Northern Inuit Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

36-45 kg

Height

58-81 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Northern Inuit Dog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Odin and Thor are two of the most loved characters from the super-popular TV show Game of Thrones. These famous Northern Inuit dogs have introduced millions of people to a breed that they didn’t even know existed.

Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the “wolf-like” Northern Inuit and tell you all about its history, personality and unique appearance.

What is the history & origin of the Northern Inuit Dog?

You may be surprised to hear that the Northern Inuit dog is a relatively new breed that has only been around since the 1980s. The breed was inspired by legends that describe how the Inuit people used to mate working dogs with wolves to improve their stamina and strength.

When creating the Northern Inuit dog, breeders in Britain specifically set out to breed domestic dogs that had a wolf-like appearance. This group of breeders established the Northern Inuit Society, which is still the main governing body and authority on the dog.

For the past two decades, Northern Inuits have been carefully bred with other dogs of the same breed, with any outcrossing strictly frowned upon. Thanks to this approach, the Northern Inuit dog can now be considered an established breed with its own distinctive look and character.

What is a Northern Inuit Dog breed?

A Northern Inuit Dog is a hybrid breed that was created via a British breeding project from Canadian Eskimo Dogs. As we’ve already mentioned, much care was taken in order to breed dogs that closely resembled wild wolves. This marketing campaign was successful, and many people look towards the Northern Inuit as a unique and desirable breed.

The breeding project was established after a number of unspecified dogs were imported into Britain in the 80s. It is thought that the breeds included Huskies, German Shepherds and Malamutes. When you look at a Northern Inuit dog, you can see elements of those breeds that have been inherited.

Who is a Northern Inuit Dog best for?

The Northern Inuit dog is characterised by its friendly, energetic and loyal nature. Because of this, the breed is an excellent pet for kids and families. With good socialisation, Northern Inuit dogs will play with kids and other pets gently and lovingly.

When your Northern Inuit is a puppy, it’s always best to keep an eye on them whenever they’re around small children. Your dog will always have a kind nature, but their energy can sometimes overpower youngsters.

In addition, it’s well known that Northern Inuit dogs are very difficult to train. Their combination of high intelligence and stubbornness means they are reluctant to do anything they don’t want to. For this reason, the breed is more suited to established dog owners than those without training experience.

Northern Inuit Dog Grooming & Shedding

The Northern Inuit has a thick, warm coat that sheds heavily at different times throughout the year. During these “blow-out” periods, daily brushing is essential. Even when your dog’s coat is shedding the most, regular maintenance is still required to keep it looking its best.

Aside from brushing, Northern Inuits benefit from frequent nail clipping.

Do Northern Inuit Dogs bark a lot?

The Northern Inuit is a moderately vocal dog that is often keen to get its voice heard. A well-trained Northern Inuit will keep its barking to a minimum, but even then, you should expect some level of feedback from your dog at times.

What is the average weight & height of a Northern Inuit Dog?

The Northern Inuit is considered to be a medium to large-sized breed. This size is similar to many of the breeds that the Northern Inuit descends from, such as the German Shepherd dog.

Weight

Male Northern Inuits weigh in at around 36-45 kgs, whereas females are a little lighter, between 25-38 kgs.

Size

Northern Inuits are between 58-81 cms tall at the shoulder when standing up. The average length of a Northern Inuit is somewhere in the region of 114-152 cms.

Are Northern Inuit Dogs easy to train?

Even though Northern Inuits are quick-witted, they can be resistant to training. This is in part thanks to the stubborn streak that runs through their nature. Once more, we recommend these dogs to those who are experienced trainers or people who are willing to put a lot of time into the process.

The Northern Inuit is a very active breed that needs a good amount of exercise every single day. This means at least two long walks or extended runs in the park. A Northern Inuit can quickly get restless if it’s not been exercised, so it’s best to keep on top of this the best you can.

How do Northern Inuit Dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Northern Inuit dog is loyal, caring and energetic. Even though the breed has a wolf-like appearance, they are not menacing in the slightest. Northern Inuits are always a hit with visitors, thanks to their warm and welcoming attitude.

Northern Inuit dogs are fiercely loyal and have difficulty coping when left alone for extended periods. Regular contact with humans or other dogs is definitely one of the Northern Inuit’s biggest living needs and is something that every potential owner needs to consider.

As we’ve touched on above, the Northern Inuit is an extremely intelligent and quick-witted breed. These dogs require a strong leader, not just to be kept under control but to also feel like they’re part of the family.

Does the Northern Inuit Dog have any common health issues?

The Northern Inuit is a generally healthy breed, but there are a few issues that they may be more susceptible to than other dogs. These include the following:

Glaucoma: This eye condition can lead to increased pressure and vision problems if not treated promptly.

Achondrodysplasia: A genetic disorder affecting bone growth, leading to dwarfism in some cases.
Cryptorchidism: This occurs when one or both testicles fail to descend, which can lead to complications if left untreated.
Degenerative Myelopathy: A progressive disease affecting the spinal cord, leading to mobility issues.
Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition results in improper formation of the hip joint, potentially causing arthritis.

Even an otherwise healthy Northern Inuit dog can develop these problems, so it’s important to keep up with your vet trips.

What is the lifespan of a Northern Inuit Dog?

The Northern Inuit Dog has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

How much does a Northern Inuit Dog need to be fed?

Northern Inuits are very active and energetic. For this reason, they require a regular schedule of nutritious and protein-packed meals. A Northern Inuit will enjoy wet and dry food, and it’s a good idea to keep their diet interesting by mixing them up.

How much can you expect to pay for a Northern Inuit Dog in Australia?

Even though Northern Inuits are relatively rare in Australia, they don’t command a huge price tag. Specifically, you should expect to pay anywhere up to $1200 from a trustworthy breeder.

Northern Inuit Dog FAQs

Do Northern Inuit dogs suffer from separation anxiety?

Northern Inuits are intensely loyal dogs and are most at home when they can be by their owner’s side. For this reason, the breed is more likely than others to suffer from separation anxiety. Northern Inuits don’t cope well when left alone for long periods, which is definitely something to consider if you’re thinking of getting one.

Is a Northern Inuit ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Northern Inuits are good-tempered, friendly and super intelligent dogs. When coming into contact with a new face, Northern Inuits are much more likely to try and make friends than act as a guard dog. For first-time owners, this is an excellent characteristic.

With that said, these dogs can be quite challenging to train. Although they’re certainly very intelligent, Northern Inuits are stubborn, and owners need to use advanced training techniques to teach them new things.

For this reason, we recommend Northern Inuit dogs to experienced dog owners. New owners can definitely cope with this breed, but they need to be prepared to put in some serious time and effort during training time.

Can a Northern Inuit get along with other household pets?

A Northern Inuit Dog is a naturally friendly and good-natured animal that loves playing with other pets. In fact, since Northern Inuits can get very lonely when left without company, having other dogs in the house could be a big plus.

Proper socialisation is essential with a Northern Inuit dog. You need to be introducing your pet to other dog breeds as soon as possible. Doing so will ensure your Northern Inuit puppy knows how to interact safely with other animals and will help your training process in the long run.

Are Northern Inuit dogs hypoallergenic?

This breed isn’t hypoallergenic and may not be the best choice if you suffer from allergies. Northern Inuit dogs shed plenty of hair throughout the year, which spreads allergens throughout the home.

The Northern Inuit also produces a high quantity of dander on the skin, which is actually what most people with pet allergies are allergic to.