Origin
The Canadian Eskimo Dog (Canis lupus familiaris), also known as Inuit or Qimmiq in the Inuit language (meaning ‘dog’), was first bred by the early Inuit tribe who lives in the three Arctic regions of Canada, Alaska and Greenland. The Canadian Eskimo Dogs are known to have been living in the Arctic for over 4,000 years.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog, as research has shown, is related to the Greenland Dog (with slight differences in their genetic makeup.
It was used as sled dog and for hunting oxen, bears and other big animals, thus becoming essential for the Inuit way of life and survival.
Strong and very courageous, these dogs, as noted by explorers, were capable of tracking seal holes from a great distance.
It has also been even used to keep polar bears away or to hunt them down. Interestingly, frozen dog urine was used by Inuit as a medicine.
Their thick fur was highly prized compared to the wolves’ because of its durability and long-lasting quality.
In the 1970s, with snowmobiles becoming more and more popular; and the use of other dog breeds (Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute), the Canadian Eskimo Dog started to lose its fame and in just a few years was at risk of extinction (up to now).
However, with the help of many Canadian and English dog fanciers, the Canadian Eskimo Dog’s population is rising and it is now enjoying popularity in Great Britain and other Northern countries.
Traits and Behavior
Though the Canadian Eskimo Dog looks a bit intimidating, they are among those dogs that are very gentle. They are very loving as well as reliable and they are also gentle with the children. However, these dogs are also recognized for their bravery and their outstanding guarding skills. They are determined, willful and controlled thus, they won’t surrender easily.
In addition, the Canadian Eskimo Dogs are people-loving dog, which means that they always seek human attention as well as love every single moment that they can. Because of this, they should be given lots of attention and care for them to be happy.
Also, several bulldogs may get a little dominating, so they require a master who can display solid leadership and those who knows the behavior of an alpha canine.
Canadian Eskimo Dogs can be good to people as well as reliable if they understand their role when living with humans.They can be also nice to the other pets of the family but a number of them can be aggressive to new dogs when they can’t go along with their pack.
The young bulldogs are filled with energy though they tend to be slower when they are already old. They will snore so much noisily and most of them tend to salivate and eat messily.
Those Canadian Eskimo Dogs who show guarding manners like watching over the toys, foods, furniture as well as the other parts of the house and those that are hostile don’t have masters that demonstrate as the leader of the pack.
This dog’s behavior simply occurs if they are being permitted to take control.
However, this can also be fixed if their owners will begin to show appropriate guidance and leadership. Proper control is needed to keep them satisfied and happy as well as to keep them from feeling that they are just followers.
Pet Care and Diseases
The Canadian Eskimo Dog can thrive even in apartment life although they are not indoor dogs. To stay active, strong and healthy, they should be provided with enough physical exercises as well as mental stimulation.
Additionally, they should have an everyday walk to fulfil their primitive canine nature to migrate. They tend to acquire behavior problems if this need is deprived.
When having a walk, they must be behind or beside the person who holds the leash to remind them that the leader will be the one who will direct the path.
They should also enter as well as exit the doors next to humans.
They won’t be fine in a very humid climate because they can have cooling-off problems in extremely hot weather brought about by their thick coat. They are likely to have heatstroke during hot weather and in hot cars or rooms.
They can have cherry eyes and poor eyesight as well. Also, they are disposed to have cell tumors, knee and hip issues and skin infections. Some can live a lot longer but the others may have shorter lives. They can live a long fruitful life but that will depend on your care.
Appearance
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is moderately sized, powerfully built, athletic and strong appearance. Males should be distinctly more masculine than their female counterparts. This breed has a height that ranges from 23-27½ inches at the withers. The weight of males in great condition will generally range from 66-88 pounds.
The head appears wolf-like, but more elevated in the forehead in contrast to the wolf. The eyes are small, widely spaced and obliquely placed, giving the dog a rather wild appearance. They are generally dark colored, but hazel or yellow eyes do appear. It has erect ears with a thick neck and chest, and medium length legs.
The dog has a bushy tail carried up or curled over the back. The coat is thick and dense, with a harsh, stiff outer coat that varies in length from 3 to 6 inches. Males grow a mane over the neck and shoulders which makes them appear taller than they are. Females usually have a shorter coat overall. The color of the coat can be white, brown and white, gray, gray and white, red and white or black and white.
General Information
The estimated life of a Canadian Eskimo Dog is 12-13 years. The maximum litter size is about 3-8 puppies. This breed is also known as the Qimmiq, Canadian Inuit Dog, Esquimaux Dog and Exquimaux Husky.
Breed Club
Visit this dog club website dedicated to Canadian Eskimo Dogs. Click this link: http://www.canadianeskimodogclub.com/