Northern Inuit Dog
Description
The Northern Inuit Dog is a striking breed developed in the late 1980s in the UK to resemble wolves while keeping a friendly temperament. This breed combines traits from German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, resulting in a medium to large dog with a strong pack instinct and a calm demeanor around family. Their wolf-like appearance is purely aesthetic; they have no direct wolf ancestry. They weigh between 55 and 110 pounds and show moderate activity levels, making them suitable for owners who can provide consistent mental and physical engagement. While affectionate and loyal, they may be cautious with strangers if not socialized early. Their thick double coat comes in colors like gray, black, silver, apricot, and white, often with black masks or tan markings, adding to their wild look.
Grooming
Northern Inuit Dogs have a medium-length double coat that requires regular upkeep to stay healthy and manageable. Their dense undercoat sheds heavily during spring and fall, demanding more frequent brushing to prevent matting and reduce loose hair around the home. A good grooming routine includes brushing three times a week, increasing to daily during heavy shedding seasons. Using an undercoat rake helps remove dead hair trapped beneath the topcoat. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal, followed by blow-drying to loosen and remove shed fur effectively. - Brush 3× weekly; daily in shedding seasons - Use an undercoat rake for dead hair - Bathe every 4–6 weeks; blow-dry afterward - Check ears and trim nails regularly - Monitor for stain-prone areas on white coats Pro tip: Blow-drying after baths not only dries but also helps remove loose undercoat hair faster.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Northern Inuit Dogs need about 60 minutes of daily exercise, typically provided in a single session. They enjoy a steady walk that allows them to explore scents and stretch their legs without rushing. This breed benefits from a consistent routine that balances physical activity with mental stimulation, such as obedience training or scent games during the walk. Example routine: Morning: 60-minute brisk walk with light training breaks Evening: Short leash walk for bathroom and calm down Keep walks varied but predictable to satisfy their pack instincts and reduce anxiety.
Boarding
When boarding a Northern Inuit Dog, provide a crate at least 48 inches long to accommodate their size comfortably. They thrive in environments with secure fencing and no access to small-animal toys, which can trigger their prey drive. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and maintain a predictable daily routine to help the dog feel secure. Daily exercise sessions followed by calm decompression time are essential to prevent stress. Enrichment should focus on moderate physical activity paired with mental challenges like puzzle feeders or scent work. This breed appreciates gentle socialization but can be reserved, so patient, consistent handling is key. Avoid loud, chaotic environments as they prefer calmer settings that respect their pack-oriented nature.