Rada by som založila tému venovanú tomuto plemenu, i keď príspevkov bude asi pomenej.
Dostupné informácie na internete sú väčšinou v cudzom jazyku.
V skratke - Utonagan je plemeno psa silne pripomínajúce vlka, ale v skutočnosti nemá z vlka vôbec nič, je šľachtené z troch plemien domácich psov: Aljašský malamut, Nemecký ovčiak a Sibírsky husky. Pochádza z Anglicka.
Je často opisovaný ako vynikajúci temperamentný pes a je tiež často spomínaný ako skvelý rodinný pes a spoločník. Miluje spoločnosť ľudí a vychádza dobre s mačkami a psami menších plemien, ak im boli predstavené v rannom veku. Utonagan nie je strážny pes a bude lízať cudzieho človeka skôr ako na neho štekať. Utonagan občas vyje.
Potrebuje spoločnosť a pozornosť, môže sa uňho vyvinúť deštruktívne správanie, ak zostane sám po dlhú dobu. Utonagan sa výborne cvičí a dychtivo vyžaduje aby s ním jeho majiteľ pracoval.
Poskytnuté údaje z oficiálnej stránky http://www.britishutonagan.com/
Ďalšie užitočné informácie http://theutonagansociety.com/ a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utonagan
The Utonagan is medium/large in size and well-muscled, but possesses a slender build that lends to its wolflike resemblance. The breed has a thick double coat that appears quite different in winter and summer. The guard hair is straight and slightly coarse to the touch. The pelage can be silver grey, cream, or brown with black overlay and a characteristic wolf mask. It also comes in all white, all black and Ink Marked, meaning white with markings of brown, silver or black which look like ink spilled on blotting paper.
Temperament
The Utonagan is a dog with a superb temperament; this in turn makes for a wonderful family dog and companion. They love the company of people and also socialize well with cats and smaller dogs. They are not a dog that likes to be left alone and problems may arise if they are, such as destructive behaviour and escaping. They have a high "pack" mentality, and it is best they have the company of another dog(s), unless you are able to give them your full time companionship. If trained incorrectly, the dog may suffer same-sex dog aggression during its "teenage" years. They are very intelligent, are boisterous in play, and can do well at many activities.
Care
Unlike some of their ancestors, Utonagans will return to their owner when called, if they are trained to do so from a young age. Utonagans enjoy being trained and they are exceptionally quick learners and are always eager to please their owners. They need firm, but fair training starting at a young age.The Utonagan's coat is very easy to manage and (roughly) only requires a twice weekly brush. However, when the dog is moulting, its coat will require more attention.
Health
Some have thick coats that keep them warm in cool conditions but they have great difficulty staying cool in summer. This becomes a problem when walking the dog during hot weather, so owners must be careful not to over-exercise the dog and to keep water available when playing.Utonagan can live up to 10–15 years of age.Generally the Utonagan is an active agile and healthy dog, they should not be overly exercised until their bones are fully mature.Prior to breeding all breeding stock should be KC/BVA hip scored and eye tested clear.
History
The Utonagan and Northern Inuit were created from 5 rescue dogs of unknown origin imported to the UK from America in 1987. Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd were added. The original dogs were bred by Edwina Harrison, who advertised them as wolf-dog hybrid.[2] Buck, the founding father, looked like an Alaskan Malamute. His more wolf-like pups were prized for breeding.The Utonagan and the Northern Inuit originally came from the same stock, but the Utonagan Society further developed its lines by returning to stock from the conceptual breeder. They are now considered two separate breeds.
The name Utonagan was found in a book of Native American mythology by one of the original breeders, Lyn Barraclough. It was then suggested by Brian Jenkins, her partner, as the breed name. It is originally from a Chinook tale where Utonagan is interpreted as "Spirit of the Wolf".
Štandard plemena
THE UTONAGAN BREED STANDARD
British Utonagan Association - 2008
OVERALL PICTURE
Should resemble a Timber Wolf. Large, strong and powerful presence but not too heavy in build with longer legs compared to build of body . Should show overall straight, balanced top-line, and move covering the ground with ease , with good reach.
CHARACTERISTICS
A powerful and adaptable dog. Built for travel. Agile, ability for endurance and fast work, alert and intelligent.
TEMPERAMENT
The temperament , friendly and intelligent with no hint of aggression
HEAD
The head should be large and long (average length 9 - 11 inches), being the same distance (5 - 6 inches) between the occupult and the stop as breadth of the skull. The stop should be slight, not too severe. Skull should taper forward. Broad strong muzzle, lips firm and closing tightly. Nose should be black or dark Brown, lack of pigmentation or snow nose considered as a fault, taking into account bitches may suffer from this temporarily due to seasons or lactating.
EYES
Colour ranging from Brown to amber or yellow (preferred). Good pigment, almond in shape, coat accentuating the eye so that they look larger.
Blue eyes will be considered a fault.
EARS
Large, but should be in comparison to head. Set slightly lower down and tip slightly forward as to give the illusion that they are smaller. Once dog matures they should have a good covering of hair around the inside of the ear. Slightly rounded at tip. Soft ears to be considered a fault.
MOUTH
A strong muzzle with well developed powerful jaw is preferred. Bite should be scissor bite, Lips Black. Undershot or overshot jaws are regarded as a fault.
NECK
Fairly long and slightly curved line where it connects to the head, well muscled, looks bigger due to heavier coat “Mane” in this area, give the impression of strength.
FOREQUARTERS
Built for travel, narrow chest, shoulders sloping enabling good reach. Forelegs long in comparison to body. Elbows close to the body, turning neither in nor out.
CHEST/BODY
Streamlined chest. Body and Tail in comparison showing a long animal. Well sprung ribs into tuck and well muscled loins.
HINDQUARTERS
Well muscled hindquarters giving push and leverage, from behind dog should move straight and move easily, hocks should be straight, slight turn of stifle.
FEET
Front paws large in comparison to bone, turning out very slightly. Back paws smaller Pads slightly webbed, longer toes on front feet. Dew claws on hind feet will be considered a fault.
TAIL
Should be bushy and thick not feathered. Should hang straight past the hock. Carried straight and high when excited or at a trot. Should not curl round on itself, straight tail preferred. Spitz tails are to be considered a fault.
GAIT
Effortless, with a good reach and ground cover, powerful drive from the hindquarters.
COAT
Dense double coat, waterproof harsh top coat and soft thick undercoat, thicker /longer around neck, tail area. No feathering on legs, excess feathering in comparison to coat on ears, tail and trousers undesirable.
COLOURS
Colours allowable: grizzled combination of timber grey, silver, black, white and buff single colours of black, white.
Pied or ink marked colours undesirable.
SIZE (HEIGHT)
Bitches 25 ins and above to top of withers. Dogs 26 ins and above to top of withers.
Dogs generally bigger than bitches.
Height should be taken into consideration with overall appearance.
WEIGHT
Approximately 55-90 lbs and should be in proportion to height, age and frame should be well covered and fit.
FAULTS
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be considered should be in proportion to its degree .
NOTE
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles descended into the scrotum.