Dog Breeds – The Northern Dogs

Alaskan Husky, Malamute, Akita, Samoyed, Pomeranian

The Dog Genome Project includes the Pomeranian among the Northern breeds, along with the expected Husky and Malamute. Northern breeds can be great with kids, but they have boundless energy and are often large. Many people have trouble teaching them to walk on a lead – which makes sense for an animal that’s been bred to pull heavy sleds for hundreds of miles over frozen snow. (The Pomeranian, of course, is the exception).

The northern breeds have a personality that is the epitome of “dog” for many people, but they sometimes have difficulty adjusting to back yard living. Many have a strong urge to run in packs, and may be difficult to keep inside a fence. Like all dogs, when frustrated and under-exercised they may dig or find other ways to become destructive.

The husky and malamute may be the closest breeds to the original wolf ancestor. They tend to be very warm and loving around children, who they consider part of their pack.