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The Canadian Eskimo Dog is typical of the large spitz-type with their thick, plush coat, pricked ears, and tail that curls over the back. This is a striking and powerful dog built to work hard in harsh, icy conditions. Canadian Eskimo Dogs come in a variety of colours.
The Canadian Eskimo dog is generally a robust dog but can be prone to:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
A specialist working breed rather than average every day companion, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is bred to pull weights of up to 80kg, over 70 miles per day in harsh Arctic conditions. They like life gregarious, in a gang of people and dogs, and they like things cold! The average pet dog owner will struggle to provide a life style the Canadian Eskimo dog will thrive in. Attempts to do so without being willing to lead a very different lifestyle will result in a destructive, loud and unhappy dog. In a group, with plenty of exercise however, the Canadian Eskimo is affectionate, playful and curious.
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
| Easy to train: | 5/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 5/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 5/5 |
Developed by the Inuit hunters of Canada and known as the Qimmiq or Kingmik by them, the Canadian Eskimo Dog worked with hunters to pull sleds, find seal breathing holes and hold at bay predators such as polar bears.
Just as heavy horse numbers fell due to the advent of the traction engine, Eskimo dog numbers fell, from around 20,000 in the 1920s to perhaps 200 some 50 years later, as a result of the introduction of the Siberian Husky which was smaller and faster, and also due to the development of the snowmobile. With no need to use dogs for true sled work, and a preference for the faster Siberians for racing, numbers plummeted.
Dedicated breeders set out to save the breed and as a result, the Canadian Kennel Club came together with the Canadian Eskimo Dog Association and Inuit Sled Dog International to protect and promote the breed. They remain a rare breed outside of Canada and the US even today.
Great for those who live rurally with a large secure garden, are experienced with Spitz type breeds and their clever, independent minds and excellent problem solving abilities. You’ll also need to enjoy grooming and bathing your dog to keep them looking great, as well as long walks and plenty of training and games. A fun breed for the active family with an interest in northern breeds and their related activities.
Two hours a day of dog exercise is the bare minimum this breed requires, and you cannot rely on physical exercise to tire this breed out. The Canadian Eskimo dog will also need training, problem solving and dog games and is best suited to someone who enjoys northern breed dog sports such as Cani-x, Bikejoring, sledding or similar. In warm weather you’ll need to provide plenty of cool space and be willing to exercise very early, and very late to avoid heat.
Whilst the Canadian Eskimo Dog doesn’t require a huge home, they will thrive with companionship of… more Canadian Eskimo dogs, and multiple dogs do require space. This is a heavy shedding breed that does not like heat, whether from the sun or from your central heating. Owners should be prepared to have the heating off most of the year, doors open year-round and be able to provide a large and extremely well fenced garden, with access to a variety of walking routes and suitable sporting clubs to take part in sledding or running activities. Not suitable for city or busy, urban living.
Large breed dogs, such as the Canadian Eskimo, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide.
The warm, weatherproof coat of the Canadian Eskimo comprises a thick undercoat and a top coat that is 8-15cm long. Male dogs have thicker, longer hair (a mane) around the neck and shoulders. The coat needs brushing about twice a week, but daily brushing will be needed when the coat sheds heavily. You can find out more about dog grooming and daily care with our article.
When it comes to dog training, these dogs are independent thinkers with quick, agile minds and powerful bodies, which makes the Canadian Eskimo capable of learning. But as much work must be put into ensuring they don’t learn the wrong things, as is put into ensuring they do learn the right things. This is a breed with a tendency to run, and keep on running, in a straight line until stopped physically. Whilst a recall should be trained, and they should be well socialised with people and livestock from an early age, it would be unwise to rely on an off-lead recall with this breed. They may never be safe around cats or other small animals.
With sufficient exercise and training, the Canadian Eskimo dog can live with children and if raised with them, other dogs. However, the amount of hair shedding, and the time needed to train and exercise these dogs will most likely rule out homes with very small children, or lots of other time-consuming commitments. This is not a breed to be left home alone, even with access to day care and dog walkers, they are gregarious to a fault and need company. A lonely or bored Eskimo Dog can destroy a three-piece suit in the time it takes you to deliver children to school!
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
