Old inuit dog

Overall description of the breed

The Old Inuit Dog, an obscure yet incredibly ancient breed, boasts a history spanning over 4000 years. It stood as the loyal companion to the ancestors of today's Inuit people, accompanying their migrations from the Bering Strait to Siberia and continuing on to Greenland.

Endowed with exceptional physical abilities, the Old Inuit Dog primarily served as a sled dog, playing a vital role in transporting various equipment and prey hunted by the Inuit for their sustenance. It serves as an ancestor to numerous contemporary breeds such as the Siberian Husky, the Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Alaskan Malamute, and the Greenland Dog. Thanks to its formidable sense of smell, the Inuit Dog was also employed for diverse tasks including detecting seal breathing holes, tracking injured animals, locating dens, and safeguarding Inuit camps.

However, the advent of the snowmobile in the latter half of the 20th century led to a drastic decline in its population, as inhabitants of northern regions gradually relied less on its abilities as a runner and hunter. Unfortunately, the Old Inuit Dog has not received recognition from the International Canine Federation.

This exceptional dog falls within the category of giant breeds, highly regarded for its imposing physical prowess and remarkable strength. It is a formidable hunter, endowed with a morphology tailored for endurance. Slightly longer than tall, its body has a rectangular silhouette supported by a thick and robust skeletal structure, contributing to its durability. Despite its imposing stature, its gait remains elegant and agile, displaying a graceful, elongated posture.

Its proportions encompass a broad chest and deep chest, well-arched ribs, and a significantly muscular back. The deep head, tapered muzzle, subtle stop, and small V-shaped ears standing erect atop the skull form a harmonious ensemble. Its tail is set high, of appropriate length, and generously adorned with fur.

The coat of the Old Inuit Dog varies in length (short or medium) based on individuals and seasons. Abundantly thick, it covers its entire body. Predominant colors include black, white, gray, red, chocolate, pinto, and various shades of blue and isabella. Notably, the merle pattern is not accepted.

As a primitive dog, the Old Inuit Dog possesses a strong pack instinct and developed sociability with its peers. Regular interaction with humans and other dogs is essential. While it may be cautious around strangers, it builds trust after an adjustment period and prefers avoidance over direct confrontation. Due to its primitive nature, it is not recommended for novice owners. Its strong hunting instinct necessitates firm guidance from a young age and early socialization with smaller animals.

Once trust is established, the Old Inuit Dog reveals itself as a tender and gentle companion to humans, excelling as a family dog. Sustained physical activity is vital for its balance, and it thrives best in outdoor environments rather than urban settings. Intelligent and loyal, the Inuit Dog is a distinctive creature, endearing and brimming with vitality, evoking admiration, respect, and affection from those around it.

Male Old Inuit Dogs generally weigh between 45 and 80 kg (99 to 176 lbs), while females weigh between 35 and 60 kg (77 to 132 lbs). The height at the withers is a minimum of 68 cm (26.5") for males and 65 cm (25.5") for females.