Tamaskan Dog Breed Standard

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY
The Tamaskan dog originated from imported sled type dogs from USA many years ago. These dogs were later mixed with Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd and then exported to Finland where more recently other wolf looking sled type dogs have been integrated to improve bloodlines. The aim was to create a dog that looks like a wolf with working ability.

GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Tamaskan Dog is large and athletic. He should have a wolf-like appearance with coarse and thick fur, small ears and a straight bushy tail.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS
The length of the body from point of shoulder to the rear point of pelvis is longer than the height of the body from ground to top of the withers.

BEHAVIOUR-TEMPERAMENT
The Tamaskan Dog is friendly and affectionate. He should not appear aggressive or overly reserved towards people or other dogs. His high intelligence and eagerness to please make him versatile in his uses as a working dog and loyal companion.

HEAD
In balance with the body. Forms a wedge between eyes.

CRANIAL REGION
Forehead: slightly arched.
Stop: Slight/Moderate

FACIAL REGION
Nose: the nose, lips, and eye rim pigmentation should be black, the lighter streaked "snow nose" is acceptable.
Muzzle: Long, Clean, straight bridge of nose. Should not be pointed.
Lips: Close fitting.
Jaws/Teeth: Jaws strong and symmetrical. Well developed teeth, Scissor bite.
Cheeks: Clean, sufficiently muscled.
Eyes: Eyes are Yellow through amber & brown. Almond shaped and of medium size. Blue eyes are a disqualifying fault. Close fitting lids
Ears: Of medium size, but small in proportion to the head. The ears are triangular in shape and slightly rounded at tips. Set wide apart on the skull. Carried facing forward and erect.
Neck: Slightly arched, long and strong.

BODY
Topline: Level topline with a slightly sloping croup.
Withers: Well muscled, pronounced.
Back: Firm and straight.
Loins: Short, well muscled, not broad, sloping slightly.
Croup: Short, not broad, falling away slightly.
Lower line and belly: Taut belly, tucked up.

TAIL
The tail should reach to the hock joint but not beyond. At rest the tail is carried downward, but when the dog is excited or in motion, it is carried higher. The tail, should not be carried curled over the back. Coarse thick hair but not feathered.

FOREQUARTERS
Front Legs: The front legs are straight, close together and the feet should turn slightly outwards.
Shoulders: The shoulder-blade is forward, well muscled.
Upper arm: Strongly muscled.
Elbows: Close fitting, turned neither in nor out.
Forearm: Long, clean and straight.
Feet: Long arched toes.

HINDQUARTERS
Hind Legs: Hind Powerful. The hind legs stand parallel. Dew-claws not desirable and should be removed.
Upper thigh: Long, well muscled. The hip joint is sturdy and flexible.
Knee: Strong, flexible.
Lower thigh: Long, clean, well muscled.
Hocks: Long, clean. Set low to the ground.
Pasterns: Slightly slanted, strong, flexible
Stifles: Well bent, turned neither in nor out.

MOVEMENT
Light, balanced but powerful flowing movement similar to that of a wolf. Massive ground coverage

SKIN
Tight, without wrinkles.

COAT
Straight, close. In winter the coat differs as a impressive undercoat forms all over the body including the inner part of the ears. Well coated neck. The coat should form a slight ruff around the neck and shoulders framing the head.

COLOUR
Black Grey, Wolf Grey and Red Grey always with black overlay and characteristic wolf mask. Solid colours unacceptable.

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT
Height at Withers:
Adult Males 63cm – 84cm to the shoulder
Adult Females 61cm – 71cm to the shoulder

Weight:
Adult Males 32kilos – 50kilos
Adult Females 25kilos – 41kilos

FAULTS
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS
- Untypical eye colour

- Incorrect Ear carriage

- Incorrect markings

- Incorrect tail carriage

N.B.: Male dogs must have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

- http://www.tamaskan-dog.com/The%20Standard/standard.htm