CANADIAN ESKIMO DOG
Recognized as the oldest Canadian Dog breed, and the last aboriginal dog of the Americas, the Canadian Eskimo Dog has verged on extinction for almost four decades. In the early 20th century, it was estimated that over 20,000 Eskimo Dogs worked alongside their Inuit counterparts across the Arctic…..fast forward to 2008 and an estimate of only 300 purebred dogs remained on the CKC registry.
Canadian Eskimo Dog stamp from 1988
The Canadian Eskimo Dogs are also commonly referred to as Canadian Inuit Dogs or Qimmiq. They are a powerfully build, moderately-sized dog with a thick chest. Eskimo Dogs are not built for speed, but for hauling heavy loads over long distances. They are heavily furred with a extensive double coat and an impressive mane-like “ruff” extending over the neck and shoulders. No one colour or colour pattern dominates the breed and many colours are common including: solid white, solid black, tri-colour (with primarily black or brown bodies) white with coloured head marks or masks; sable, grey, black, red or tan with white underside and face markings, white or buff with coloured backs and any combination of said. The males in the breed range from 60-90lb and the females from 40-60lb. There is a noticeable difference between the genders with the females being not only noticeably smaller, but also lighter in bone, finer in feature and generally lighter in coat than the males.
Canadian Eskimo Dog coin from 1997
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is extremely engaging in character, exuding a confident, friendly, intelligent though somewhat silly nature. The breed is very pack oriented and among its own kind will establish a strong hierarchy. They are easily trained with a firm hand, and make excellent companions for those with a very active lifestyles. Their exploits as sled dogs are well documented through history, and the breed mindset still reflects the of a tough, arctic sled dog. The breed is not suitable for permissive owners or static lifestyles. An Eskimo Dog is most content in a working environment or in a home where he will receive firm training and can have a consistent outlet for his boundless curiosity and energy.