Breed Standard

APPEARANCE

American Northern Inuit dogs are medium to large build and very athletic (but never racy). Females should be between 23-28 inches (58–71 cm) tall and weigh around 55-84 pounds (25–38 kg), while males should be between 25-30 inches (58–81 cm) tall and weigh 79-110 pounds (36–48 kg).

The dog should have a double coat and a straight tail, although they will hold their tails up with some curve when they are happy or busy.  Curly tails like those of Malamutes or Spitz type dogs are considered a fault.

Courtesy of a-z-animals.com

American Northern Inuit dogs have a more wolf-like look than German Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes and other cold region type dogs.

MUZZLE:

Equal in length to skull, strong and gently tapering. Longer and more tapering than Huskies and Malamutes.

NOSE:

Black, snow nose is permitted; large nostrils.

 

LIPS:

Black and close fitting.

Courtesy of Alexandra Animalso

EYES:

Range from yellow, amber, brown, orange and blue. Eyes are oval and set at a slightly oblique angle.

EARS:

Erect, wide set and leaf shaped (puppies ears start off down and naturally go up as the pup matures but should be fully erect by 12 months)

FACE:

Distinct full mask, partial mask, or no mask.

BODY:
Topline level, Ribs long to give overall proportions of height to length as 10 – 9, well sprung from the spine but flattening on the sides to allow the elbows to move freely. Loin short and deep with no exaggerated tuck up. Croup broad and fairly short but not steep.

The tail is a smooth continuation of the croup and must reach no further than the point of the hock. May be lifted when excited and carried upright or sickle in movement.

Courtesy of Malfuros

FOREQUARTERS:
Shoulders flat. Moderately angulated upper arm but shoulder blades well laid back. Elbows fitting close to the chest which must not be too broad (approximately 4 fingers width between front legs ) or drop below the elbow. Distance from ground to elbow slightly greater than that from elbow to withers. Oval bone, neither too heavy or too light, pasterns upright but flexible. Feet oval and toes open and well knuckled. Pads black and well cushioned with hair.

 

HINDQUARTERS:
Well angulated with broad, muscular thighs, the strength being carried through to the second thigh. Hocks short and perpendicular to the ground. Upright when viewed from the rear.

 

Feet oval, can have five rear toes. Removal of rear dewclaws optional.

COAT:

Range from all white, different shades of grey, silver, timber, black with white or cream/silver eye brows. Gradual shading of color (spotty or patches is a fault). Should be a dense, waterproof double coat, slightly coarse in texture.

 

TAILS:

Tails with black tip preferred but not required.

GAIT:
Far reaching, covering the ground with an easy stride. (The following video also illustrates the mischievous nature of some Northern Iniut dogs, along with the importance of training them to drop things on command!)

Standards derived from the Northern Inuit Society of the UK

Additional Characteristics

TEMPERMENT:

You’ll find Northern Inuit Dogs to be calm and gentle. They love their family and are a friendly breed that does not show aggression.

As an intelligent dog, you can depend on them. At the same time, the Northern Inuit can also sometimes be stubborn, and is not for the novice dog-owner.

These dogs need attention and bond deeply to their humans. They are prone to suffering from separation anxiety if they are left for too long. This can lead to destructive behavior. Having another pet as a companion dog is a good way to prevent this.

VOCALIZING:

Northern Inuits don’t necessarily bark much, but they do tend to make their opinions known through voluble vocalizing!