GENERAL APPEARANCE:  A dog of medium build, athletic but not racy. Slightly longer than tall (as 10 – 9), with leg  length slightly  longer than overall depth of body. Oval bone is neither too heavy nor too light.

HEAD: Not too broad, skull slightly domed. Muzzle slightly longer than skull, strong and gently tapering. Lips close fitting and always black.   Cheeks flat. Nose black (winter noses acceptable) and nostrils large. Slightly imperfect scissor bite.

EYES: Oval, forward facing and set at a slightly oblique angle. Any colour or colour combination permitted.

EARS: Set fairly high, not too large and carried erect.

NECK: Strong and muscular with a well-defined nape.

SHOULDERS: Moderately sloping. Elbows fitting close to chest, which must not be too broad.

BODY: Topline level, ribs well back. Loin short and deep with no exaggerated tuck up. Croup broad and fairly short but not steep. Tail set fairly high and reaching to the hock, carried down when standing, may be lifted when excited. Curly tails considered a fault. Good rear angulation. Short hocks.

HIND FEET: Oval, may have five toes, dewclaws permitted.

FORE FEET: Round, pasterns upright but flexible. Pads black and well cushioned with hair.

COAT: Dense double coat, slightly harsh in texture, heavy coats permitted but long, flowing, silky coats considered a fault. Well defined ruff and breaches. Tail bushy.

GAIT: Easy and far reaching covers the ground.

SIZE: Bitches 22 inches min. dogs 24 inches min. – overall balance more important than size.

COLOUR: Pure white or any shade of grey and sable through to pure black. White faces and dark masks are permitted but any colour change should be subtle.

TEMPERAMENT: Friendly and placid, never aggressive or showing any guarding tendencies. Will submit when challenged.

     All Males should have two fully descended testicles apparent.

FAULTS: Gay tails, long soft/silky coats, patchy/pinto or black and tan colours.

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

The Northern Inuit Dog is faithful, friendly and placid. Never aggressive or showing any guarding tendencies and will submit when challenged.   They mix well with other pets and because of their friendly personalities they love the companionship of other dogs and very rarely argue. They make great family members and like to be included in everything the family does. They love children and are happy to play games for hours.