Canadian eskimo dog

Overall description of the breed

The Canadian Eskimo Dog has a history that goes back thousands of years, accompanying the nomadic Eskimo people as they adapted to their lifestyles and multiple migrations through the ages. An integral part of the Inuit culture, it has been the faithful companion of the Thule since man first resided in this region of the globe, which is now known as Arctic Canada. Brought back by the Mongolian people from Central Asia, more than 2000 years ago, its versatility has made it a reliable partner in this polar archipelago, home to one of the most hostile climates on the planet. A real work tool for the Eskimo population, it is used as a sled dog, a hunting dog and a guard dog. It is an animal devoted to its masters, but which keeps a strong primitive instinct. In the middle of the 20th century, there were more than 20,000 dogs in Canada, however, due to an extremely repressive government policy, the breed was on the verge of extinction in the 1960s, officially for public health reasons. In fact, the Canada Kennel Cub declared the breed extinct in 1963. This Inuit cultural emblem was saved a few years later by the determination of William Carpenter, Bill Thompson, John McGrath (founders of the Canadian Eskimo Dog Research Foundation) and Brian Ladoon. These men, passionate about this rare animal, gave it a second wind by collecting specimens in remote regions of the Arctic, rigorously preserved by the Eskimos.
Saved by this program, it will be necessary to wait until 1996 so that the UKC (United Kennel Club) in the United States considers it as a full breed. The International Cynological Federation recognized the breed on June 25, 1959, but it was not until February 28, 2018 that the official standard came into effect.

Not very widespread outside of Canada, it is a dog unknown to the general public, the major dog organizations count barely a few hundred subjects in North America, as well as a dozen in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom. A privileged partner of the inhabitants of the far north, its versatility is highly appreciated. Endowed with extraordinary endurance, it can travel nearly a hundred kilometers a day. Frequently used for the transport of goods, it can tow up to 100 kg per trip. Its size and its temerity, allow it to be also a remarkable guard. Equipped with powerful limbs, he keeps a light gait, typical of his Spitz group and Nordic sled dogs. His shoulders are strong, with a straight topline and a full trunk. His ribs are well sprung, the chest deep and ample, one notices a voluminous hindquarters, as well as a strongly developed muscular structure. Its head is broad, the muzzle is medium long, pointed, its almond-shaped eyes show a clear stop. Able to carry heavy loads from the age of eight months, it is a powerful and very agile animal, coupled with exemplary courage. Its fur is dense, thick, laid flat over the entire body surface, combined with a soft and compact undercoat, providing generous protection to combat the freezing temperatures of the Arctic Circle. Their coat color can be solid white or with red spots, solid red, silver gray, sandy, fawn and in some cases, a black topcoat.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog has a unique temperament, you will have to adapt to him, particularly intelligent and stubborn, he will do everything to follow his own laws. An experienced master will be necessary to channel his tenacious character, but he remains very affectionate with the members of his social group. As a primitive dog, life in a pack will suit him better, more fulfilled in contact with his fellow dogs, he will need to join a pack or be in regular contact with other dogs to feel good. Socialization is important for the Canadian Eskimo, he must be made aware very early to the community life, especially with animals smaller than him. Its predatory instinct being particularly pronounced, it seems preferable to familiarize it with other species quickly, so that it can cohabit without too much difficulty. Calm and peaceful most of the time, he will need to spend every day to be totally balanced, it is vital for him. Never timid or aggressive, he is a good guardian, able to sense the bad intentions of newcomers, most of the time, he is rather welcoming with strangers. Considered first of all as a working dog, he has a good constitution and will be able to adapt to a family life as long as his needs and desires are respected.

Its weight will be approximately 66 to 88 lb for the male and 40 to 66 lb for the female, its size will be approximately 23" to 27.5" for the male and 20" to 23.5" for the female.