There’s always been a certain fascination surrounding “snow dogs,” breeds such as the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. There are additional hidden gems to be found mushing in the North, and among those is the Canadian Eskimo Dog (CED), also referred to as the Canadian Inuit Dog. This breed, as its namesake clearly states, finds its roots in the Arctic region of Canada. It was originally used by the Inuit people and bred to do a variety of things that it still does to this day, including hunting, pulling sleds, and serving as a faithful companion.
“The Canadian Eskimo Dog dates as far back as 3,000 to 4,000 years ago to the Inuit people. The Thule people brought them when they came to this land,” according to Carrie Smith of the Canadian Eskimo Dog National Club of Canada.
“They are indigenous to Canada’s far northern regions and suited perfectly to the harsh weather with their thick coats, small ears, and tenacious spirit. They were invaluable to the people of the North as they used them for hunting seals, polar bears, and other Arctic game, hauling heavy loads of supplies and people on sledges, as well as guards for their villages,” Smith explains. “As one of North America’s oldest indigenous breeds, there is a reason why these dogs are so commonly referred to as ‘Canada’s Living Legends.’”
For prospective owners looking to add this unique breed to their household, here’s a look into five things to know about both ownership and the rich history behind the dog that is also sometimes referred to as a Qimmiq, or simply, an Inuit Dog.
Preservation breeders are important to a number of rare breeds that fly under the radar of the average pet owner, and they’re precisely the reason the Canadian Eskimo Dog exists today. In addition, many people outside of highly involved dog fanciers are not aware of obscure breeds like the Canadian Eskimo Dog due to a number of factors, such as the introduction of the snowmobile that replaced sled dogs. This caused the breed to see a steep decline in the 1960s and ‘70s, and disease within the breed has also been a factor.
There have been multiple efforts to breed larger numbers of quality dogs, particularly in the places where there is a high concentration of Inuit people, who are among the most dedicated. Smith explains, “With help from the Canadian Government and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), they (Inuit) purchased around 200 dogs from the high Arctic and tried to bring them back from dangerously low numbers. To date, there are around 350 registered Canadian Eskimo Dogs worldwide and they are in danger of extinction once again. We strive to not only ensure the CED survives but thrives as well.”
Despite their wolf-like appearance, the breed actually has zero recent wolf ancestry, much to the surprise of most. Such is actually the case for many breeds that have a wolf resemblance. The breed’s overall tendencies were what caused some to believe they may be strongly related to wolves.
They were “once assumed to be a tamed wolf or wolf/dog hybrid by explorers, including Charles Darwin, because of their similarities in appearance and vocalization, but DNA testing has shown that the CED has no recent wolf ancestry,” Smith clarifies. “After the government cull of the CED in the 1960s/1970s, the Canadian Eskimo Dog Research Foundation was founded by William Carpenter and John McGrath.”
While this is not a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever by any means when it comes to fitting the stereotype of “perfect family pet,” the Canadian Eskimo Dog can serve as a great companion for families with the right type of household. A stern attitude is sometimes needed, and be prepared for some “singing” of sorts. “Once you live with a CED you understand why we are their guardians. No one can actually own one. It is preferable that someone getting a CED have some experience with Nordic breeds or working dogs,” Smith cautions.
Training also requires a certain type of approach. “They can be trained to perform various tasks, but are more cat-like in their regard to commands… They are free-willed and high-spirited, while at the same time loyal and loving to their people. They can do very well in a family setting as long as they know who is in charge,” Smith details.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is not a large breed by any means, but is not a small dog by any measure either. Ideally, they are a medium-sized canine. Dogs that are in proper working condition range from 23 to 27.5 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 66 and 88 pounds for males. Females stand between 19.5 to 23.5 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 40 and 66 pounds. Owners should be prepared to brush this double-coated breed weekly, with special care needed when they blow their coat. Brushing regularly in “shedding season” with the use of a coat rake to remove the dead coat and prevent matting is essential.
Their coat can come in a variety of colors and markings, which makes each litter an exciting mixed bag for those who breed. The Canadian Eskimo Dog can be Black, Buff, Cinnamon, Red, Sable, Silver Gray, or White. Markings include Black markings, Red markings, Gray markings, Buff markings, and Parti-Color.
Families and owners looking to use the dog for its traditional purpose, whether out of practicality or sport, can very much do so, as the breed still holds strong for what it was originally bred for. “They are unique animals that can pull a sled like no other,” Smith says. “They will go forever… They might not be the first team at the finish line, but for sure they will make it there.”
This also means that people who own the breed must take training and mental stimulation very seriously, as CEDs always need a job. This is not the best breed for people who are frequently stuck in an office, or who live in an apartment or similar type of dwelling.
As most sled dogs are known for “talking,” this is also the case for the Canadian Eskimo Dog. “They are a very vocal breed and love to sing the song of their people. To some, it’s the most beautiful sound,” declares Smith. “To others, not so much.”
