Shiloh Nevada
Last updated: 17th November 2022
Canadian Eskimo Dog
By
Shiloh Nevada
Last updated: 17th November 2022
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a rare, aboriginal Spitz breed that developed in the Arctic region thousands of years ago mostly to draw sleds. These are large size dogs known for their intelligence and submissive demeanor. Covered by a dense coat from head to toes, these dogs have a wolf-like face with a large head, erect triangular ears, a long muzzle with a short snout and almond-shaped eyes. The shoulder, neck, chest, and legs are robust and muscular, while the tail is bushy and usually coiled upward.
Canadian Eskimo Dog Pictures
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- Black Canadian Eskimo Dog
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- Canadian Eskimo Dog Images
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- Canadian Eskimo Dog Pictures
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- Canadian Eskimo Dog Puppies
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- Canadian Eskimo Dog Puppy
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- Canadian Eskimo Dog
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- Canadian Eskimo Dogs
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- Canadian Husky
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- Canadian Inuit Dog
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- Qimmiq Dog
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- The Canadian Eskimo Dog
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- White Canadian Eskimo Dog
Quick Description
| Other Names | Qimmiq, Kingmik, Canadian Inuit Dog, Canadian Husky, Exquimaux Husky, Exquimaux Dog |
| Coat | Long, dense, double, thick |
| Colors | Black, Black & White, Grey, Liver, Red, White |
| Type | Sled Dog, Working Dog, Spitz |
| Group (of Breed) | Purebred |
| Lifespan | 12-13 years |
| Weight | 40-88 pounds (full grown male/female) |
| Height (Size) | Large; 20-28 inches |
| Personality Traits | Affectionate, loyal, submissive, brave, intelligent |
| Good with Children | Yes (if brought up together) |
| Good with Pets | No |
| Good for New/First-time Owners | No |
| Litter Size | 3-8 puppies at a time |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Country of Origin | Canada |
| Competitive Registration/ Qualification Information | UKC, ANKC, CKC, KC (UK), NZKC Canadian Kennel Club |
Other Similar Breeds
History & Development
The Canadian Eskimo Dog originated more than 4,000 years ago to the Eskimo (Inuit) people that lived in the Arctic region. However, in those days, the breed was never considered as a pet, but used in hunting and pulling sleds. This ancient dog was entirely carnivorous, fed with a diet of fish, seal, walrus, and caribou. The puppies would be attached to the sleds as soon as they learn to walk, along with constant beating which would train them to do their work.
Explorers like Peary and Amundson used this dog extensively during their journeys to both the North Pole and the South Pole. Later, during the 19th and the 20th centuries, their population began to decline at an alarming rate, so much so, that its name was removed from the registries of AKC and UKC.
In 1970, animal rights activists and conservationist, Brian Ladoon started the Eskimo Dog Research Fund to raise their numbers. At present, they are found mostly in Minnesota.
The breed, however, is gradually coming back in Greenland and adjacent areas because of the renewed interest of the Inuit people in their cultural heritage. Finally, on January 1, 1996, the dog was again recognized by the United Kennel Club.
It is presently used by sled dog teams for entertaining tourists as well as for hunting polar bears.
Temperament and Behavior
Canadian Eskimo Dogs are incredibly dedicated and submissive to their close ones. They are, however, shaky and dominant, when it comes to other dogs. They are hard-working and is best suited to work environments rather than in families.
These are pack-oriented dogs with a prey drive, an instinct that they inherited from their hunting ancestors. Hence, it is better not to adopt one, if you have smaller pets at home. Canadian Eskimo Dogs cannot adapt itself well to the temperate climates.
Care
Exercise
You should take them out for jogging for at least an hour, on a regular basis, since a mere daily walk is not enough for the large and energetic Canadian Eskimo Dog. They need lots of activities and vigorous exercise like running and playing, or even some hard work, if you can engage them. It is recommended that you have a large enclosed space where your dog can run around and play at any time.
Grooming
Their thick coat needs to be brushed regularly, at least thrice a week to keep them free from tangles. Do not trim the hair frequently unless they are too long.
Health Problems
In general, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is a healthy breed since they adapt well to the harsh living conditions of the arctic regions. However, as their number has come down to a large degree, they have less been studied. But, no breed-specific conditions have yet been reported about this dog.
Training
They are very trainable and submissive. Since they are highly intelligent, they need to be taught under the supervision of an authoritative figure, who can be firm and consistent.
Because of their long association with humans, they do not have any behavioral problems as such, except for being vocal at times. Regular socialization from their puppy days can check their barking tendencies. This breed does best in an adult household, so if you have kids at home, you should also expose your pup to them to develop a natural pet-human bonding right from a tender age.
Diet/Feeding
Canadian Eskimo Dogs would need about 3-4 cups of dry dog food daily.
Interesting Facts
- Nunavut, the Canadian territory, adopted this breed as its symbol on the 1st of May, 2000.
