HONIAHAKA NORTHERN INUIT DOGS
Home of the Northern Inuit Dog and Wolfalike Dog in the UK
Here you will find some testimonials from puppy owners and visitors to Honiahaka . As you can see we wont sugar coat at Honiahaka.
If you would like to add your experience of meeting us to this Page please drop us a email and webmaster will gladly add it
for you. wolfalike@hotmail.com
Anna & Jan 2020
After the heart breaking loss of our first Northern Inuit in 2017, we
didn't think we would ever consider getting another one but
gradually we realised that we couldn't live without this wonderful
breed in our lives. And so the Honiahaka magic began...….
We first met Tracey and Andy in 2018 and immediately knew they
were the breeders for us. It was a very emotional experience
meeting their beautiful pack but the love they felt for their dogs was
so evident during the afternoon that we spent with them. They
patiently answered all of our questions, and we left with our names
on the Honiahaka waiting list.
Ten months later the beautiful Raphael came into our lives and we
couldn't believe our luck when Tracey told us he would be ours. We
were invited to visit on a weekly basis to get to know our boy and
had first-hand experience of the amazing start in life that Honiahaka
puppies get. If only all breeders were like this.
Raphie is now a year old and we can't pretend it has always been
plain sailing as they are certainly not the easiest breed. He suffers
from terrible separation anxiety and always has to be left with
a 'babysitter' (and even then he often howls until we get back). He
was also very destructive and at times we despaired that he'd ever
grow out of it but he has improved an awful lot. You need to be
prepared to put a lot of time, effort and hard work into their training
but it is so worth it as you will be rewarded with the most loyal and
wonderful companion you will ever have in your life.
Not only do you get a stunning dog but also the friendship of Tracey
and Andy and the wider Honiahaka family so you always have
someone to answer any questions and offer help and advice when
needed. Everyone we have met has been so lovely and we have
made some life long friends.
Be prepared to be stopped at least once on every walk as no matter
where you go, these dogs get an enormous amount of attention and
it's amazing the amount of new friends we've made as a result of
having 'Mr Sociable' Raphael in our lives. We can honestly say that
it has been such a life enriching experience.
If you want a wolfalike or Northern Inuit in your life, then look no
further than Tracey and Andy, who are without a doubt the best
breeders around and let the Honiahaka magic begin for you.
Fay Mazerolle 2020
We first met Tracey and Andy and the beautiful northern Inuit
wolfalike when we was at one of the many dog shows they attend, we were made to feel welcome by them both and everyone else in the Honiahaka family.
After having a very unsuccessful journey with another breeder
(if you can even call them that) we were very unsure about
having another wolfdog in the family as we have children and
had had a bad experience.
We followed the Honiahaka crew around for a couple of years
and was nice to hear about everyone’s successful stories and
took on board what everyone had said with advice and support.
We decided to go on the waiting list we were after a black boy if
possible so we knew the wait would be worth it.
October 2019 a litter of ‘Dreamy puddings’ was born and thankfully we were chosen for a forever family for little ‘Honiahaka nova Black Forest’ who was to be ours.
We were invited down on numerous occasions to see the pups with mum in a beautiful big area for the pups to learn and grow.
The way Tracey introduces noises and different environment
for the pups to be in meant that when we picked our pup up on
27th December he was not fazed by anything or anyone.
Chinook is now a healthy 8 month old pup and is a pleasure to
have as one of our family. He has the perfect temperament that
we could of wished for and a lap dog as well (45kg is not a lapdog but he thinks he is) We can not thank Tracey and Andy enough for all they have done for all the litters they have. When you get a pup from Tracey and Andy you get support from the whole of the Honiahaka family no question is stupid question and is quickly answered by one of the many Honiahaka crew, you are never alone. We would definitely recommend Tracey and Andy to anyone who is after a gentle giant.
Meg Cregg-Parker 2020
What's it like to own one of these dogs?
Firstly you never own this breed they own you, all of your heart
and soul and beds and sofas.
They are a breed like no other, their intelligence makes them
quick learners whether that it for training or figuring out how to
get what they want. Which means they will try and break rules
and boundaries so you need to be firm with them and keep on
top of training inside and outside the house. They are so loving
so much so they want to share your sofa and bed if you let
them, which means separation training is best started when
young to stop separation anxiety as this breed can suffer with
it as they love to be part of the family and don't want to miss
out.
They are super friendly and will continue to be, given the right
upbringing with socialisation, saying hello to everyone and
every dog. Teaching them from a young age on how to act
around young children is the best thing to do as they do grow
up very quickly in height and can become intimidating to those
tiny humans which given half the chance will end in kisses!
When out be prepared to get stopped and asked a million
questions on the breed, their looks and temperament. This
leads to lots of conversations with strangers so being
someone who doesn't mind answering them all is definitely a
plus. Despite all that attention this breed can become
destructive. Which can mean you come home to the carpet
pulled up and the underlayer ripped into tiny pieces, or
remotes being chewed so plenty of positive play and showing
what can or can't be toys. Crate training these dogs is always a
good idea even if you don't like crates. We had never used one
before but was the best thing to do to stop a lot of unwanted
behaviours.
We are lucky in that having changed my job to a
dog walker mine comes with me to work. He has taken to this
job like he has always done it. So many compliments of his
temperament and his looks which I say Thank you for but it all
started with the building blocks from Tracey and us as owners
adding to them. I have always said the dog is a reflection of
you. The time and effort you put into them really does show.
Owning a Honiahaka dog also comes with a huge family behind
it. Who are there to ask questions or advice. The meet ups are
just like seeing the extended family and getting to see your
dogs litter mates, or the new puppies to the family makes them
so enjoyable and fun for you and the dogs.
This family also
asks for help which we did when it came to fostering a puppy
who was set to live abroad. We were given the highest honour
off Tracey to mold this puppy ready for her new home.
Carrying on in Tracey's footsteps was not an easy task and
showed just how much of her time, effort and love go into each
puppy before they leave. Each one of the puppies Tracey
breeds hold a piece of her heart. You aren't just getting a pet,
you are getting a life changing soul mate who comes from a
breeder who puts in endless time, effort and love for the best
health and temperament tested dog's.
Bernice Harrison 2020
What’s it like to be owned by a Northern Inuit?
Wonderful. Hard work. Rewarding. Chaotic. Messy. Fun. These
would be just a few of the words I would use to describe living
with this breed. You need to become the alpha in your home;
these dogs need a leader, boundaries, training and a firm hand.
They are adorable, friendly, loving to the extreme, beautiful, full
of personality and the best breed there is. A sense of humour
is an absolute must.
But you need to be prepared. If you are precious about your garden, then this is not the breed for you. If you are worried about your furniture – forget it. Do you own a carpet cleaner, like a Vax? You’ll need one. What about your normal vacuum cleaner? Does it work – I mean really work? Because this fur sticks and moulting season is like no other.
My family became part of the Honiahaka pack back in 2008. I
decided I wanted my children to grow up with a dog, to know
what it’s like to love another soul and share your childhood
with your best pal.
I grew up with a German Shephard and Richard grew up with
Spaniels – so we were coming at this with different ideas. My
concern over the health of the German Shepard breed meant I
was not prepared to home one. That’s when we came across
the Northern Inuit and instantly fell in love.
We researched and spoke to different breeders and to be honest, were left wanting.
Wanting more answers to our many questions. We found Honiahaka, called them and they were the first breeders to ask us to visit them and their pack.
I think both Tracey and Andy remember our first visit as I pretty
much interviewed them! It’s funny now and we laugh about it, but we turned up with a list of questions on hand and drilled them until they had answered them all! They made us so welcome, their kitchen quickly became a favourite place with tea and cake for all.
My first boy was SnowBo Bear, he was pure white and stole my
heart the minute I held him, he was about a week old and the
smallest of his litter of 3 whites. His mum was Anya, and this was her 2nd litter. Bo had a little bit of a rough start and Tracey and Andy did everything they could for him. He stayed with them until he was 11 weeks old before coming home with us.
Bo was a special pup and he grew into a 49kg giant bear of a
dog, who thought nothing of sitting on your lap. He was such a softy and absolutely adored from day one.
But Bo was my dog and Richard wanted one with a mask, so
we promptly joined the waiting list for another in 2009 – this time it was Bo’s sister Moley’s turn to be mum. She had 9 pups and we picked out the cheeky chap and called him Indigo Blue – Indy for short. Well… Bo had been such an easy pup that we thought we’d easily cope with two…
Boy did we have a wake-up call! Indy was, quite frankly, a very
naughty boy. He hated the crate – we tried for a year and had no sleep due to his howling at night. He ate a sofa – he teethed
so bad that he took it out on our sofa and destroyed it. Both boys would steal food, Bo was a terrible thief and the list is endless of the food that dog managed to get his paws on. Indy was a barker and a howler – he suffered with terrible separation anxiety and couldn’t be apart from Bo.
One particularly memorable incident took place at a puppy training class. Indy was left tied to the dog grill in the back of the car, the kids playing nearby, while I was taking Bo through his paces. Indy was screaming as usual but as he was some distance away, there was nothing I could do. About 10 minutes in and Indy is racing across the field with the kids chasing him – he comes haring towards me and Bo with the dog grill dragging behind him as he is still attached. It was both mortifying and hilarious at the same time, and a story I
regularly tell.
Indy was such a character, full of love and fun but very determined to get his own way. He left a gaping whole in our family when we lost him in 2018.
February 2020 and we adopted Raven. Raven was nearly 7 months old when Tracey called and asked me if we would consider homing her. She was quite anxious and nervous, but my old boy Bo took her under his paw and looked after her for a little while, until he passed over the bridge at the end of March.
Raven is simply the sweetest girl. She has a wonderful nature,
soft and kind. She has grown in confidence and we have all
bonded with her. But… She is a magpie – we should have called her Magpie as she steals things. Nothing, I mean nothing is out of her reach and nothing is safe. While I write this, she has stolen Richards running cap and eaten it.
Don’t be fooled by an NI’s daft ways, they are very intelligent
and get easily bored. They need stimulus, lots of exercise and they eat a lot of food. They can be very needy, and doors are not barriers to them. Your stuff is their stuff. If Raven feels she is not getting enough attention (when she wants it_, she’ll walk off with your stuff to get it.
If you’ve read all this and think you are ready to be owned by an NI, then look no further than Tracey and Andy. They are wonderful breeders, doing all they can to support this breed, ensuring their health and wellbeing are paramount. If they let you have one of their pups, then they must think you are special too because not just anyone gets to become part of this special pack. It’s 12 years since we joined the pack and I am very grateful for the love of all my dogs and that I can call both Tracey and Andy my friends.
Jane Puncher 2020
One day you meet someone or see something that attracts
your attention, you don’t know why, but when you decide to
look further you are led onto a path that you would never have
thought about.
That is exactly what happened to us out of the blue on a sunny
day out.
This new path started over nine years ago when Dave
and I were at a country garden show, when we saw a lady with
two dogs of a breed we didn’t recognise. I have always been a
cat person and liked dogs but to own one wasn’t on any
agenda, so I was surprised with myself when I went over to ask
about the dogs who were Northern Inuit’s (NI’s). Dave had his
introduction later when he saw the husband sitting with these
two and went over to ask if he could say hello to them.
During the ‘hello’ it was explained that they were hoping that
the female was pregnant and that their male was not the father.
Later at home, I googled this breed and everything I read was
good!
After finding out more, we looked for breeders and found one
quite close to us, Tracey at Honiahaka and before we really
knew what we were doing we had arranged a date for a visit!
The day arrived to met Tracey along with her husband, Andy
and we ended up in the kitchen chatting and having a coffee.
Questions came thick and fast from all of us as Tracey
explained about the breed, both positives and negatives. After
what seemed a short time (almost four hours) we were invited
to meet the pack, little did we know this was the last part of
Tracey’s assessment of us, if the pack didn’t like us then our
chances of owning a Honiahaka pup in the future was finished.
I can only say that meeting the pack was an experience to
remember, we were led out into the large yard and Tracey just
let all of the dogs out in one go, to be faced with nine fully
grown NI’s was just fantastic! They came bowling over to see
who we were and within minutes we were making a fuss of as
many as we could reach and certainly cuddling a good few.
After this glorious meeting we were now potentially part of the
pack and our names were added to the list.
We had told Tracey
that we were hoping for a silver girl, but didn’t mind if she
thought a female of another colour was best for us. What
seemed only a few weeks later Tracey contacted us with a
photo of her holding a little baby girl who was apricot in
colouring, she said ‘Hi, I think you wanted a silver girl”. We
arranged to see her as soon as possible, but not at her home
which was puzzling. We followed her a few miles and went
inside a home only to meet the pair we had met at the show – it
was just meant to be! The female had been pregnant then and
now had three pups, one female and two males. The Dad of
these pups was Tracey’s male white NI, Bear.
We fell in love
with this apricot bundle of fur, she was beautiful who would
turn into a silver NI.
A few weeks later and this girl pup came home to a new name – Ayla and we have never looked back, especially when she did
turn into a beautiful silver girl.
We didn’t know it at the time, but
we were also joining the wonderful family of Honiahaka NI
owners.
This family meets up a couple of times a year at Tracey and
Andy’s farm for a weekend of fun and games, keeps in contact
via Facebook which includes asking for advice on any subject
to do with owning an NI dog, on top of great advice from Tracey
and Andy when things get tough! They also take a few of their
dogs to various country shows and if possible, many of us go
to help out, giving us a day out and the dogs time to have
different experiences as well as loads of fuss from visitors.
Then almost 6 years ago, we had a call from Tracey to ask us if
we wanted another pup – of course we did! We went over to
met our new pup, Chaya, who we immediately loved to bits, but
we were told he did have medical problems.
We then found out that four of nine pups were born with
problems, his problems are various, one being his left eye,
blind due to a detached retina at birth, and may eventually have
to be removed. He also has poor hips where the hip socket is
poorly formed so the leg bone can cause pain when it wobbles
around. His problems and those of the other three were caused
when two dogs, who both carry a certain gene, are mated. Poor
Tracey was devasted to have pups like these and in
collaboration with the Animal Health Trust in Suffolk who did a
long and thorough research into this. They concluded that as
long as the male and/or the female were free of this gene, then
all future pups would be unaffected. They confirmed that
Tracey’s breeding had nothing to do with this, it was just part
of the breed’s DNA but could be bred out with careful pairing.
Tracey now has all her breeding dogs and bitches tested to
confirm if this DNA is present before planning any future
pairings. This information has been shared with the
associations for NI’s in the hope that no more future breeding
will produce pups affected like this. It is a shame that this was
not looked into before by other breeders, but at least each of
these affected dogs have a loving home with carefully chosen
owners and a happy life with whatever extra care they may
need.
In short, you will not find a more honest or ethical breeder
than Tracey, she is dedicated and goes above and beyond in
the care of all her dogs and owners. She is always available for
help and advice so when you get your own NI, you know you
only have to call if you need help. The last point is that you get
the friendship of other owners as well, either on Facebook or
on the phone
Trudy Harper 2020
When we decided to get our wolfalike boy a little brother or
28/06/2020 Thersea Edwards
So today it the 8th year anniversary of me receiving my first
Northern Inuit from the UK into South Africa.
It is fitting I explain our "journey" with the Honiahaka Family.
It began many years ago with me harassing one Tracey Fowler
in FB ... on email ... and finally on a good old fashioned
telephone call ... this took 2 years people ... Tracey was
naturally skeptical to send one of her precious pups to Africa ...
and between us we didn't have a corking clue how we were
going to achieve this ..... but let me not digress ... the answer was initially a huge "NO" ... but I was determined ... I think getting Huskies in the meantime really helped our cause ... if you can handle a husky then you are worth your salt ... maybe .... I not only wanted 1 NI I wanted 3 ... 2 bitches and a stunning stud ... I really wanted to be the first (and as it transpires the only) breeder of the NI in South Africa .... I had years of "breeding" experience having been an owner of a pack of Olderhill German Sheps in South Africa (5 of them) from the original breeding pack from the UK. Slowly slowly Tracey
relented and she took charge of my 3 pups who came to South Africa. First Nana (Nana Long Legs for those that remember)
who arrived on our shores today 8 years ago ... some months later we got Freya slightly delayed as she injured her leg (I was offered another puppy but no I wanted her - funny enough her injury was placed in the hands of a South African Vet based in the UK) ... then we got Thor some months later from Angie Freeman .. my pack was complete. I only bred my girls on their 3rd season - they were not emotionally ready before that ... and we had around 5 very successful litters in South Africa. Not huge average 4 - 6 pups but very welcomed by their new owners who to date I am in touch with on a Whattsapp group ....
we lost one pup sadly due to poaching on a farm and snares and I lost contact with one owner .... we have re-homed a few during this time due to personal circumstances but all my pups are accounted for and living the life ... What can I say about Honiahaka and Tracey and Andy ... so much more but I think the biggest accolade would be taking my 20 years plus experience with dogs adding the NI to my family and emulating their deep love and attendance to the breed on many levels ...
This was a very successful paring ...
Bronwynn Bezant 2020
I cannot praise these breeders enough! But I'll try my hardest!
Lisa Marie Prior 2020
I first discovered Northern Inuits in 2006 when searching for a new dog. As a child I had a German shepherd cross that looked
like a wolf and had always been in love with wolfy looking
dogs. After moving out of my parents I had 2 German shepherds, that I sadly lost in a relationship break up. I decided I would like a different breed and began my search online. I researched a few different breeds including Northern Inuits and they were the only breed to tick all the boxes for what I was looking for in a companion.
I then began searching breeders, and contacted the ones I came across with websites, including Tracey. Out of all the breeders I spoke to, Tracey was the helpful and the most honest when it came to the breed.
We proceeded to talk around once a week on the phone (sorry for being a pest lol) and any questions I had were always answered. After a couple of months of talking I asked if I could go on her waiting list for the next litter, I was over the moon when she said yes. Xero was born to Saskia and Storm in May 2007, she was a little patchy beauty. She became my best friend and soul mate. I also made the mistake of taking her everywhere with me and as a consequence she suffered from separation anxiety when I wasn't at home.
A year after having Xero I decided one wasn't enough lol. So I asked Tracey if I could go on the list for a Moley and Squims baby.
Abberline was born in February 2009, a perfect little white girl.
Unfortunately in 2011, Abberline disappeared in suspicious
circumstances. Tracey and Andy were fantastic and when she
was found they drove me to collect her.
Sadly Xero went to the rainbow bridge in July 2018 aged 11. Again Tracey and Andy were brilliant. I said that I would like another nitwit eventually but that I wasn't ready yet. Once I was ready I went on the waiting list for an Eden and Kaos pup. Fira was born in
February 2020 and came home just as lock down began.
Tracey has been great with advice on how to socialise the puppies during lock down. I will always have a Honiahaka
puppy as they go above and beyond for their dogs and it shows. Nothing is kept secret and any health issues that arise are always discussed. I apologise for the small essay, but I
can't praise them enough.
James Gilby 2020
Me and Mandy have nothing but praise for Tracey and
Andy, and how they care for their wonderful breed.
We went to their house and were introduced to the pack, and we
were aware that they were watching our reactions to make sure
that we were going to be good owners ,and rightly so as there
are so many bad breeders out there and we are so glad that we
chose them as they obviously care so much for their dogs. We
paid the deposit and waited with baited breath for any litters to
see which would be ours. In August 2018 our little Percy, now
called Timba, was born and after a few visits we brought him
home. We are so pleased with him, handsome and with such a
loving temperament, which Tracey and Andy obviously have
instilled in the breed. We have visited them since and been to
their camp days, and been very welcomed and being a member
of their club ,there is always someone you can turn to for help
if needed. For me, the best breeders out there.
Tracey and Andy are the top breeders for us. It was worth it to
wait for almost 2 years and to travel overseas for a puppy from
them. When we pay them a visit, they were so open and honest,
showing us everything concerning their dogs and the kennel
and taking hours the time answering all our question. From
oveseas we can follow every step on the growth and the
development before and after the birth of our puppy, so
amazing. My compliment on the website, very cozy website but
also well arranged.
Jenny Watson
I first met Tracey in 2013 (I think Lily pup was 3 months). From
that day I fell in love with the Inuits. Unfortunately I am unable
to own one, but I was welcomed into the pack like another owner. Since then the 'family' had grown. More beautiful puppies have arrived. I have made some of my closest friends and absolutely adore the Honiahaka breed. They are the sweetest natured dogs you could ever meet and Tracey never ever forgets her puppies and vice versa.
Sarah Jane Reeves
We researched a lot before contacting any breeder. ...Goggled
goggled constantly . We looked at each northern Inuit breeders
page and can I just say traveling to the North Pole wouldn't of
been a problem we just wanted to find the right breeder.
After reading and talking via inbox with different breeders we
decided to ring Tracey and Andy to ask what we do next . She
explained we would be invited to meet her pack and they would
also want to ask us questions to make sure we are picking the
right breed for us. When we arrived at there house we couldn't
believe how well set out , clean and friendly everyone was !!!!!
The dogs were beautiful and really friendly. We stayed for what
seemed like ten minutes but was hour’s lol chatting about
everything to do with the northern Inuit. At this present time
there were no girlie's pregnant. Tracey obviously saw
something good in us as she put us on her waiting list . As
soon as she had a confirmed mating she emailed scan pictures
of hopes and yuri puppies which was amazing as we followed
the pregnancy every step of the way smile emoticon. As soon
as hope was in labour we all followed via Facebook it was
really exciting! !! Tracey took pictures every day with a written
update on progress etc.. THEN came the stressful day of
Tracey having to carefully select from her list who was going to
be able to have a pup, as the list is bigger than the amount of
pups. This for us was nerve wracking as we really wanted a
pup.
We then got told we were having a little girl miss lilac ♡♡♡♡♡
omg I cried for about a week with joy !!!! We were allowed to
see her as soon as hope was ok with visitors. Hope was a
brilliant mummy and Tracey a brilliant fur mummy. We saw
bellatrix every two weeks . Us choosing Tracey and her
choosing us was the best thing that's happened to us since
having our daughter 8 years ago . Bellatrix is now 6 months old
and since bringing her home we have had endless information
when ever we have needed it and have met up with all the
honiahaka family lots of times. Beware if you do choose them
as your breeder your stuck with us mad lot too lol xxxx
When doing our research into the Northern Inuit breed we
contacted other breeders with various questions. Only Tracey
responded in a polite and honest way. We decided to attend a
show to meet Tracey, Andy and their dogs. We immediately fell
in love with Kami and knew that these were the breeders for us.
We were lucky enough to visit Tracey and Andy at their home
where we met the rest of the pack which was an amazing
experience. After attending a few more shows and meeting
more of the Honiahaka family we asked to be put on the Kami
and Ochi puppy list. Ten months later our handsome boy, Shila,
was born and our lives have changed forever in many ways. We
have not only gained a new member of our family but have also
gained the support and more importantly friendship of the
extended Honiahaka family. The care and attention Tracey puts
into every puppy is second to none. Health and good
temperament are paramount and we would not go anywhere
else for a puppy in the future. Andy & Ness
gorgeous pup you get a family also a help page no matter how
silly you think the question is you’re not judged the advice is
there the pups are loved by everyone they as breeders are
wonderful always there when you want them with them it's not
pay for pup take away and get on with it they do gatherings and
shows which you will be made welcome to all and by all the
pups never forget them they even sleep with the pups to make
sure all ok and all the dogs are gorgeous.
Andy You get loads of support and a family. They put
everything in to their pups, and the dogs love them even when
they get older they never forget them. They always go mental
when they see them even if it's been for ages. Me personally I
wouldn't go to any over breeder then Tracey and Andy for a
northern Inuit as a breeder they breed for the health and
temperament not for money they are always there to help in
any way they can.
I love dogs and like to study wolves; I respect the difference.
One day in May 2012, when researching wolf-like dogs, a
random click of my mouse opened Northern Inuit Dog rather
than the Saarloos or Czecholsovakian Wolfdog and soon the
Honiahaka website’s fabulous photos filled my screen! I could
see and feel the love that was going into the breeding at Honiahaka. A call, an email, and a visit to the place I now call
the Honiahaka Hilton followed in quick succession, and quite
simply I fell in love with the breed.
LOVE is mentioned a lot in conjunction with Honiahaka. On my
first visit I hoped to find a breeder who genuinely loves her
dogs – that is my top criterion when looking to buy a pup, and
i was more than satisfied, in fact fulfilled to overflowing! The
Honiahaka dogs looked superb, well-cared for in clean
conditions and obviously ‘family’. There was a litter ready to
leave and another on the way from a different bitch. I was able
to meet mother and pups, the rest of the pack, and to have an
unrushed cuppa and detailed conversation about the breed,
and just as important - my circumstances.
At Honiahaka I could see that puppy welfare is absolutely a
priority over financial gain. The bitches are not overbred, and a
waiting list system is in operation. I was impressed by the
responsible governance of the breeding programme, and I
appreciated the thought and consideration going into
assessing the suitability of the buyer, and later into the
matching of pup to ‘forever home’ - another key phrase which
speaks volumes about the Honiahaka attitude.
There was a littler due out of Sesi (Honiahaka Snow Princess)
by Ochi (Mahlek Ochi Memorian bono fracture at Honiahaka).
Tracey put my name down in her little book but I didn’t know if
there would even be enough puppies for me to have one this
time. Luckily, Sesi produced a large litter on June 1st, at the
start of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee holiday weekend, and a
bit later I was absolutely thrilled to be offered the only charcoal
girl, Sesi’s firstborn, now named Honiahaka Haquihana Ribbon
of Moonlight. I call her Inka and I love her to pieces.
Tracey slept with those puppies – as she does - for the first 3
weeks of their lives, after which I was encouraged to visit my
pup weekly. I was so excited, I loved my regular bonding visits,
armed with some butcher’s treats for the dogs and cuddly toys
for my girl. My phone filled up with photos – and actually that
hasn’t changed in the year that’s passed since!
I treasure every day I spend with my clever alpha girl, Inka. She
bonded instantly with my senior Golden Retriever, Poppy, and
at Christmas I brought home another Honiahaka puppy for her
to play with! Yes, they are addictive! In October I had fallen for
Miss Silver, last born of the so-called Dream Team litter from
Kizzy (Honiahaka Kizzy Kon-Tikki) and Spirit (Olderhill Alpha
Winter's Sunset with Honiahaka). Honiahaka Autumn’s Dream,
is a timber girl with a full chocolate mask and she’s going to be
huge like her parents. A complete dreamer and cuddle monster,
she is called Ruska, aka Roo Roo, and she’s fitted into my life
as if she’s always belonged.
My Inuit girls, Inka and Roo, with their complementary
personalities, adore each other, and they are absolutely my
pride and joy. Both pups are perfect. It comforts me to know
that if anything bad happened to me they would go back to
Tracey, to Mummy Honiahaka, and be cared for. From Honiahaka, Tracey said, you don’t just get a puppy, you join a whole family: the Honiahaka Family, and that is exactly
what we are, FAMILY. For life.
At first I thought I would just write “I started off with one
Honiahaka Northern Inuit...now I have three...enough said.” and
that would adequately say what I think of these wonderful dogs
and the amazing people who are behind 'Team Honiahaka'.
Then I realised that in order to do them proper justice I'd
probably have to write more than I did for my university
dissertation...which I am sure wouldn't make the most
thrilling read. Instead I guess I'll settle for a short(er) essay and
hope you're still alive at the end of reading it.
We first met Tracey, Andy and Georgie on my 22nd Birthday in
2009 after arranging a visit to meet 'the pack'. We traveled over
100 miles to reach our destination; a strange oasis of green in
the heart of Essex! We brought the cake, Tracey brought out
the pack! I have never met a more beautiful breed than the
Northern Inuit and after meeting them in the fur I was smitten
and desperate for a puppy! Needless to say a 'quick visit'
turned in to over six hours of talking anything and everything
dog, whilst asking all those questions that first time Northern
Inuit owners are sure to have and in turn being interviewed (in
the best way possible) by Tracey and Andy to see if we were
right to join the Honiahaka Family. I say Family and I mean
it...when you put your name on 'the list' you don't just put your
name down for a puppy, but gain a whole new extended family
of puppy owners and friends to help you along your way! Our
first introductions were with Claire, Vince and their son Joel,
who had come to visit their beautiful puppy, Cana.
You can't help but leave with a smile on your face after
spending the afternoon with such friendly and helpful people
and a room full of gorgeous puppies. Nothing was hidden; we
were told the highs and the lows of being owned by a Northern
Inuit; warned about any health problems that might arise from
owning a large breed dog; shown the health testing certificates
for the Honiahaka Pack and explained to that no puppy leaves
without a clean bill of health. With Tracey and Andy it's not just
whether a Northern Inuit puppy is right for YOU, it's whether
you are right for the puppy. We left late that evening knowing
that we had found the right breeder, for whom these dogs
obviously aren't a business or an opportunity to make money,
but life-changing companions and a labour of love.
We skip ahead around six months now...to the point where we
were anxiously waiting to hear that Anya and Squim's puppies
were arriving. We were staying with the future in-laws...I don't
think I spoke more than 4 sentences in those six hours of
waiting. By then I had been forced to join Facebook –
something I resolutely refused to do for over five years – and
along with a couple of other expectant puppy owners, Rhonda
and Sal, I was waiting anxiously for news. Because all of Team
Honiahaka are very involved in the birthing of their litters we
had a bit of a wait, but the chatter helped to pass the time and
Georgie would come on regularly to update us with how many
puppies had been born and how Anya and the pups were
doing. There was a bit of a scare with two of the male puppies,
but thanks to the love and quick actions of Tracey and Andy,
both puppies survived and fed well!
In the beginning I had determined that I wanted a grey male
with a full mask...but as soon as Tracey posted pictures of this
little fat white puppy my heart melted. I knew he was the one
and mercilessly annoyed everyone concerned until it was
decided – Kiba was coming home with me!
We visited every couple of weeks until it was time to bring Kiba
home. Tracey always made time for us, always patiently
answered our questions (despite asking the same things over
again) and always made sure her puppies got the very best
possible start in life. Either Tracey or Andy sleeps with the
puppies and mummy until they are at least three weeks of age,
waking up every few hours to make sure the puppies are
feeding and that they are warm and cosy enough, buried deep
in hot water bottles and cuddly toys. Something that I always
noticed was that the bedding was always clean, the area where
the puppies were was always spotless and nobody was
allowed into the house without being sprayed with a spray that
kills harmful bacteria and using alcohol gel on their hands.
Only the best for Honiahaka pups!
Finally the time came to bring Kiba home! We arrived at
Honiahaka armed with a cardboard box, towels, newspaper,
toys and kitchen towel...the little fat white puppy was no longer
so very little and watching him play with his last little brother
before we left was heartwarming. It was easy to see that Tracey
was trying to put on a brave face as we bundled the tons of
puppy food, toys, bits of bedding and paperwork into the car.
She picked him up and gave him one last cuddle before
handing him over, whispering in his ear and telling him to be
good for his new mummy and daddy. There were tears as we
drove out of the gate...the sign of someone who truly loves
every single life that they bring in to this world....
At 8 weeks old Kiba was almost completely paper trained. He
slept in a crate next to our bed and we have never heard a peep
out of him. As long as he was with his humans, Kiba was happy.
Kiba is now almost two and a half. He is everything I could ever
have wanted in a dog and so much more. He is my soul mate,
the love of my life and a complete spoiled brat. It hasn't been
without its trials, getting to this stage – Kiba has separation
anxiety due to not being able to train him to be away from us as
a young pup, which means his cannot be left on his own or
with strangers. He also went through the 'teenage stage' of
Inuit Deafness, running off to see every other dog that caught
his fancy and expecting them to play with him. He is the most
loving dog you could ever hope to meet, fantastic with
children, other dogs and even my house rabbits when they
were still with us. Kiba came to our wedding in 2010 and
behaved impeccably; he is with me 24 hours a day and I
wouldn't have it any other way.
Two and a half years on and I am now owned by three
Honiahaka Northern Inuits. Each one brought up with the same
unending love and attention as Kiba. All left Honiahaka with a
big hug, whispered words and tears. Yoyo, our Koko and Bear
baby was born in June 2011, after waiting almost two years,
and in September 2011 we added little Teddy, a Moley and Spirit
baby to our small pack, despite my Husband saying we could
only have two, the Northern Inuit motto is “There's always
room for one more!” and boy was this one extra-special litter!
I suppose I have to end by saying I think we have found not
only the best breeder of Northern Inuits, and quite possibly of
dogs in general, but some wonderful friends who are always
there for us and our dogs. We love the pack walks and the
Honiahaka Camping Weekends, that closeness that there is
between Team Honiahaka and the rest of the Honiahaka Family.
I am so glad that we found you and that you continue to hold
on to your excellent breeding practices. That love and devotion
that you just don't see very often. I would never have a
Northern Inuit from anyone else...
places, but nevertheless I was getting some lunch and the
owner was talking about a breed of dog that a friend of his had
owned that was part wolf. This intrigued me so I asked him
what the breed was called and so it was then i found out the
Northern Inuit breed existed.
My next couple of hours were spent looking for pictures, which
i found on the net and then that was it, home, internet and
searching websites!! As many as i could find! Which is then
when I came across the Honiahaka website and compared with
some of the other sites i had seen it was packed full of
information and pictures.
In not so many words at this point me and my fiancée were
hooked and we hadn’t even seen a NI in real life yet. I sent
Tracey an email asking if it would be possible to come and see
her and the dogs and she was very happy to arrange a date,
which couldn’t come soon enough for me may I add. So in
January 2011 we all went to meet the Honiahaka pack.
As we got out of the car we could hear the dogs and it was
strange to think that in minutes these pictures we had looked
at would actually be real, sounds silly but trust me they get you
that way, you will see what i mean.
Tracey and Andy welcomed us into their home like we had
known them for ages and we met some of the girls inside the
house, namely Moley and Kizzy and baby Ochi, my first instinct
was how gentle they were with my kids my son at this point
was 9 but my daughter was just coming up to 3 and this was
obviously going to be a big consideration but there was no
problems at all, we talked for ages about the good and the bad
and nothing was kept in secret. We then proceeded to meet the
rest of the pack and it was truly a fantastic experience one by
one they came to have cuddles and all of the dogs were happy
to greet us with licks and big waggy tails. The area in which the
dogs were kept was spotless and in general everything was
clean and the dogs all looked in great condition so at this point
we were confident we had met the right breeder.
We have now been an honorary member of the Honiahaka pack
and been to shows , camping weekends and met many other
owners and Dogs whom I would be very happy to call new
friends and at no point were we made to feel unwelcome infact
the complete opposite and the one thing that u WILL get when
you have an NI, is an extended family and in our case even
without the dog. The support network within this group is
fantastic and as a novice owner I know that when we do
eventually get our puppy there will be no lack of help and
support from both Tracey and all of the great people associated
with her.
I am writing this from the aspect of someone who does not yet
have a puppy although we are on the list, and we are now all
bar the dog immersed in this great breed and all things that go
with it. I hope you have enjoyed reading this and believe me
when I say you will not meet a more devoted breeder than this
one.
already made up our minds that it was a NI we wanted. We had
visited another breeder and just didn't feel comfortable with
them or their dogs so decided not to get one from there despite
there being a gorgeous little boy ready to go that day ??