Pet Wiki

Northern Inuit Dog

Also called Northern Inuit, NI

Bred to pair a wolf-like appearance with a companion-dog nature, it is usually friendly, bright and playful, and calm at home once its exercise needs are met.

SizeLarge
Weight25 to 50 kg (55 to 110 lb)males 36 to 50 kg, females 25 to 38 kg1
Height58 to 81 cm (23 to 32 in)males 58 to 81 cm, females 58 to 71 cm1
Lifespan12 to 14 years1
CoatThick double coat
OriginEngland, 1980s. Developed from dogs imported from North America crossed with Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies.12
CrossbreedShort profile
striking wolf-like looks
friendly and playful with its family
clever and trainable
12

Personality what they are like

Bred to pair a wolf-like appearance with a companion-dog nature, it is usually friendly, bright and playful, and calm at home once its exercise needs are met.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

thick double coat

A large, athletic dog bred to look like a wolf, with a dense weatherproof double coat, upright ears and a long, straight tail.12

Colourswhiteblacksable shades, with or without a white face mask1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Northern Inuit Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Needs a long, brisk daily walk or jog and room to move.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush and comb regularly, more often during shedding; bathe only when needed to protect the coat's natural oils.1

Home where they are happiest

Suits an active home with adequate space; a large dog that does best with room indoors and a secure garden.1

The story where it all began

Breeders in England began the Northern Inuit in the 1980s, crossing dogs imported from North America with Malamutes, German Shepherds and Huskies to create a wolf-like family dog. Disagreements among breeders later led to offshoots such as the Utonagan and, from those, the Tamaskan.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Northern Inuit dogs played the direwolves in the early seasons of the TV series Game of Thrones.2

  2. 2

    The breed is a direct ancestor of the Utonagan and the Tamaskan Dog.3

  3. 3

    It was deliberately bred to look like a wolf while having the temperament of a companion dog.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed was named 'Northern Inuit Dog' after the Inuit people of North America, Canada and Greenland, who legendarily mated dogs and wolves to create a working family pet. The name reflects the breed's wolf-like appearance and northern heritage.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

LokiFreyaKodaNovaFenrirWillowShadowStormYukiSableEmberLuna

A day in the life told by a Northern Inuit Dog

I wake with the dawn, stretching my long legs and giving a soft woof to the humans. They laugh and call me a sleepy wolf, but I know I'm just a big softie. After a quick breakfast (my favorite part of the morning), we head out for a long, brisk walk through the woods. I love the smells – pine, earth, and the faint trace of a squirrel. I trot beside my human, my tail waving like a flag. When we get home, I curl up on the sofa, watching the world go by through the window. In the afternoon, we play fetch in the garden – my human's throw is getting better. I bring the ball back every time, proud of my work. As the sun sets, I settle at their feet, content and happy. This is the life.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Dog Registry of America (DRA)
Listed by the DRA; not a breed recognised by the FCI, The Royal Kennel Club or the AKC.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Northern Inuit Dog, and at what times?

Feed your Northern Inuit Dog at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Regular meal times help their digestion, so try to feed at the same times each day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.16 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Northern Inuit Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to their age and size is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.17 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I bathe a Northern Inuit Dog?

Bathe your Northern Inuit Dog only when needed, about every 10 weeks, to protect their coat's natural oils. Over-bathing can dry their skin. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days.18 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Northern Inuit Dog need brushing?

Brush and comb your Northern Inuit Dog regularly, about every three days, and daily during heavy shedding. Their thick double coat needs this to stay healthy and reduce loose fur.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Northern Inuit Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim your dog's nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain. If unsure, ask a vet or groomer for help.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Northern Inuit Dog need?

This breed has high exercise needs and requires a long, brisk daily walk or jog, plus room to move. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and play to keep them happy and calm at home.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Northern Inuit Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week (daily is ideal) with dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Never use human toothpaste.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Northern Inuit Dog live?

A Northern Inuit Dog typically lives between 12 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet checks, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long life.1

Is a Northern Inuit Dog good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are usually friendly, bright, and playful, making them good with children and other pets when properly socialized. Their calm nature at home once exercised adds to their family-friendly temperament.12

Can a Northern Inuit Dog be left alone?

This varies by individual dog. They are social and may not do well alone for long periods. It's best to ask a good breeder or trainer for advice based on your dog's personality.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Dog Breed Info Center: Northern Inuit Dog dogbreedinfo.comused for origin, size, weight, lifespan, colours, care
  2. Wikipedia: Utonagan en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, ancestry, breeding aim, Game of Thrones
  3. Wikipedia: Tamaskan Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for related breeds and descendants
  4. americannortherninuitsociety.org americannortherninuitsociety.org
  5. petpaw.com.au petpaw.com.au
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.