About the Aatu Tamaskan

THE AATU TAMASKAN AND ITS FOUNDATION STOCK

The Aatu Tamaskan has had its beginning with our TDR registered Tamaskan foundation stock, with the goal of introducing other breeds we are researching and will introduce in order to achieve the end goal: a healthier, more wolfy-looking family dog.

[The following information was posted while Ta-Kari was an active member of the TBA. While no longer affiliated, I find it important for the information to remain, as it remains accurate and shows our goals in line with the furtherance of the Aatu.]

HISTORY: Introduction of Tamaskan Lines to the U.S.

The first UK Tamaskans were imported in the Spring of 2005 from Blustag Kennels in the UK. The following year, Blustag exported two more UK Tamaskans to the US. By the Summer of 2007, four additional UK Tamaskans came to the US and the first Tamaskan litter was born in New York. Two breeding quality bitches from this litter were sold to kennels in Colorado and North Carolina as foundation stock.

In 2008, two more Blustag Tamaskans and two Tamaskans from Alba Kennels in Scotland were sent to the US and a second litter was born during the summer in New York. One breeding quality bitch was sold to a potential US breeder from this litter.

Unethical Practices Multiplying

In January and February 2009, two litters of puppies were born to US breeders. The TDR voted not to register either of these litters due to questions of health and/or ethics. Within the span of the four litters born in the US (June 2007, June 2008, January 2009, February 2009) from UK Tamaskan imports, health issues such as Addison's Disease, Canine Epilepsy, Juvenile Cataracts, and Renal Disease were diagnosed. Questions were raised regarding Hip Dysplasia in breeding stock that was not disclosed, although known by some head TDR committee members. Several puppies were sold to US breeders, which in turn has seriously impacted their breeding programs and the growth of the Tamaskan in the US.

After much research and direct experience with the TDR and UK breeders, it was becoming clear that the claims of some regarding the superior health of this breed and lack of hereditary health conditions were simply not true. Additionally, some of those breeders exported several dogs to the US, knowingly electing to send less than their best to breeders. Further research of background pedigrees revealed health issues not previously disclosed, and documented unethical practices on the part of some of the founding breeders and members.

In May 2009, the TDR Secretary suggested that US breeders begin searching for outcross lines of our own to further the breed as they were not able to provide puppies, let alone new lines.

The failure to disclose critical health information, mismanagement of records, lack of communication, lack of forethought to provide outstanding quality breeding puppies from different lines to further the breed, and behavior unbecoming the leaders of a supposed professional organization (TDR) has resulted in the resignation of many prominent and long-standing Tamaskan breeders - four alone in one week's time, in addition to one founder in summer 2008.

THE BEGINNING OF THE TAMASKAN BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

The TBA was established in February 2009. The original intent of the TBA was to provide support and assistance to all TDR Tamaskan breeders, encourage education and research among our members, and to establish standards and criteria specific to long term health, growth and success of the Tamaskan breed. As such, we were initially established as a supportive arm of the TDR. However, as a result of a continued display of dishonesty, integrity and a lack of ethics, the TBA separated itself completely from the TDR in late August 2009. Within our new role, our focus shall be on education of our breeders and future owners, honesty, integrity, full disclosure, full support of our breeders and future owners, and improvement of the Aatu Tamaskan Breed in both health and appearance. The TBA will remain an invitation-only organization and registry to ensure that all members are well-educated breeders and all future breeding puppies represent the best of the breed.

The US Introduces the AATU TAMASKAN …… FALL 2009

The Aatu Tamaskan will be a variation of the Tamaskan Dog developed in the UK and will exceed in many ways what the TDR claims to have produced. While similar in appearance to its UK relative, the standard for the Aatu Tamaskan will allow for some adjustments. With the help of knowledgeable mentors, we are also studying the diversity within the “wolf” world and will adjust the Aatu Tamaskan standard to accept what is natural within the wolf population. However, we will not compromise the temperament of the breed, and will maintain a keen focus on introducing the right stock.

The Aatu Tamaskan will be temperamentally suited as a companion dog in addition to specialized areas such as therapy or service work.

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FOR THE TRUE PEDIGREE OF THE UK TAMASKAN DOG VISIT