Pet Wiki

Tamaskan Dog

Also called Tamaskan, Tam

Rare breedShort profile

From Developed in the United Kingdom from the 1980s onward, with later breeding work in Finland, which is often given as its country of origin.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male29 to 50 kg12
Weight, female25 to 41 kg12
Height, male63 to 84 cm12
Height, female61 to 71 cm12
Sizelarge

English Wikipedia gives 29-43 kg (males) and 25-39 kg (females); German Wikipedia gives 32-50 kg and 25-41 kg.

striking wolf-like looks
friendly and sociable
intelligent and hardworking
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

thick double coat

A wolf-like dog with a dense, insulating undercoat under a coarser outer layer. Each guard hair carries agouti banding, which gives the coat its wild, shaded look.12

Colourswolf greyred greyblack grey1

Personality what they are like

A friendly, clever working-type dog bred with companionship in mind. It tends to welcome strangers rather than guard against them, and it enjoys learning and doing things with its people.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Needs plenty of daily exercise and mental work; a big garden or long daily outings suit it well.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The thick coat changes with the seasons, so regular brushing helps, with extra attention during seasonal coat changes.2

Home where they are happiest

Best in a home with space and an active family; a large secure garden is a plus.2

Company who they like around

Does not like being left alone for long and does best with company and shared activities.2

The story where it all began

Breeders in the UK began in the 1980s with sled-type dogs imported from the USA, crossed with northern breeds such as Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes plus German Shepherds, aiming for a wolf-like but family-friendly dog. Some lines were developed further in Finland, and in 2006 a group of breeders set up the Tamaskan Dog Register.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Tamaskans have appeared on screen and stage, including in Game of Thrones, Outlander and a Broadway production of The Crucible.1

  2. 2

    A Tamaskan named Wave became the official live mascot of North Carolina State University's football team in 2010.1

  3. 3

    The breed's foundation included Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Canadian Eskimo Dogs and German Shepherds.2

  4. 4

    Because it is so friendly with strangers, it is considered a poor choice as a guard dog despite its wolfish looks.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Tamaskan' comes from 'Tamaska,' which means 'mighty wolf' in the Munsee dialect of Delawarian, an Algonquin language.3

Name ideas for your new friend

LunaFinnNovaKodaSvenFreyaStormRavenBearEmberOdinWillow

A day in the life told by a Tamaskan Dog

I wake up and stretch, my fluffy tail wagging. First thing, I check the garden – a squirrel was here last night, I can smell it! After a quick patrol, I find my human and give a happy bark. We head out for a long walk in the woods, where I chase leaves and sniff every tree. Back home, I help with some puzzle toys – so fun! Then I curl up on the sofa, watching birds through the window. A perfect day ends with belly rubs and a sleepy sigh.

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

Recognised by the official bits

American Rare Breed Association
Listed as a recognised breed.1
FCI
Not recognised by the FCI.2
Tamaskan Dog Register
Breed-specific register founded in 2006 that keeps the stud book.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Tamaskan Dog tip

Keep treats to under 10% of daily calories, as Tamaskans can gain weight easily even with high energy. Choose highly digestible, low-fermentable treats to support their sensitive stomachs, and avoid grains or common allergens like beef, dairy, or chicken if your dog shows signs of intolerance.

Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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 Tamaskan Dog, and at what times?

Feed your Tamaskan Dog at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. The exact times can be set to fit your routine, but a consistent schedule helps. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.14

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

A balanced, high-quality dog food is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and chives, as these are especially harmful to dogs. Always consult your vet for specific dietary needs.15

How often should I bathe a Tamaskan Dog?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. General guidance is at least once every three months. Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect the coat.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Tamaskan Dog need brushing?

Brush your Tamaskan Dog weekly, with extra attention during seasonal coat changes when shedding increases. The thick double coat benefits from regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent mats. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every 7 days.2 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask a vet or groomer for a demonstration.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Tamaskan Dog need?

This breed has high activity needs and requires plenty of daily exercise and mental work. Long daily outings or a big garden suit it well. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play. Adjust based on your dog's energy and consult your vet.2 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and never use human toothpaste. Check ears weekly, especially since floppy ears trap moisture, and dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's plan suggests ear checks every 7 days and teeth brushing every 2 days.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Tamaskan Dog live?

The lifespan varies, but senior years usually start around age 7. For specific longevity, ask your vet or a good breeder, as it depends on genetics and care. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Tamaskan Dog good with children and other pets?

Yes, this friendly, clever breed is bred for companionship and tends to welcome strangers. It enjoys learning and doing things with its people, making it good with children and other pets when properly socialized. Always supervise interactions.12

Can a Tamaskan Dog be left alone?

This breed does not like being left alone for long and does best with company and shared activities. If left alone too much, it may become unhappy. Consider a pet sitter or doggy daycare if you are away often.2

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? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Tamaskan Dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, history, fun facts
  2. Tamaskan - Wikipedia (German) de.wikipedia.orgused for size, temperament, exercise, history, recognition
  3. tamaskandogregister.com tamaskandogregister.com
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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