The Tamaskan Dog Register (TDR) was formed in February 2006. The word "Tamaska" means "mighty wolf" in the Native American language. The TDR, formed by the original committee members of the British and International Utonagan Society, is the governing body for all Tamaskan Dogs throughout the world.
In the 1980s, five husky type dogs of unknown origin were imported into the UK from the United States. These dogs were then bred to Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies and German Shepherd crosses. The origins of these dogs are also unknown. These were the humble beginnings to create a dog that resembled the wolf, but had a good temperament and would make a good family dog. In addition, the dogs must possess a good working ability.
Over the years, a small group of dedicated breeders continued to add other dogs and through breeding, the group continued to create the wolf look-a-like breed. Since no records were maintained and the breeding programs were not documented, no one is certain of the exact breeding programs. These dogs were given the name wolf-dog, but the name was changed to Northern Inuit around 1988 since these dogs did not contain any wolf content. As a result, the Northern Inuit Society was formed.
Over time, differences in opinion regarding the development of the breed caused a split and two separate groups formed. The group that broke off changed the name of the breed to Utonagan to distinguish themselves from the Northern Inuit group and the Utonagan Society was formed. Due to differences, the Utonagan Society divided as well. The newly formed British and International Utonagan Society continued breeding with the goal to improve type, health issues and to maintain all records of matings. A hip score and eye score testing scheme, rules, regulations and a code of ethics was established. Some health issues began to appear in the breed, but they were not discovered until later. This led to the search for new healthy, unrelated bloodlines to introduce.
Dogs with the wolf appearance, health and good temperaments were found in Lapland. These dogs' had the qualities that were needed. The dogs were being bred for sled pulling in extreme temperatures and they would add to the breed's future working ability. Seven dogs were imported and it was again time to consider the future.
It was at this time, that the Tamaskan would make its entry into the dog world. Committee members of the British and International Utonagan Society made the decision to close down due to activity in the original Utonagan Society. A few year earlier, the original Utonagan Society had closed and a new committee decided to resurrect the Utonagan Society. The newly resurrected Utonagan Society did not wish to follow the standards established by the former British and International Utonagan Society or to allow the new bloodlines to be introduces. It seemed obvious that these dogs would need a new name and the Tamaskan breed was established.
The foundation stock consisted of the original seven dogs imported from Lapland, seven dogs were selected from Blustag Kennel, four dogs from the UK and two dogs from the US. Two additional foundation dogs were added in 2006, one in 2008 and two more in 2009. The TDR also introduced a Saarloos as a "one-time only" out-cross to bring some fresh blood in the breed.
Some restructuring of Tamaskan Dog Register took place spring 2012 from having, "A Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer together with a Committee," to a "Round Table where every country club has a representative on the TDR board." Two new Outcross were approved late 2012, a Female Czechoslovakian wolfdog and a Female Saarloose/German Shepherd/White Swiss Shepherd/Husky Mix, the puppies that result from these outcrosses will be under limited registration until they are assessed and health tested. For more information please vist the the Tamaskan Dog Register.