Utonagan Dog Breed Profile (Alaskan Malamute, Husky & German Shepherd Mix) – Top Dog Tips

July 6, 2023 Kar-Bay-Inc

Let me tell you something.

This dog breed has got to be the most interesting canine profile I’ve ever bumped into.

What’s the catch?

Well, a lot of mystery is clouding this controversial dog breed:

(1) They’re believed to be inexistent today.

(2) No one seems to know the reason why.

And besides their wolf-like appearance, you’ll be surprised by the gentle personality of our newest canine feature today — the Utonagan dog.

Okay, just a little spoiler:

The Utonagan name actually means spirit of the wolf, which was coined by the Chinook Indian tribe.

Don’t worry. I’ve compiled all the interesting deets you need to know about this head-turning pooch.

Let’s get right into it, shall we?

Utonagan Dog Breed Profile: A Quick Glance

What is a Utonagan dog?

The Utonagan dog is a large canine breed from 3 parent DNAs — the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and German Shepherd.

It is a relatively new mix dog breed that’s known to be a wolf look-a-like and often mistaken for the following:

Tamaskan dog
British Timber dog
Northern or British Inuit dog

Trivia: The Tamaskan, Northern or British Inuit, and Timber dog actually come from the same lineage of this mixed breed.

Don’t worry. Your confusion is valid.

For more Utonagan fast facts, here’s a quick summary below:

Weight	65 to 100 pounds
Height	23 to 30 inches
Lifespan	9 to 12 years
Coat Length	Medium to long
Texture & Density	Thick, double coat with smooth outer and inner coats
Color	Gray, Black, White, Tan, Beige
Pattern	Mixed
Preferred Temperature	Low or cold
Suitable Owner Profile	Experienced or active dog owners
Dog Breed Group	Mixed

Are Utonagan Dogs Rare?

Utonagan dogs are considered to be rare canine breeds.

As of this writing, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has not yet recognized this multi-mix dog breed.

The rarity of this mixed breed can also be associated with breeders no longer producing one due to inborn health issues.

And unfortunately, it has come to a point where some rescue shelters don’t even recognize this breed.

Physical Traits of the Utonagan Dog

One prominent physical feature you can see in the Utonagan dog is its wolf-like appearance.

Well, there’s no denying — the Utonagan dog’s Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Husky parent genes are known for it!

Resembling a wolf, this mixed breed has a well-muscled body, a long muzzle, and a thick coat.

And despite their Husky roots, the Utonagan dog doesn’t typically inherit its parent’s blue eyes.

Neither is the Husky’s prominent 2 varying eye colors known as heterochromia.

Instead, the Utonagan dog has almond-shaped eyes, which can have a wither amber, yellow, or shades of brown color.

Lastly, this multi-mix dog breed has a thick furry tail that’s set high during movements.

Living Conditions and Lifestyle of the Utonagan Dog

So, what it’s really like living with a wolf dog at home?

Well, their popular and active canine parent genes should be enough to remind you:

Utonagan dogs are not couch potatoes.

And before I forget, this multi-mix dog needs a big space to roam, play, and burn their energy.

You might want to pet-proof your home and backyard, too.

I get it, but can they live with me in my apartment?

Unfortunately, Utonagan dogs are unsuitable for apartment living due to their large size, physical needs, and high prey drive.

You might as well keep your wolf dogs away from livestock, too.

They can easily regard your farm friends as nuisances and chase them anytime.

Can Utonagan Dogs Be Left Alone?

Utonagan dogs shouldn’t be left alone for long periods.

Due to their affectionate nature and strong attachment to their owners, leaving them alone at home can trigger destructive tendencies.

They may look like badass wolves, but they’re soft-hearted, too.

So, if you’re working or running daily errands, be sure to have somebody dog-sit your wolf dog at home.

Preferably a familiar face or a family member, your dogsitter needs to keep your multi-mix dog entertained with interactive toys as well.

Remember: They need mental stimulation, too.

The Utonagan Dog Personality

With the Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Siberian Husky DNA combined, there’s no question why Utonagan dogs are strong-willed and independent.

Don’t fret just yet.

This wolf dog isn’t really an aggressive pooch.

Although unsuitable for first-time dog owners, patience, love, time, and commitment should do the trick.

Don’t forget the treats, hooman!

So, if you’re an experienced dog owner or would like to give your best shot dealing with Utonagan dogs, then the following data can help you.

Traits You’ll Love	Traits to Watch Out For
Very affectionate and loving	Strong prey drive
Can be a gentle playmate	Can’t be left alone
Not totally aggressive	Needs active owners
Easy to train	Only suitable for cold temperatures

With proper and early exposure to training and socialization, Utonagan dogs make great home companions for you and your family.

Are Utonagan Dogs Great Family Pets?

Utonagan dogs are great family pets because of their affectionate and loyal nature. They’re great watchdogs, too.

And with regular physical and mental stimulation, this multi-mix dog won’t be a pain in the bum.

While this is a must for their health, daily exercises help prevent your wolf dogs from boredom, which sometimes leads to aggression.

Are Utonagan Dogs Great Pets for Kids?

Utonagan dogs are great pets for kids, not only as a loving companion but as a protective watchdog, too.

However, this wolf-like dog can be wary around strangers or kids if not socially trained early.

So, bear this in mind and be sure to supervise your kids, especially visitors at home.

Are Utonagan Dogs Great Around Other Pets?

Utonagan dogs are great around other pets and animals because of their gentle nature.

But just like any other dog breed, befriending this wolf-dog can be quite tricky.

Unless properly trained at a young age and exposed to suitable living conditions, Utonagan dogs are friendly pets.

Do Utonagan Dogs Bark a Lot?

Utonagan dogs tend to have above-moderate barking tendencies due to their protective nature, especially in times of threat and danger.

And taking from their Siberian Husky roots, these multi-mix pups can be noisy pals at home.

But with proper training and stimulation, it’s something you can definitely handle.

Are Utonagan Dogs Hard to Train?

Utonagan dogs are easily trainable, especially with early intervention.

While training this multi-mix dog can be a breeze for experienced owners, Utonagan dogs aren’t suitable for newbie pup parents.

Given their stubborn parent breeds, training this wolf-dog at home needs constant routine and patience.

And without your help, Utonagan dogs can be quite challenging to deal with.

Utonagan Dog Breed: Grooming, Diet, and Health

Grooming a Wolf-like Dog

The Utonagan dog is known to be cold-tolerant — thanks to their thick, dense coat.

But especially when seasons change, you’ll notice your sofa full of hair!

So, this multi-mix dog needs brushing at least twice a week to keep them clean and (your living room) tidy.

Tip: You can brush your Utonagan dogs outside the house if you want to reduce hair and dander in your living room.

But be sure to let your Utonagans get used to this routine at the earliest time possible.

Bathing, Ear, and Nail Cleaning

Bathe your wolf dogs when necessary.

Note: Frequent bathing can strip or dry out your dog’s natural oils.

And since most dog shampoos boast flea-repelling properties, their formula can be harsh for your Fido’s skin and coat over time.

As for ear cleaning, this should be done weekly to monitor any wax buildup or signs of infection.

Meanwhile, trim your pooch’s nails regularly, too.

Your dogs can grow their nails pretty quickly once a month or when necessary due to their activity level.

Diet

As a general rule of thumb, feeding your dogs must be proportionate to their size.

So, for your Utonagan dogs at home, be sure not to overfeed them to avoid obesity-related diseases.

Much better if you seek your vet’s advice on what type of diet they need.

Your vets will balance their daily food requirements to the following criteria:

Weight
Energy level
Medical history

Also, be sure to slow down on giving your beloved furballs some treats.

Or, for a healthier approach, you can give fruit and veggie slices to your wolf dogs occasionally.

Health

The Utonagan dog can live a long, healthy life with a proper diet and adequate living conditions.

But since hybrid dogs can inherit their parent’s genetic illnesses, it’s best to take note of the following conditions for your awareness:

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Also known as CHD, canine hip dysplasia is a bone disorder in dogs that targets the ball and socket joint in the hip.

While CHD is common in small dogs, the Utonagan dog is also vulnerable to this condition.

The following factors commonly cause this skeletal disorder:

Lack of exercise
Improper nutrition
Bone formation process

If you want to be sure if you suspect CHD in your wolf dogs, then watch out for the following symptoms:

Limping
Weakness
Hind leg pain
Difficulty moving

Meanwhile, veterinary experts make continuous efforts to look for treatments for CHD.

But, the following are known to relieve joint pain in dogs with CHD according to a study:

Fish oil
Green-lipped mussels
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan supplements

Note: Numerous studies confirm that maintaining a healthy body weight helps prevent or delay hip dysplasia in dogs.

Addison’s Disease

Named after the physician Thomas Addison, this canine disease is found to be more common in dogs than in humans.

Referred to as Addison’s disease, this canine condition affects the adrenal glands that produce the following hormones:

Cortisol – helps dogs deal with stress
Aldosterone – helps regulate electrolyte and water levels in the body

When the adrenal glands fail to produce hormones (Primary Addison’s disease), your Fidos can also get diagnosed with the secondary type.

Or when your dog’s pituitary gland doesn’t produce enough ACTH hormone, which controls the production of another hormone — cortisol.

Although occurring with unknown causes, experts believe that the following factors cause Addison’s disease:

Hemorrhage
Metastatic tumor
Certain medications
Adrenal gland damage

If you suspect Addison’s disease in your dogs, watch out for the following symptoms:

If, in unfortunate cases, your dog is diagnosed with Addison’s disease, your vet may perform the following treatments:

Steroid prednisone
Injectable mineralocorticoid
Mineralocorticoid supplementation

Note: Addison’s disease is incurable. Once diagnosed, your dogs may go on lifetime therapy.

Sadly, there are also no preventive measures for your pups, too.

The Utonagan Dog: A Glimpse of the Past

Where did the Utonagan dog come from?

The Utonagan dog originated in England and was developed by Edwina Harrison in 1987.

Despite being bred to look like wolves, Utonagan dogs don’t have any strands of wolf DNA in them.

Interestingly, it took 5 rescue dog breeds to come up with a pup that resembles a wolf.

And mysteriously, no one knows the origins and details of these 5 canine prototypes.

So, Harrison bred the first Utonagan dogs with the following 3 wolf-like canine breeds, too:

Thus, the birth of the canine term wolf dog.

Trivia: The Utonagan dogs were loyal companions of the Chinook Indian tribe.

Meanwhile, let’s take a look at the wolf dog’s parent breed history below:

Brief History of the Utonagan’s Parent Breeds

Details	Alaskan Malamute	Siberian Husky	German Shepherd
Origin	Alaska	Siberia	Germany
Year	Over 4,000 years ago	Over 4,000 years ago	1800s
Bred as	Working, sled dog	Working, sled dog	Working, police dog
Significant deets	One of the oldest canine breeds in the world; historically used in Arctic expeditions	Used by the US Army during World War II to rescue pilots in the Arctic	Popularized during World War I

Similarities and Differences Between the Utonagan’s Parent Breeds

Characteristics	Alaskan Malamute	Siberian Husky	German Shepherd
Energy Level	High	High	High
Activity Requirement	High	High	High
Drooling	No	No	No
Shedding	Above moderate	Medium	Above moderate
Cold Tolerance	High	High	Above moderate
Heat Tolerance	Low	Medium	Above moderate
Affection Towards Owner	Moderate	Very affectionate	Above moderate
Temperament with Kids	Needs supervision	Above moderate	Friendly
Friendliness to Strangers	Moderate	Above moderate	Moderate
Compatibility with Other Dogs	Low	Above moderate	Moderate
Compatibility with Other Pets	Low	Above moderate	Moderate
Trainability	Moderate	Very stubborn	High
Noisiness	Above moderate	High	Moderate

Utonagan Dog Breed: Before You Go…

Never heard of multi-mix dog breeds?

Well, it’s amazing to know how science can create such an amazing pooch called the Utonagan dog, isn’t it?

Personally, I’m so fascinated with this canine breed.

Not only because of their wolf-like appearance but the big mystery that covers this immaculate dog.

Which fact intrigues you the most? Be sure to let us know in the comments.

So, if you enjoyed this blog today, you’ll definitely love other mixed dog breeds below!

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