Eskimo Dogs from Canada
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is one of just five breeds unique to Canada, and it is renowned for its strength, stamina, and ability to survive harsh weather. Despite being on the verge of extinction, this unique Arctic breed survives due to conservation efforts to save its populations.
Important Facts About the Dog.
- Weight range: 40–105 lbs.
- Height range: from 20 to 28 inches.
- The expected lifespan: is 10 – 15 years.
- Asian and Oceanian breeds are included in this category.
Personality
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a specialised working breed rather than a typical everyday companion. It is bred to pull loads of up to 80kg over long distances of over 70 miles per day in difficult Arctic conditions.
They prefer to live in a friendly group of people and dogs, and they prefer things to be cold! The normal pet dog owner will have difficulty providing a lifestyle that will allow the Canadian Eskimo dog to thrive.
A disruptive, loud, and unhappy dog will result if you attempt to do so without being willing to lead a significantly different lifestyle. In a group with enough activity, the Canadian Eskimo, on the other hand, is friendly, playful, and curious about everything.
The History of the Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog, not to be mistaken with the smaller American Eskimo Dog, has gone by various names, including Qimmiq, Exquimaux Husky, and Esquimaux Dog.
The Inuit people relied on Canadian Eskimo Dogs to hunt polar bears and locate seal blow holes in the ice, which they did with great success.
Canadian Eskimo Dogs have been domesticated and used as working dogs by the Thule people of Greenland and Arctic Canada for more than 1,000 years.
Arctic and Antarctic explorers chose these renowned canines as companions because of their intellect, strength, and endurance during the 19th and 20th centuries, among other reasons.
Canadian Eskimo Dogs were once so popular that it was thought that there were more than 20,000 of them in existence. However, by 1970, the breed had almost completely vanished. The American Kennel Club decided to remove the breed from its registries due to the drastic population decline.
As a result of the introduction of the Siberian Husky, which was smaller and faster, and as a result of the invention of the snowmobile. With no longer being required to use dogs for actual sled work and a preference for the quicker Siberians for racing, the number of dogs in the sled dropped precipitously.
A group of committed breeders set out to maintain the breed. Consequently, in collaboration with the Canadian Eskimo Dog Association and the Inuit Sled Dog International, the Canadian Kennel Club formed a partnership to safeguard and promote the breed. They are considered a rare breed outside of Canada and the United States.
After hearing about the situation, a multi-stakeholder organisation — which included representatives from the Canadian Kennel Club — founded the Canadian Eskimo Dog Research Foundation in Canada’s Northwest Territories to assist in restoring the breed.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is considered one of Canada’s oldest breeds, and it has become a symbol of Canadian culture as a result. The breed was depicted on a postal stamp and a 50-cent piece of currency. This has also been designated as the official animal symbol of the Canadian territory of Nunavut.
Characteristics of the Canadian Eskimo Dog
Appearance in General.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog, like other Arctic dogs, has long, thick fur and a strong undercoat in other to keep him warm and protected from the elements during the harsh winter months. In addition, the breed has a robust, medium-sized frame.
Coating and colouring are two different things.
White, red, buff, cinnamon, grey, black, and sable are just a few of the hues available in Canadian Eskimo Dogs breeding. Their fur may grow up to six inches in length and is available in various colours and patterns.
Physical traits that make the dog stand out.
Canadian Eskimo Dogs are distinguished by their distinctive face masks and wolf-like look. On the other hand, Males have longer hair around their neck and shoulders, which resembles a mane.
The temperament of the Canadian Eskimo Dog
Despite their adorable and cuddly appearance, Canadian Eskimo Dogs are not well-suited for living in a home environment. Working dogs, raised to accomplish tough jobs in adverse surroundings, are happiest when given a task to complete.
Having said that, when properly exercised, Canadian Eskimo Dogs can be relaxed, affectionate, and friendly. The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a pack-oriented breed that frequently overreacts to stimuli such as food and toys, making it an unsuitable companion for families with children.
Because of their hunting dog heritage, Canadian Eskimo Dogs have strong predatory instincts, making them less friendly with other pets than other breeds of dogs. Strengthening leadership and establishing a well-established pack order is crucial in multi-dog families.
The Canadian Eskimo breed dogs tend to guard valuable resources such as food and toys. You must establish strict guidelines from the beginning and socialise your puppy in order to prevent undesired tendencies.
Canadian Eskimo Dogs are also known to be loud and obnoxious. Instead of barking, they wail, making them less ideal for apartment living situations. The history of this breed could be traced back to the Arctic. The Canadian Eskimo breed dogs thrive in sub-zero temperatures and do not do well in milder climes.
Care for Eskimo Dogs in Canada
Nutrition.
In order to maintain their high energy levels, Canadian Eskimo Dogs require high-quality dog food that is age-appropriate, whether it is purchased commercially or cooked at home (with the supervision and agreement of your veterinarian).
The Canadian Eskimo, for example, is a huge breed dog that, in addition to having a large appetite, requires a different mix of nutrients, including minerals and vitamins, than smaller-bred dogs. With our simple-to-follow guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about feeding your dog a healthy diet.
Historically, they’ve subsisted on a diet of walrus, seal, caribou, and other seafood. This breed is well-known for its ability to work hard while receiving very little nutrition. As a result, Canadian Eskimo Dogs are not known to overindulge.
Although it is vital to check the amount of food you give your dog, it is also important to lower portions or restrict calories if they become overweight. In addition, keep in mind that providing too many treats and normal meals can contribute to obesity in some people.
Grooming.
The Canadian Eskimo’s warm, weatherproof coat comprises a thick undercoat and a topcoat that is 8-15cm long, providing excellent insulation. Male dogs have thicker, longer hair (a mane) around the neck and shoulders, which helps to distinguish them from female dogs.
Brushing the coat should be done twice a week, but daily brushing will be required if the coat is shedding excessively. In general, combing your Canadian Eskimo Dog’s thick coat once a week will assist in keeping it looking its best.
However, this breed necessitates special brushing throughout the late summer months to encourage shedding of the thick undercoat. A coat rake and matted fur can aid in this process (leading to skin problems).
Canadian Eskimo Dogs, like all dogs, require regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care, which includes at-home tooth brushing and annual professional dental cleanings, among other things.
Exercise.
Originally designed to pull heavy goods over long distances, Canadian Eskimo Dogs can regularly travel up to 40 kilometres per day. Consequently, it should be no surprise that kids need to engage in frequent physical activity.
Furthermore, a simple walk around the block is insufficient. This breed requires a lot of outdoor exercises and plenty of space to frolic.
Even if they are successful in obtaining it, Canadian Eskimo Dogs may seek methods to escape and run free. As a result, a high, partially buried fence is essential for preventing climbing and digging from occurring.
It is recommended that this breed receives two hours of dog activity every day at the very least, and you cannot rely on physical exercise to exhaust this breed.
Besides training, problem-solving, and playing dog games with his or her owner, the Canadian Eskimo dog is ideally suited for someone who appreciates northern breed dog sports such as Cani-x, Bikejoring, sledding, or anything similar.
In order to avoid overheating in hot weather, you’ll need to give enough cool space and be willing to exercise very early in the morning and very late in the evening.
Training.
Training should begin as soon as the Canadian Eskimo Dogs are weaned from their mothers. Positive, reward-based tactics will aid in the establishment of a pack order in which you, rather than the dog, will serve as the leader.
And this will let you exert greater control over the breed’s protective tendencies. Canadian Eskimo Dogs can be friendly and affectionate, even when meeting for the first time. On the other hand, early socialisation is critical in fostering those behaviours.
Even after extensive training, Canadian Eskimo Dogs must be closely supervised when in the presence of children. Furthermore, they should not be allowed to run free in unsafe regions.
When it comes to huge spitz-type dogs, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is a good example because of its thick, velvety coat, pointed ears, and tail that curls over the back. Despite its small size, this is a large and powerful dog that is built to work hard in severe, frigid circumstances. Canadian Eskimo Dogs can be found in a range of different colours.
Requirements for space
However, while the Canadian Eskimo Dog does not require a large living space, they will thrive in a house with other Canadian Eskimo dogs, and a large home with numerous dogs is recommended.
This high-shedding breed does not tolerate high temperatures, whether they come from the sun or your central heating.
In order to participate in sledding or running activities, property owners should be prepared to leave the heating off for the majority of the year, keep the doors open all year, and have a large and extremely well-fenced garden.
Owners should also have access to various walking routes and suitable sporting clubs. Not ideal for city living or a hectic metropolitan lifestyle.
Health Issues and Other Common Concerns
This dog breed is typically healthy, with only a few breed-specific health issues to contend with.
Educating and Training Canadian Eskimo Dogs
Canadian Eskimo dogs are capable of learning when it comes to dog training since they are independent thinkers with quick, agile minds and powerful bodies, which makes them capable of learning.
However, just as much effort must be expended to ensure that they do not learn the wrong things as must be expended to ensure that they do learn the right things. This breed tends to run in a straight line until it is forcefully restrained by anything.
However, even though they should be taught to recall and should be socialised with people and other animals from an early age, it would be foolish to rely on an off-leash recall with this breed. It’s possible that they’ll never feel safe around cats or other tiny animals.
Breeds of Dogs that Make Excellent Family Pets
With adequate exercise and instruction, the Canadian Eskimo dog may coexist peacefully with children and with other dogs if raised alongside them.
However, due to the amount of hair shedding and the amount of time required to teach and exercise these dogs, they will most likely be unsuitable for households with very young children or many other time-consuming obligations.
This is not a breed that you should be left alone at home, even if they have access to daycare and dog walkers. They are sociable to the point of being annoying and require constant company.
The time it takes you to deliver children to school can be used to demolish a three-piece suit by an Eskimo Dog who is lonely or bored.
While many dogs are typically seen as being good with children, all dogs and children must be educated to get along with one another and be safe when they are in the same environment. Despite this, dogs and small children should never be left alone together, and parents should monitor any interactions between the two groups of people.
What You Need To Know!
The Canadian Eskimo Dog and the Greenland dog, according to a DNA study conducted in 2015, are genetically the same and separate from the very similar-looking Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes, according to the same study.
Molecular analysis revealed that the maternal mitochondrial DNA sequences belonged to haplotype A31, which implies that they came from the same female ancestor. There are no other modern canines with this haplotype; the closest match was identified in the remains of a dog from Florida that was more than 1000 years old.
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