Canadian Eskimo Dog Breed

The Canadian Eskimo Dog (CED), a member of the Working group of breeds, has existed in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of the world for thousands of years; the Inuit and other indigenous peoples have used them as multi-purpose working dogs since prehistoric times. As such, CEDs are best suited for active use in northern climates, either as sled-pullers or as work dogs in snowy areas.

Some Canadian Eskimo Dog facts: CEDs are medium- to large-sized, and size varies somewhat between genders; males are 23-28 inches at the shoulder in height and weigh 65-90 pounds, and females are 20-24 inches in height and 40-65 pounds in weight. CED coats are medium-length, dense, and double-layered, and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Here are some advantages and drawbacks to owning this rare breed:

PROS:

• Outstanding work ethic
• Intelligent
• Extremely well-suited for outdoor living
• Loyal and affectionate to handlers
• Active and athletic
• Healthy and hardy
• Creates deep bonds with adult family members
• Responds well to training
• Fantastic sled-pulling capabilities
• Socializes fairly well with strangers

CONS:

• High exercise requirements
• Socializes poorly with most other dogs
• Barks often
• Not good for apartment life
• Sheds a lot
• Can be destructive if bored or left alone
• High prey drive means they will chase and possibly injure smaller pets
• Poor to moderate watchdog abilities
• Not suited for warm climates (prone to heatstroke)
• Rare, and thus difficult to find/obtain

Canadian Eskimo Dogs have been synonymous with "sled dogs" for nearly as long as human history itself. These big, tenacious Spitz-type dogs have incredible endurance and have long been developed to have a pack mentality, so they are at their best when they're out among the frozen elements, running (and barking!) with other dogs of their own kind.

CEDs are intelligent and fairly trainable. In keeping with their sled dog history, they learn best from a trainer with an authoritative manner; early Inuit tribes would begin training CED puppies to pull sleds as soon as they could walk, so these dogs instinctively respond to firm, almost harsh commands.

This breed is incredibly difficult to handle when leashed. After centuries of the breed being harnessed to a sled, a CED will intuitively begin pulling against any physical restraint; it almost goes without saying that dogs of this breed have unbelievably high wandering tendencies! These dogs are regularly employed on sled teams throughout Canada and other sub-Arctic areas; Kingmik Dog Sled Tours, for example, is a well-known Alberta company that uses Canadian Eskimo Dogs (among other breeds) to pull tourists on sled treks across the snowy Canadian back-country.

As expected, CEDs have high exercise needs. They will thrive only if they are allowed plenty of daily outdoor exercise time, preferably in a large area in a cold climate; they have incredible stamina, and will make great jogging companions. This is, perhaps the most important piece of Canadian Eskimo Dog information to consider before deciding upon this breed.

Active, intelligent, loyal, energetic, and sometimes difficult to handle, the Canadian Eskimo Dog temperament is one of toughness and hustle. Dogs of this breed can be affectionate and even gentle with humans, and they are extremely loyal to the people that they see as the "pack leaders"; their natural behavior, though, is to be busybodies.

• Early CEDs were made to forage for their own food, so dogs of this breed have a higher prey drive than other Spitz breeds, and may chase cats and other small pets. Their pack mentality makes them good with other Spitz-type dogs, but they're naturally competitive and territorial, and may be inclined to pick fights with many dogs of different breeds. But centuries of training makes a CED a terrific multi-purpose working dog--and it typically makes a great hunting companion as well.

• In regards to training, CEDs respond best when the trainer asserts complete control. And their pack mentality means that they will learn better in a group setting rather than individually.

• CED owners say that while loyal (and quite vocal), these dogs are often independent, and don't have strong protective instincts; whatever the case, a CED won't instinctively confront a perceived threat, or even raise a vocal alarm.

• Though they will normally tolerate older children, they're not really a good mix with younger kids, as their size and boisterous activity levels might be dangerous to little ones.

Overall, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is an extremely healthy and hardy breed. Since CEDs are historically indigenous to cold climates, they suffer heatstroke in hot weather more commonly than some other breeds. Other naturally-occurring health issues this breed may be prone to include hip dysplasia, bloat, arthritis, and cataracts. Life expectancy for these dogs is 10-15 years.