Has anyone heard of these?

[Selkhet]

They're called Utonagan. The breed standard is to come as close to the look of a wolf as possible without having any wolf bloodlines. This breed was started in the UK about 17 years ago. They gained recognition in 2000 (I think) but they're still very much unknown. Some dogs look more like wolves than others, but then again, the breed is fairly new. I think it's a wonderful idea! Maybe it will keep people from trying to tame wild wolves and end up having to euthanize because of aggression problems. (Also check out the puppies! CUTE!)

http://www.utonagan.net/

 

[FoxyWench]

never heard of them, but there gorgeous and definatly better for those wanting a wolfy look than going off and buying a wolf mix...

 

[bubbatd]

I've always wondered why people will go into exotic and unproven breeds when they are so many great ones available plus in the HS.

 

[Leslie + Chessies]

Hmmm...Seems a bit strange to me....They are not recognized by the KC...From their FAQ it is apparent that many dogs exist that don't fit the "standard"...They can't publish the "breed's" standard, but instead provide this: "This standard (pictorial) was developed for those puppy purchasers who do not know about or understand the real standard. The actual standard is available on request from the secretary."...Are potential puppy purchasers so unintelligent that they cannot read a breed standard?...Just don't get it...

 

[JennSLK]

I agree. It sounds weird.

Personaly I dont see the need for the new breed.

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

I've heard of them I would never own one though.

 

[Kase]

Yeah I've heard of them. A woman I used to buy rabbit food off of had 2 Utonagan puppies a few years back.

 

[Rubylove]

What lovely looking dogs

 

[moe]

Their quite common in the UK now, and not recognised by the KC, basically what I can work out, was the NI and Ute's were more or less the same thing, then there was a big split in the breed, one group went off and called the dogs NI's the other group went off and called them Ut's IMO still Crossbreeds, as there dosnt seem to really be a standard that they all conform to, I have seen quite a few of these dogs, and there are great differences between them.

Mo

 

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

never heard of them, but there gorgeous and definatly better for those wanting a wolfy look than going off and buying a wolf mix...

I agree with foxy. Some people want a wolf mix just for the look of the wolf, the Utonagan has no wolf in it and they look very similar to a grey wolf. Maybe a lot of people will stop buying hybrids and get one of these dogs instead...

 

[RD]

I met several last year in Idaho. They were almost a platinum sable color and had structure and fur quite similar to that of the wolf. Really sweet, well mannered dogs. Not sure what to think of the "breed" though. I definitely agree with Foxy that this is a better alternative for most people than a wolf mix, I just worry about the kind of people that are going to get their hands on these dogs...

 

[Nobody's Fool]

I personally think they are beautiful dogs, and would love to have one myself, one day. I've always admired the wolf, and used to dream of owning one when I was little, but now know the danger of keeping one, besides the fact that it is simply not right to keep a wild animal as a pet. (yeah, I owned a skunk once......won't do it again. Even though he was "domesticated" and I loved him dearly, he was still a wild animal. I'd rather see them in their natural habitat. Cuddling with a baby skunk is nice. Seeing an adult one charging at you across the kitchen is something else, even if you know he is playing!!!)
I hope they are able to get the breed registered. Even though you can still see the GSD and Sibe. in them, it is an amazing looking breed.

Sara

 

[jess2416]

Yes they are beautiful dogs, but I think its ridiculous to try to make a dog that looks like a wolf, is that its only purpose to be a breed that resembles wolves so that people wont try to make housepets out of real wolves ?

 

[Selkhet]

Not sure if it's the only purpose, but it sure is a good one. (IMO)
I know there are more captive wolves here in USA than a lot of people might realize, and sad to say, most of them are put down because there's just no place for those kinds of animals if they become agressive. (and they usually do)

There is a private-owned wolf sanctuary near my hometown founded by a man who took in surrendered and seized "pet" wolves for the state Game Commission. There are currently more than 50 wolves and several litters of pups in that 25 acre sanctuary.

I think if people had access to a real dog breed with the look of a wolf, then maybe there wouldn't be so many cases of unnecessary euthenasia of these beautiful animals.

 

[jess2416]

Dont get me wrong they are beautiful dogs, but IMO thats not a good enough reason, its just another "designer" dog that people want to get the exotic look of the wolf. Whats gonna happen when people get tired of this fad, their gonna end up in shelters.
This was taken from the website.

The aim was to create a dog that resembled the wolf as closely as possible

So obvisiously that was the only reason, and if that is the reason then its a awful one. I just dont agree with it.

 

[Selkhet]

I respect your opinion, and you are entitled to it.
But the same thing can be said for nearly any other breed out there. They are bred for their looks. It doesn't matter if they're in the "working" group or the "toy" group, each breed has a certain look they strive for. 90% of them don't actually do what they were originally bred for. I personally don't see what useful purpose teacup poodles or pomeranians serve, but they are also "fad" breeds that still are going strong.

As to the shelters comment...there will always be dogs in shelters, regardless of breed. It's just a sad fact.

 

[jess2416]

I respect your opinion, and you are entitled to it.
But the same thing can be said for nearly any other breed out there. They are bred for their looks. It doesn't matter if they're in the "working" group or the "toy" group, each breed has a certain look they strive for. 90% of them don't actually do what they were originally bred for. I personally don't see what useful purpose teacup poodles or pomeranians serve, but they are also "fad" breeds that still are going strong.

As to the shelters comment...there will always be dogs in shelters, regardless of breed. It's just a sad fact.

I know, but this is just a dog that people want to look like a wolf. Why, sure they have the right intentions so that people won't try to have real wolves as pets, but thats still not a good reason. These "dogs" are just around to serve the purpose of a wolf look-a-like.

 

[zoe08]

I think they are gorgeous dogs. I would have to learn a lot more about them than just looking at the pics though before getting one.

I cant say that I think it is a bad thing, I mean tons of people go out and get chihuahua's cuz Paris Hilton has one. They end up in shelters cuz they realize they didnt really want a dog, they just wanted an accessory and it was more work than they thought. But that doesnt mean chihuahuas shouldnt be bred right?

 

[aivzdog]

I never heard of them either...
See I like dogs that look like wolves because I love wolves...this is a beautiful dog and I must say I would love to have one!

Anna

 

[Selkhet]

It all comes down to personal choice, I guess. Some people like them, some don't. That's life. Me? I love them, and hope they make a name for themselves here in the USA. I would love to have one! Or two...