Although American Northern Inuit Dogs are directly descended from pedigreed and health-tested Northern Inuit dogs from the United Kingdom, they represent an offshoot from that breed. They are registered with the American Northern Inuit Dog Kennel Club (formerly the Northern Inuit Society of America). 

The ideal representative dogs for the breed come under the general heading of “Wolfalikes” while not being wolf hybrids. They are bred not only for appearance, but also for a friendly, affectionate temperament.