Breed History:

The Canadian Eskimo Dog, also known as the Qimmiq or Canadian Inuit Dog, is one of North America's oldest and rarest indigenous working breeds. Brought to the Canadian Arctic by the Thule Inuit around 1,000 years ago, these dogs were bred primarily as draft and sledge dogs, essential for survival in harsh polar conditions.

Their strength, endurance, and resilience made them vital for pulling heavy sledges and assisting in hunting polar bears and seals. However, with the decline of traditional sledge use and the introduction of snowmobiles in the mid-20th century, the breed’s numbers sharply declined. Conservation efforts began in the 1970s to rescue it from extinction. Today, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is a living link to Inuit heritage and is recognised as a national treasure in Canada.

Size – Medium to Large

Life Expectancy: 12–15 years

Breed Appearance:

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a robust, arctic-adapted working breed with a thick, dense double coat and a commanding presence. Males are noticeably more powerful and masculine in build, while females are slightly more refined. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, with upright, triangular ears and expressive, almond-shaped eyes, often dark brown or amber.

Its bushy tail curls over the back, and the coat can appear in a wide range of colours, including white, black, red, grey, sable, or combinations thereof, often with facial markings. The undercoat is soft and insulating, while the outer coat is stiff and weather-resistant, designed to withstand extreme cold.

Breed Type – Working/Sledge:

Bred as a traditional sledge dog, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is a hard-working, resilient breed with immense pulling strength and stamina. It is independent, resourceful, and highly driven, with a strong pack mentality and working heritage.

Though loyal to its family, it retains a primitive temperament. It may not be overtly affectionate and is often dominant, especially among other dogs. It forms strong bonds with people but is not a typical pet for novice owners. With firm leadership and a working outlet, it excels in pulling, trekking, and cold-weather endurance tasks.

Training:

Training a Canadian Eskimo Dog requires patience, consistency, and experience. It is intelligent but independent-minded and can be stubborn. Early obedience training and socialisation are essential to prevent dominance or aggression, particularly with other dogs.

This breed responds best to positive reinforcement paired with clear boundaries. It has a strong prey drive and roaming instincts, so reliable recall is challenging. Regular training sessions that engage both mind and body will help channel their energy constructively. Harsh training methods are discouraged as they can damage the human-dog relationship.

Health & Care:

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is generally hardy and well-adapted to cold climates but may suffer in warmer environments. It is prone to some inherited conditions, including hip dysplasia, cataracts, and gastric torsion (bloat). Some lines may also be susceptible to arthritis in old age due to their working backgrounds.

Their thick coat requires regular grooming, especially during seasonal shedding when they “blow” their undercoat. A diet rich in protein and fat supports their active metabolism. Regular vet checkups and parasite control are essential, especially for dogs used in outdoor or rural settings.

Living Conditions:

This breed is best suited to cold climates and rural or spacious environments where it can roam or work. It does not adapt well to urban living or apartments. The Canadian Eskimo Dog thrives with a job, whether pulling sledges, skijoring, or participating in weight-pulling sports.

It is not ideal for homes with small animals due to its prey drive, nor for households where it will be left alone for long periods. Fencing must be secure, as this breed is known to wander. In the right environment—with plenty of space, structure, and physical activity—one can live a fulfilling, balanced life.

Exercise:

As a high-energy working breed, the Canadian Eskimo Dog needs 1.5 to 2 hours of intense exercise daily. This includes structured walks, pulling exercises, free running in secure areas, and mentally stimulating activities like search games or training drills.

Without sufficient exercise, the breed can become bored, destructive, or vocal. It thrives in environments where it has a job or purpose. Inadequate stimulation can lead to frustration and behavioural issues. Cold-weather activities are ideal for this Arctic-native dog.

Grooming:

The thick double coat of the Canadian Eskimo Dog sheds seasonally and requires weekly brushing under normal conditions, and daily grooming during shedding periods in spring and fall. This helps prevent matting and keeps the skin healthy.

Bathing is rarely necessary, as the coat is self-cleaning and odour-resistant. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are also part of a healthy grooming routine. Owners should inspect the coat for ice buildup or debris during winter outings.

Advantages:

• Extremely hardy and resilient in cold environments

• Deep working drive and excellent stamina

• Strong loyalty to family and pack

• Minimal health issues with proper care

• Historically significant and culturally valuable breed

• Well-suited for sledging and outdoor endurance work

Disadvantages:

• Not suited to warm climates or indoor-only living

• Independent and dominant—requires experienced handling

• High prey drive; not trustworthy with small pets

• Needs extensive daily exercise and stimulation

• Sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes

• Rare and difficult to acquire outside of Canada