NI query Discussions

My wife and I are thinking of buying a Northern Inuit. However, from reading this website, it appears there seems to be quite a lot of discussion as to what constitutes an NI. We've done a little research - you know, looked at breeders websites, etc (not nearly enough considering how serious a decision this is) but I'm still very very confused as to where to start. Really, this is a 'Janet and John' kind of question: dead basic and really simple. We need our hands holding through the entire process and would really appreciate your help, advice, pointers, what to look out for, etc etc - the whole package! We live in North London so we'd like to visit breeders that are (relatively) close but it'd be great to go armed with a little prior knowledge - what to ask, what to look for, their credentials and so on. This is a huge decision for us - we appreciate how much hard work it might be (fun, but hard) and never having owned a dog since childhood, we feel pretty nervous. Thanks in advance for any help you can give us.

I would suggest you visit a breeder, see their dogs and get as much information as possible. Honiahaka Northern Inuit dogs are in romford, essex and Tracie Fowler would gladly give you lots of help and advice.

i do know they arent a recognised breed, so cannot answer the question as to how to judge the credentials of a breeder.

but as someone in my village owns one, i would wonder if they are the right dog for a first time owner.

Form the ones I have had dealings with they are fairly 'strong' dogs, physically and in character, which would make me question whether they are right for first time owners.

However - visting breeders and meeting the dogs in person...maybe going out for some walks, will give you a better idea.

RE - breeders - you need to make sure they are health testing the parents. (There may be other on here that will give you a better idea of the tests they need), that they keep the dogs in clean conditions, that the adults are friendly towards people, the pups are socialised from an early age and that the breeder will give you full back up support throughout the dogs life.

Good luck in your search

I have been quite lucky really. I got Star (formerly known as Inka) in November last year from Mahlek northern inuits and she has proved to be the most devoted, placid dog you could have. I went for her breed after my husband wanted a 'husky' , but I didn't want the temperament of that breed. She is patient with my other terrier, but does have moments where she is full of energy!! I can happily let her off the lead and she runs around like crazy and loves it. I got her when she was 3.5yrs old, so a rescue could be an option, whereby you know what nature the dog is. Bitches do tend to be easier to train in my opinion, having lived with all breeds of rescue dogs for 30+ yrs.
At the end of the day, if you have time to exercise a dog properly and get into a routine, you shouldn't have too many issues. Trouble arises when a dog is not properly exercised, left alone for long periods or fed cheap rubbish and the ground rules not laid down from day one. You get out what you put in.

Not a good choice of dog for a first time owner as any good breeder of them should tell you.

Why exactly do some people believe an N.I is not a good choice for a first time dog owner ? is it just the size of the breed ?
And lets not forget Jon has had dogs all be it family dogs when he was young so he does have experience of sorts...
All dogs need consistencey in training, starting on the right foot and keeping to what ever rules are laid down works for all dogs N.I are dogs remember...

my thoughts as well ...what is a good first time dog?:? my ni is a lovely girl no probs with health,great temprement good training and recall...a dog is what you put into them but with any breed research and then research again ask the breeder questions and dont just go for the nearest litter to you ,be prepared to wait and travel
good luck

Can only echo this, Tracey is a great breeder and would be happy to show off her pack of northern Idiots to you

From a personal point of view i love NI's and wouldnt go back to any other northern looking type dog. BUT i do have to agree they are not a first time dog. You do need experience with a large intelligent breed first i think.

That bit made me laugh, my Inka shares his brain with his sister

that is exactly what the NI in my village is like.

this great big strong goon, very hard to handle.
needs to be walked on a head collar and cant be allowed to play with other dogs freely, as he flattens them (play is too rough and clumsy).
the only other dogs in the village whom he associates with directly and regularly are 2 equally big Akitas, as these are the only ones strong enough in character enough to keep him in check.

he is friendly, i like him, and his owners are very experienced, but i dread what would happen if he was in the hands of your average (first time) pet dog owner.
living with dogs when you were a child doesn't count as having experience of owning and handling dogs.

I have looked at so many NI breeders and an ethical breeder where parents also have a good life is like finding a needle in a haystack.
The only one I can think of is Honiahaka so worth contacting them.
I still believe Ni is a type bit like a lurcher.

Most of what you have said though isn't the dogs fault, if he was brought up from the beginning to walk properly the owners wouldn't look as awkward with him now...

they dont

they are excellent with him, despite his huge lumbering, rambunctious, nature, which poses limitations.

if he were in the hands of 99% of other people, he would be a disaster now.

which is the point...
...... as regards suitability to inexperienced/fist time owners (which my friends weren't).

I have a Honiahaka baby, and would highly recommend talking to Tracey. Must warn you though...I think she teaches pups to bathe in mud...

Here I am walking my 3 NI's on 3 normal leads, I am 5ft 10 so you can get an idea of how big they are, sounds to me that the big strong goon has never been trained to walk correctly on a lead. If I can walk 3 then whats the problem?

They do walk well as long as they are brought up to do that...heres Inka and Kain on lead, I found the shorter the lead the easier it was

My only comment, just like any other breed, is if you decide to buy a pup (of any breed) make sure it's parents have been health tested and scored well.

I dont think there is any ideal first dog TBH any breed can be difficult without the proper training, although I realise some more than others.

As long as you do your research thourghly, find good breeders and put all you can into your dog im sure things will work out.

I ended up with a dog that I guarantee most would say was a big no no for a first time owner. I ended up with a untrained fear aggressive cross Akita rescue. All has ended up well here with dedication and patience and lots of training.

I hope you find the perfect dog soon!

Ali