Why have we decided to keep “Tamaskan” in our breed name rather than just calling it an Aatu? [After all, the TDR simply renamed their existing Utonagan, wolfdog and Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs as Tamaskan; they expect us to do the same.]

Well, the decision to use Aatu Tamaskan has certainly made us the recipients of continued harassment, condemnation and malignment.  But, we stand by the decision of the Aatu Tamaskan name.  Personally, I feel if we were to use our Tamaskan foundation stock under a completely different name, it would be as if we were running from something or trying to hide from something.  We have nothing to run from, hide or be ashamed of.  Some of us have tried to work with the TDR for two years or more.  The fact is that we will use our Tamaskans dogs as foundation stock for the Aatu Tamaskan, and we openly acknowledge that fact, as well as the breeders from where they came. 

Most obvious to note (but easily ignored) is the fact that EVERY breed (even the mighty UK Tamaskan) had its beginnings from other breeds:

Czech Wolfdog:  German Shepherd x Carpathian Wolf

Tamaskan Dog: Utonagan, Wolfdog and Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

Utonagan/Northern Inuit:  Malamute, Husky and GSD

Sarloos:  European wolf x GSD

Further, there are many Shepherd breeds, but they are not just called Australian, Alsatian, Swiss, Belgian, Bohemian, Anatolian, German, Shiloh, etc., etc.  They are identified by their complete breed name (Belgian Shepherd, German Shepherd, Bohemian Shepherd, etc.).  In many cases, it is an acknowledgment of the breeds from whence they came.  [http://www.shawlein.com/The_Standard/13_Breed_Type/Breed_Types.html]  

Similarly, the Aatu Tamaskan is a separate and distinct breed that, within its name, recognizes where the breed began.

FACT:  Did you know Belgian Shepherds come in four coat/color varieties (the Groenendael; the Tervuren; the Malinois; and the Laekenois?  Yet, the American Kennel Club considers these varieties to be four separate breeds.

FACT:  Did you know that the Australian Shepherd was initially called by many names, including Spanish Shepherd, New Mexican Shepherd, and California Shepherd?

We will keep Aatu Tamaskan name and enhance the breed through a selective process to make it more wolflike, with a focus on temperament and health.  We are grateful that steps were taken to create the look of the Tamaskan that we fell in love with.  Most importantly, our dogs will be presented factually and honestly in EVERY way.  [We now have accurate pedigree and health histories to do so.]