Canadian Eskimo Dog

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Canadian Eskimo Dog (also called Canadian Inuit Dog, Qimmiq) is the oldest and rarest remaining pure breeds of the North America. This large dog has its origin that dates back to about 4000 years. It is considered to be the descendent of Greenland dog. This is a multipurpose dog that was, and to some extent still is, used as hunter and sled dog in the Canadian Arctic by Inuit people. The dog is used to hunt seals in the arctic region and it can detect presence of a seal from a long distance. It was also used to hunt bears as well as for a mode of transportation for Arctic people. It is a large dog that is more a working dog than a family and household pet. It stands between 23-28 inches and weighs between 66-88 lbs with female dogs shorter and lighter.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a powerfully built, moderately sized dog with a thick neck and chest and medium length legs. Typical of the Spitz family of dogs he has a wedge-shaped head held high with thick erect ears. The eyes are obliquely set giving a serious appearance. The dog has a bushy tail carried up or curled over the back. Of almost equal height at the hips as at the withers, medium to large boned and well muscled the dog displays a majestic and powerful physique giving the impression that he is not built for speed but rather for hard work. During the winter the body is thickly clothed with an outer coat of straight or erect hair; below is dense underfur which enables the animal to easily withstand the rigour of high latitudes. A mane-like growth of longer hair over the neck and shoulder will appear on male specimens. The whole conformation of the Canadian Eskimo Dog should be one of strength, power and endurance balanced with agility, alertness and boldness. The female of the breed will usually have a shorter coat than the male and will always be significantly smaller than the male. Both males and females of the breed are known to have a rapid growth rate reaching working size around seven months. However, the maturing process extends to at least three years of age giving them a very majestic appearance. Puppies have often been described as miniature adults, with erect ears and a curly tail at the young ages between three to five weeks.

This dog is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by ANKC, CKC, KC (UK) and UKC.

Color

The Canadian Eskimo Dog displays several colors and patterns. Some colors and combinations are an all white with pigmentation around eyes, nose and lips; all white with smallest amount of red, buff, grey or black around the eyes; White with red, buff, grey or black around ears and eyes or the entire head with small markings on flanks; black and white, red and white, grey and white, buff and white distributed equally on the entire body; red or black or grey or buff body with white on chest and/or legs and underside of body, sometimes extending towards neck in a collar-like fashion; Silver grey or greyish white body; buff to brown undercoat with black guard hair.

Coat

The dog has thick and harsh outer coat with straight hair that can be 3-6 inches long. The undercoat is very dense and provides excellent protection from arctic weather extremes.

Personality

This temperament of Canadian Eskimo Dog reflects the tough, hard working breed that he is. The dog is bred and used as a working dog and is not meant to become a family pet. The dog is affectionate and gentle with average individual. He likes attention and is not wary or standoffish of strangers. In fact, the dog may befriend or become completely distant. It is a dominant breed that needs a firm and confident owner. The dog is very pack oriented and if raised as a group, dominant and subordinate roles will be acted out under the leadership of a totally dominant or boss dog. This dog is not suitable for families with children.

Care

The coat is easy to take care of most time of the year and will need brushing once or twice a week. During shedding season, daily brushing is required. The dog should be kept in a cold place as it is prone to heat stroke.

Training

Training is not very difficult as the dog is responsive, intelligent and submissive to his master.

Activity

Long daily walks will not satisfy this breeds high activity needs. The dog needs high intensity work and will need lots of exercise; sometimes more than an average owner can provide. Due to very high energy levels, the dog is suitable for dog sports such as carting, mushing and skijoring.