Overview
The Tamaskan was developed in Finland and Britain from the 1980s onward, using Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd and other northern stock to produce a dog that looks like a wolf but behaves like a family pet. It has no recent wolf content and is not covered by wolf-hybrid rules in the UK.
In practice you get a tall, athletic dog with a thick grey or wolf-sable coat, a friendly disposition and a healthy dose of sled-dog independence. Tamaskans are good with people and most dogs, but they are also diggers, climbers and howlers, and they do not like being left.
Exercise and walking needs
An active adult needs an hour and a half to two hours a day, with some of it at a steady trot or run. Canicross, bikejoring and long hikes suit the breed and most owners of Tamaskans will already be doing some of this.
Heat is a limit. The northern coat was not designed for July, so shift walks to early morning and evening in summer and carry water for both of you.
On the walk
- Recall: Varies a lot. The Shepherd side helps, the Husky side does not, and most owners will tell you honestly which has won. Use a long line until you know.
- Pulling: Bred from dogs whose job was to pull, and it shows. Expect a steady lean into the harness and teach a loose lead early.
- Public attention: People will stop you, photograph the dog and ask if it is a wolf. Keep greetings calm and be ready to move on.
- Other dogs: Usually social and playful, with a rough, vocal style of play that can worry other owners. Match it with dogs that enjoy the same.
Tips for professional walkers
- Use a well-fitted harness, ideally the one the owner already uses for running or pulling sports.
- Carry water and skip the middle of the day in summer; the coat holds heat badly.
- Check every fence before using a field; this breed climbs and digs out of gardens.
- Expect howling if left in the van; keep waits short and make sure the owner knows.
What to ask the owner
- How reliable is recall off the lead, and are there places you are happy for the dog to run free?
- Does the dog do any pulling sports, and is there a harness and cue set you use?
- How does it cope with being left, and has it ever escaped from a garden or vehicle?