Canadian Eskimo Dog
Originating from Canada, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is a medium to large breed. The Canadian Eskimo Dog comes from Canada, typically weighs Males, and has a thick and dense, soft undercoat, stiff guard hairs, mane of thicker fur around the neck coat. Individual Canadian Eskimo Dogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Canada
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- thick and dense, soft undercoat, stiff guard hairs, mane of thicker fur around the neck
- Colour
- any colour, with or without special markings
About the Canadian Eskimo Dog
Originating from Canada, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is a medium to large breed. Males typically weigh 70-90 pounds and stand 23-28 inches tall.
Overview
The Canadian Eskimo Dog or Canadian Inuit Dog is a breed of working dog from the Arctic . Other names include qimmiq or qimmit ( Inuit language word for "dog"). The Greenland Dog is considered the same breed as the Canadian Eskimo Dog since they have not yet diverged enough genetically to be considered separate breeds, despite their geographic isolation. The breed is threatened with extinction , with a 2008 estimate of only 300 purebred dogs. Although once used as the preferred method of transportation by Inuit in the Canadian Arctic , by the 1960s traditional working dog teams became increasingly rare in the North. Contributing factors to the breed''s decline include the increasing popularity of snowmobiles for transportation and the spread of infectious canine diseases. Controversy surrounds the intentional killings of a debated number of Inuit sled dogs between 1950 and 1970 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police , as well as recent efforts to increase the breed''s population.
History
The first dogs arrived in the Americas 12,000 years ago, with the first humans who crossed over the Bering Strait . However, people and their dogs did not settle in the Arctic until the arrival of two groups from Siberia, the Paleo-Eskimo in c. 2400 BC and then the Thule people c. AD 1000 . The Inuit dogs from Canada (Canadian Eskimo Dog) and Greenland ( Greenland Dog ) descended from dogs associated with the Thule people, who relied on them for transportation from Siberia. In 2015, a study using a number of genetic markers indicated that these were both the same dog and should not be treated as separate breeds, that they maintain an indigenous heritage that predates colonization and the timing of which corresponds with the arrival of the Thule people, and that they were distinct from Siberian Huskies, Alaskan huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. The maternal mitochondrial DNA sequences of the Inuit dogs were classified as haplotype A31 that indicates a common female ancestor. This haplotype could not be found in other modern dogs; the nearest match was with the 1,000 year–old remains of a dog from Florida. A 2018 study found that all indigenous dogs originally brought by the first wave of human migration into the Americas are now extinct. The group includes the dogs brought by Paleo-Eskimos 4,500 years ago. The Canadian Eskimo dogs, brought in a later wave by the Thule people, belong to the neighbouring group of Arctic dogs. [ dubious – discuss ] A 2019 study confirms that these later Arctic dogs were dispersed by the Inuit across North America 2000 years ago, replacing the first wave of pre-Columbian dogs where they went. The Inuit never considered the dog as part of the animal kingdom ( uumajuit ), but merely as a tool for human existence. It was, and still is (to a very limited extent), used by the Canadian Inuit as multi-purpose dogs, often put to work hunting seals and other Arctic game, and hauling supplies and people. Explorers noted that the dogs were capable of tracking a seal hole from a great distance, and were occasionally used to hunt polar bears . The dogs were reported to be so enthusiastic in hunting bears that, sometimes, their handlers shouted " nanuq " ( Inuktitut name for the bear) to encourage them when pulling sledges . The dogs however would not pursue wolves , and would howl fearfully at their approach. Frozen dog urine was used by Inuit as a medicine, and their fur was more prized than that of wolves, due to its greater resistance to wear. In times of famine , the dogs would be used as an emergency food source . Though once assumed to be a tamed wolf or wolf-dog hybrid by explorers, including Charles Darwin due to similarities in appearance and vocalisations, genetic testing has shown that the Eskimo dog has no recent wolf ancestry. The breed is currently threatened with extinction. In the 19th century and early 20th century, this bre
Appearance
The Canadian Eskimo Dog should always be powerfully built, athletic, and imposing in appearance. It should be of "powerful physique giving the impression that he is not built for speed but rather for hard work." As is typical of spitz breeds, it has erect, triangular ears, and a heavily feathered tail that is carried over its back. Males should be distinctly more masculine than females, who are finer boned, smaller, and often have a slightly shorter coat. Its superficial similarity to wolves was often noted by explorers during the Coppermine Expedition of 1819–1822 . They noted that the ears of the Eskimo dogs they encountered were similar to those of American wolves, and their forelegs lacked the black mark above the wrist characteristic of European wolves. The most sure way to distinguish the two species was said to be through the length and posture of the tail, which was shorter and more curved in the dog. The coat is very thick and dense, with a soft undercoat and stiff, coarse guard hairs. The Eskimo Dog has a mane of thick fur around its neck, which is quite impressive in the males and adds an illusion of additional size. This mane is smaller in females. Eskimo Dogs can be almost any colour, and no one colour or colour pattern should dominate. Solid white dogs are often seen, as well as white dogs with patches of another colour on the head or both body and head. Solid silver or black coloured dogs are common as well. Many of the solid coloured dogs have white mask-like markings on the face, sometimes with spots over the eyes. Others might have white socks and nose stripes with no eye spots or mask. The size of Canadian Eskimo dogs depends on their sex. Males weigh 30–40 kg (66–88 lb) and stand 58–70 cm (23–28 in) at the shoulder. Females weigh 18–30 kg (40–66 lb) and stand 50–60 cm (20–24 in) .
Temperament
The Canadian Eskimo Dog''s temperament reflects its original work and environment. It is loyal, tough, brave, intelligent, and alert. It is affectionate and gentle, and develops a deep bond with its owner and is intensely loyal. When used as sled dogs, they were often required to forage and hunt for their own food. Consequently, many Canadian Eskimo Dogs have stronger prey drive than some other breeds. Owing to their original environment, they take pure delight in cold weather, often preferring to sleep outside in winter. Like most spitz breeds they can be very vocal.
Care and training
Historically, Inuit would put their dogs to the harness as soon as they could walk, and would acquire the habit of pulling sledges in their attempts to break free. At the age of two months, the pups would be placed with adult dogs. Sometimes, ten pups would be put under the lead of an older animal, coupled with frequent beatings from their masters, which would educate the pups.
RCMP dog killings
Between 1950 and 1970, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police slaughtered Inuit sled dogs . Estimates of the number of dogs killed range from 1,200 to 20,000. In some communities, elders have alleged that this destruction was conducted in order to intimidate the Inuit and to intentionally disrupt their way of life. In response to these allegations, in 2005 the RCMP conducted an internal investigation on the killings. Its report concluded that dogs were indeed killed, but for public health purposes – to remove sick, dangerous, and suffering animals . However, the report also acknowledged that the RCMP rarely followed ordinances that required dogs to first be captured and owners to be notified before killings, that owners had no recourse against unreasonable killings, and that the justification for killings were not always explained to the Inuit. The report denies that any dogs were killed as part of a plot against the Inuit. The Qikiqtani Inuit Association denounced the report as "biased, flawed and incomplete." The association later commissioned its own report, which criticized the RCMP''s killing of dogs heavily while still finding no deliberate conspiracy against the Inuit. In August of 2019, Canadian Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett made a wide-ranging apology to the Inuit of Baffin Island , including for the slaughter and forced decline of Inuit dogs. This was the third of a series of apologies made for the historic abuse, mistreatment, and forced relocation of the Inuit, and came with a CA$ 20 million donation to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, of which $700,000 will go towards the annual Nunavut Quest dog sled race for 7 years.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Canadian Eskimo Dog?
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a medium to large-sized breed with a muscular build, thick double coat, and a wedge-shaped head. They have a broad chest, well-sprung ribs, and a curved tail. Their coat colors include white, black, and various shades of gray. Males typically weigh 70-90 pounds and stand 23-26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Is the Canadian Eskimo Dog a good family dog?
Canadian Eskimo Dogs are generally good with children if socialized properly. However, they are a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They can be protective of their family and territory, making them suitable for families with experience in dog ownership. Early training and socialization are essential for a harmonious household.
What health problems do Canadian Eskimo Dogs have?
Canadian Eskimo Dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, and hypothyroidism. They are also at risk for certain genetic disorders due to their limited gene pool. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on. Responsible breeding practices are crucial to minimize the risk of inherited health problems.
How much does a Canadian Eskimo Dog puppy cost?
The cost of a Canadian Eskimo Dog puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy can cost between $800 to $2,000. However, prices may be higher for puppies from reputable breeders or those with specific bloodlines. It's essential to research and find a reputable breeder to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy.
Where do Canadian Eskimo Dogs come from?
The Canadian Eskimo Dog comes from Canada. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Canadian Eskimo Dog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.