with a 'wolf' and walk away without a scratch is quite an experience. The icing on the cake was when another hiker once wandered into camp. I got him a cup of coffee and we were sitting at the fire chatting when Wolfgang decided to play his game of 'Wild Wolf' and came sneaking up behind me. From the look that swept across the visiting camper's face I had a good sense that Wolfgang was just about to make his final lunge...and the camper yelled, "Watch out! Wolf!"

Wolfgang and I put on a magnificent performance and he made me look like quite the hero as he lay motionless, as if dead. Of course, we waited until the camper ran off back to his campsite before we relished in our showmanship. It was nearly as much fun to see his facial expression when he ran into us at the general store the next morning. That 'dead' wolf was licking my face in return for a Slim Jim at the cashier's counter!

The American heritage of these dogs comes from the northern territories; then the breed was further developed in Finland, adding more Siberian/Scandinavian bloodlines. The result is a unique dog with a feral look.

Introduction

Originating from imported USA sled type dogs and mixed with Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd, they then were exported to Finland where more recently other ferral looking sled type dogs have been added to improve the American Tamaskan. The purpose was to create a dog that looks like a ferral in appearance with working ability.

Colors

Wolf Grey through to Red/Grey with black overlay and characteristic wolf mask. Coat texture is straight and close. In winter the coat differs as a impressive undercoat forms all over the body including the inner part of the ears.

Living Area

Not recommended for Apartment life, if left alone for long periods may become destructive or attempt to escape.

Recognized By

TDR (The Tamaskan Dog Register), DRA, APRI

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