Tamaskan Dog Breed Information

Posted on Sep 12, 2019, Modified : Jan 26, 2020 Zina

Behavior

Country of Origin	United States
Nicknames and Other Names	Tam, Tamaskan
Scientific Name	Canis lupus familiaris
Breed Type	Crossbred
Group	Working Group
Bred For	Working as a sled dog
Size	Large-Sized
Recognized By	ARBA
Life Span	14-15 Years
Ideal Weight	Male: 65-95 Pounds Female: 55-85 Pounds
Ideal Height	Male: 25-33 Inches Female: 24-28 Inches
Fur Type	Double Coat, Dense, Coarse Outer Coat
Common Colors	Wolf Grey, Black Grey, Red Grey
Markings	White and Black Markings
Availability	Moderately Available
Achievements	Featured in many movies and series
Suitable for Apartments	No
Used in World War	No
Most Similar To	Alaskan Malamute

There are only a few dogs that exist which closely resemble the wolf and Tamaskan is one of the few dog breeds. It was bred to look like a wolf but also have the working drive like its relatives Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky.

It is not a purebred but is crossbred of Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and many other breeds.

While the Tamaskan dog has a wolf-like appearance, it has maintained the temperament that makes it a gentle and loving family companion.

It has a strong, muscular appearance with a long head, small and pricked ears that are somewhat triangular. The tail is long and bushy that is hung in general and nearly vertical while at play.

Origin and History

The Tamaskan was originated in Finland as a working dog that does not have a long history. It was developed in 1980 when Finnish breeder bought Siberian Huskies with the intent of breeding them with other breeds and create a wolf-like dog.

The purpose of mixing all these working dogs is to breed a Tamaskan that has a strong working drive and at the same time a good temperament to keep as a companion dog.

Tamaskan is a cross of the sled dogs and is not a purebred. It has not yet been recognized by any major kennel club.

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: The Tamaskan has a good temperament that makes an excellent family companion due to its gentle, loyal, and loving nature. Although it looks like a fierce and aggressive wolf, it is a gentle dog that can only kill you with a bundle of kisses.

Behavior: Tamaskan dog is a very active dog breed that needs regular vigorous exercise. If they do not get enough exercise, they tend to get destructive and anxious. So, it is necessary to take them out for regular exercise like dog’s sports, running, hiking.

Tamaskan Dog playing with its puppy.
Image Source: imgur

Personality: The personality of the Tamaskan is friendly, playful, and very gentle. They enjoy being with its people either playing or laying by their side. They make a good watchdog as they will bark to warn their owners if they see anything unusual.

Trainability

Training Tamaskan Dog is not a very tough job to do as long as you develop a firm and consistent leadership on them. Start with basic obedience training and slowly move to agility.

Reward them with delicious treats and lots of vocal praises as they complete a certain task. Never be harsh or forceful on them even if they make some mistakes.

Is Tamaskan Dog Child-Friendly?

Yes, Tamaskan gets along with children pretty well and they are very sweet, loving towards them. They are gentle and playful with them which makes them great playmates. Although Tamaskan might be a friendly dog, it is necessary to supervise their playtime with children as both parties might play rough and there might be injuries.

A baby hugging Tamaskan puppy.
Image Source: Instagram-@zeusthetamaskan

Facts

Tamaskan Dog is featured in many movies, series, music videos as a wolf due to its close resemblance to wolves.
A Tamaskan Dog named Wave became the live Mascot of the North Caroline State Football Team since 2010.

Health Issues

General Health	Healthy
Common Health Issues	Bloat, Ear Infection, Heart Intolerance, Cryptorchidism, Epilepsy, Renal Failure
Hypoallergenic	No
Vaccination Required	Canine Distemper, Kennel Cough, Rabies, Canine Coronavirus, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis
Shedding	Moderate Shedder
Drooling	Average Drooler
Grooming	Easy and Minimal Grooming Required
Weight Gain Potential	Average
Separation Anxiety	High Chance
Allergies	Nine
Diets and Supplements	Protein: 22% Fat: 5% Probiotics Glucosamine Antioxidants

Tamaskan is generally a healthy breed with few genetic and canine health problems.

Hip Dysplasia: It is a condition where the hip of your dog is either dislocated from its original place or underdeveloped. It is mostly a genetic problem, so before getting a puppy from a breeder, check for its parent’s health history.
Patellar Luxation: It is a condition that is caused when the knee cap of your dog is dislocated from its original place. Take your dog to a vet for an immediate check-up.