Canadian Eskimo Dog (Canadian Inuit Dog, Eskimo Laika)

One of the rarest and oldest working dogs in North America is the Canadian Eskimo Dog, sometimes called the Eskimo Laika or Canadian Inuit Dog. These canines, which are strong, hardy, and devoted, have played a crucial role in Arctic life for thousands of years by assisting their human companions in surviving hostile conditions.

Hunting and sled pulling were the traditional uses for Canadian Eskimo Dogs, who are renowned for their extraordinary strength and endurance. They are the ideal companions in harsh environments because of their thick double coats, which enable them to endure freezing temperatures.

There are currently very few of this breed remaining, despite their intriguing past. To ensure that these dogs continue to be a living connection to the history of the Arctic peoples, efforts are being made to conserve and safeguard them.

Attribute	Description
Origin	Canada, specifically Inuit regions
Size	Medium to large, strong build
Coat	Thick, double-layered to protect from cold
Temperament	Loyal, hardworking, independent
Exercise Needs	High, needs plenty of physical activity
Life Expectancy	10 to 15 years
Special Trait	Excellent sled dog, thrives in cold climates

With strong roots in Arctic history, the Canadian Eskimo Dog, also called the Canadian Inuit Dog or Eskimo Laika, is a resilient and devoted breed. This dog, renowned for its strength, endurance, and strong relationship with humans, has long been used by the Inuit people for hunting and sled pulling. These dogs still have that tough spirit that allowed early Arctic communities to survive harsh environments, even though they are becoming less common. They are happiest in busy settings and make the best owners because they recognize their independent, spirited personality.

Breed information

Name:	Canadian Eskimo Dog (Canadian Inuit Dog, Eskimo Laika, Qimmiq, Qimmit)
Classification:	Spitz and primitive type breeds (211)
Year of the FCI:	1959
Purpose:	Sled dog, hunting
Homeland:	Canada
Weight:	18-30 kg (females), 30-40 kg (males)
Height:	50-60 cm (females), 58-70 cm (males)
Life:	10-15 years
Color:	white, red, buff, brown, gray or warmer shades with white markings
Price:	$1000-7000

Photo of Canadian Eskimo Dog

Characteristics

Interesting facts and characteristics

• At one time, the Kimmik was considered a hybrid of a wolf and a dog, since it resembles the former in appearance. This opinion was also held by the famous naturalist and explorer Charles Darwin. A genetic test showed that it was wrong;
• Two documentaries were made to raise interest in the breed in order to save it from extinction. Other measures are also taken to restore its numbers, but so far the result is insignificant, since there are too few breeders;
• In 1988, a stamp with an Eskimo husky appeared, and in 1997, a 50-cent Canadian coin;
• In May 2000, in Nunavut (Canada), the Canadian Inuit dog officially became the animal symbol of the territory;
• The kimmiq shows itself excellent in hunting pinnipeds, especially seals, which the dog is able to track from a long distance;
• By law, in some areas of Canada, hunting polar bears is only allowed with a dog sled. Dogs sense its approach, and the noise of snowmobiles only scares off the predator;
• For the Inuit, the kimmiq has always been a means of subsistence. In a desperate situation, a dog can become food for a person;
• The local population previously used the frozen urine of the Canadian Inuit dog as a medicine;
• The fur of the Eskimo husky is more valuable to the Inuit than wolf fur due to its high wear resistance.

History of origin

The dogs that came to North America with the Thule people over a millennium ago also brought dogs, which is where the Kimmik came from. These animals were essential to the local population because they made it possible for them to travel swiftly through icy and hostile environments.

Locals made extensive use of sled dogs, which were in high demand during polar expeditions. Because of this, there were only about 20,000 members of the breed remaining in the Canadian Arctic by the 1920s. However, multiple factors combined to create a threat to the breed’s extinction in the future. The introduction of snowmobiles in the 1960s, which made moving easier and faster, contributed to the dramatic and sudden decline in the demand for sled dogs.

The introduction of new pets, which brought illnesses that were unknown before, was another causative factor. Some of the Eskimo Laikas died because they were not immune to them.

The introduction of new pets had an additional impact in that crossbreeding was unavoidable. Prite | Benefits and Drawbacks, Breed Overview, Images, Cost.

From 1950 to 1970, the Eskimo Laika population suffered significant losses at the hands of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Some Inuit people think that the official explanation—that sick and dangerous people were destroyed—was a ruse to threaten and disrupt the people’s traditional way of life.

For many years, there has been a problem with the threat of extinction. The breed was on the verge of extinction by 1970; nearly 40 years later, in 2008, there were only 300 members remaining. Several steps have already been taken to bring the breed back. The Inuit Dog Foundation and subsequently the Canadian Eskimo Dog Federation (CDRF), which was established in 1972 by William Carpenter and John McGrath and is funded by the government, carried out this work. Brian Ladoon, who started breeding the Eskimo Laika and established the largest colony of them to date, also made a significant contribution.

The first members of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) were registered in 1986, as the breed’s population began to grow. The International Cynological Federation (FCI) had recognized the Eskimo Dog in 1959, and the United Kennel Club (UKC) in the United States had done the same in 1996. In 2018, the official current FCI standard was released.

Appearance

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is medium-sized or larger than average, with a robust build. Males exhibit sexual dimorphism; they are taller and heavier. The dog takes seven months to reach working size, but it takes about three years for its full formation.

Head and neck

The wedge-shaped skull of an Eskimo dog is large and broad. The forehead is higher, but the head resembles that of a wolf. It is narrower in unformed bitches than in males. The head is supported by a short, straight, thick, and incredibly muscular neck.

The muzzle of the dog tapers. It has a medium length. The lips may be pink and brown or black. The nose can range in color from light brown to black, depending on the coat color. There will be spots on the nose if it is brown.

Eyes

The small, typically dark eyes of the Eskimo husky can also be yellow or nut in color. They are dispersed widely and askanceward, giving the impression of being sly and wild—not entirely in keeping with the natural world.

Ears

Even at several weeks old, the dog’s ears are thick and short. For males, the appropriate distance between them is 13–15 cm, while for bitches, it is 11–14 cm. The ears are erect, with short, thick wool covering them. There’s a small rounding at the ends.

Jaw

The jaws of the Canadian Inuite dog are strong. She has well-developed fangs and big teeth. Scissor bites are used.

The body and tail

Kimmik is proportionately folded. Typically, the sacrum and withers are the same height. The spine can be felt clearly, and the lower back is well-developed. The chest is broad, muscular, and deep. The abdomen is somewhat constricted.

It has a big, fluffy tail. It can be lowered in females, though this isn’t always the case. It can also be raised up or curled over the back.

Limbs

Shoulders that are strong and muscular are angled. Though straight, forearms frequently have a curved appearance because of strong muscles, particularly the triceps. Paws on the forequarters are big and nearly circular. Their thick pads and well-arched toes have a lot of hair growing in the spaces between them. It can be so long in a hard winter that it covers the pads’ lower portion.

The dog has broad, extremely muscular thighs on strong hind legs. The two easily felt maklaki bones are situated at the level of the withers in the croup area. The limbs appear straight from the back, and there is no inward or outward turning of the hock joints. The dog’s knees have good angles and its shins are strong. Though somewhat longer, the rear legs have a similar appearance to the front legs.

Coat and color

The Laika people have thick, rough skin. The dog’s 7–15 cm long, thick hair covers its entire body. It is typically shorter in females, in part because of the extra shedding that occurs after the puppies are born. The undercoat is thick and provides good protection in a cold climate, while the outer coat is elastic and coarse. Males have manes that cover their necks and shoulders, giving the appearance of greater height at the withers.

The breed standard permits a wide range of color choices:

1. Completely white, only the area around the eyes, nose and lips are pigmented;
2. White with black, gray, fawn or red around the eyes or ears;
3. White with fawn, red, red-brown, gray or black markings on the head. They can cover it completely or be only around the ears and eyes. Similar rare and small markings are present on the body, most often around the hips, groin area;
4. Red and white, fawn and white, red-brown with white or black and white. Both colors are distributed equally over the body;
5. Red, fawn or red-brown base and white markings on the chest or limbs, inner surfaces;
6. Black, dark gray or sable color of the body and white hair on the chest, limbs and inner surfaces. Sometimes it reaches the area around the neck, forming a kind of collar;
7. Gray-white or silver-gray color of the body;
8. Black awn, undercoat from fawn to brown.

In the event that the color is solid, a white outline usually highlights the region near the eyes or the muzzle, giving the appearance of a mask. Above the eyes, there might be white spots; underneath and on the cheekbones, there might occasionally be fawn marks.

Movement style

The dog trots quickly and powerfully when working. The hind limbs push forward in tandem with the front limbs, but they are pulled slightly to one side. Male adult workers who have worn a harness for an extended period of time exhibit a greater degree of this trait.

The dog should move consistently throughout, keeping its elbows from turning. Because they weigh less than males, females can move faster and more freely. They can also transition to a fast trot or gallop and keep this gait for much longer, covering a greater distance.

Breed defects

The characteristics listed below are regarded as severe breed defects:

1. Square muzzle, drooping lips;
2. Round or bulging eyes;
3. Long or thin neck;
4. Narrow chest, underdeveloped muscles, a lot of fat, sloping topline;
5. Thin limbs, light bone structure;
6. Flat paws;
7. The coat is short, not fluffy.

Faults that disqualify include blue eyes, clipped hair, dropped ears, and overshot and undershot bite. If it is not curled or held high, the tail is also theirs.

Character

The Eskimo Laika is a resilient and diligent people. It is best to think of it as a domesticated primitive dog meant for a specific task in the harsh Arctic rather than as a pet. Adults can have the animal as a companion, but youngsters should not. This is because overreacting to stimuli, such as food, play, or protection, is a characteristic trait.

The animal behaves lovingly and tenderly and enjoys being around familiar people. The clever Eskimo Laika is devoted to its master. The dog is mildly curious and greets strangers with composure.

Members of the breed exhibit a highly developed sense of pack loyalty. Raising a group results in clearly defined roles for the dominant and subordinate members of the group as well as controlled behavior. It’s bad to have relationships with other dogs.

Additionally, members of the breed possess a strong hunting instinct. Rodents, birds, cats, and reptiles are all considered prey by the Eskimo Laika.

Education and training

Training starts when a person is young. It is imperative that the animal regards both its owner and the dominant dog in the pack as a leader; if not, the owner will eventually lose control over the animal. Using incentives in training is essential. Early socialization is also necessary.

The breed is challenging to train because its members are less receptive to orders, do not learn new things, and do not try to please their owners. It will take a long time to train.

Care

Kimmick feels fantastic outside and is made to withstand cold weather. Normal strolls are insufficient. The dog requires a lot of exercise on a regular basis. The animal has a tendency to escape, so you must keep it on a leash if the area is not fenced.

The care of this breed is modest. The dog is brushed one or two times per week, but daily during the yearly shedding period. Usually occurring in August or September, the undercoat sheds in clumps over a few days.

Brushing your teeth should be done at least once a week. The same frequency of cleaning is used for ears. Claws are clipped when necessary.

Kimmick requires a lot of protein in her diet. Bone meal and fat should be included in a working dog’s diet. The animal consumes corn and rice, but it digests other grains poorly.

Health

The Canadian Eskimo Dog breed is not prone to any genetic diseases, and its health is excellent. Due to the double coat’s potential to induce heat stroke and dehydration, the issue only occurs in hot weather.

How to choose a puppy?

A puppy Eskimo is selected according to breed standards. Verifying the timelyness of vaccinations and the availability of age-appropriate documentation are crucial. The puppy should have a healthy appearance, be energetic, and not exhibit any signs of timidity or aggression.

How much does a Canadian Eskimo puppy cost?

Canadian Eskimo dogs are among the priciest breeds worldwide and are extremely rare. Puppy prices start at approximately $1,000 and can go up to $7,000.

A sled breed with a developed pack and hunting instinct is the Canadian Eskimo dog. It does not feel good in a warm climate and is not appropriate for apartment living.

A unique breed with a long history and close ties to the Arctic is the Canadian Eskimo Dog. For centuries, the Inuit people have relied on this enduring, strong, and devoted animal companion.

This breed does well in colder climates and is best suited for knowledgeable owners who can give it the exercise and attention it requires. They develop strong bonds with their human families in addition to being incredibly hardworking, which makes them perfect for jobs like pulling sleds.

Video on the topic

Jumping dog

SAMOED. Pros and cons of the Samoyed breed SAMOED

dog husky!

Announcement. The Last Winter Dogs