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THE CANADIAN ESKIMO DOG The Canadian Eskimo Dog has a uniquely interesting past. Used for hunting and travel these dogs were the heart and soul of the Inuit communities who depended on them for survival. However the Inuit who relied on them so much were also known to sacrifice the dogs in religious ceremonies and eat them when supplies were low. This barbaric tradition continued into the 20th century when polar explorers used these brave dogs to travel into unexplored territories, but once they slowed or collapsed from exhaustion they were often shot and eaten. Robert Peary the famous explorer and first man to reach the North Pole left on his exhibition with 246 Eskimo Dogs and returned with less than 30.
A photograph of the dogs used in Robert Peary's dash for the pole Because the dogs are rare in the UK and they are not high on the list of popular dogs, people believe these dogs have not been around in the UK for long, but they would be very mistaken. The first Eskimo Dog was imported and displayed at London Zoo in 1828, they were also later exhibited at Dudley, Chester and Whipsnade Zoos. Chipperfield’s (animal) Circus bought puppies from London Zoo in the mid 70’s and of course they were used by the famous British explorer Gino Watkins who spent a whole winter in Labrador, Canada learning how to care for and run Eskimo Dogs. Canadian Eskimo Dogs were also successfully used by the British Antarctic Survey and you can see many beautiful pictures of the dogs and thrilling stories in the book ‘Of Dogs and Men :- Fifty Years in the Antarctic.’ It is an illustrated story of the Dogs of the British Antarctic Survey between 1944 -1994. The breeding program they used in the Falkland Islands kept this breed alive and pure for 50 years and many dogs returned to UK with members of staff for retirement.
For over 2000 years the Canadian Eskimo dog has been a working breed, more than 99% of the worlds population of Canadian Eskimo Dogs are still being used for the purpose for which they were intended. Many Inuit and ‘old school’ mushers do not believe the Canadian Eskimo Dog should be used as a pet or bred for the show ring. When I first bought my Canadian Eskimo Dog I was not sure what to expect, I was told they were wild and hard to control. That they were very hard to train to live in a house without trashing the place and they needed an almost unlimited amount of exercise. What I found with Riker was a loving, loyal companion who was good with my young son and excellent with my other dogs, he sleeps in the kitchen, which is still intact and I have had no problems running his energy off as he responds extremely well off the lead. He is a joy to own and I don't think I will ever be without a Canadian Eskimo Dog from this day forth, I already have my 2nd one on order,
I am fascinated by these proud, loyal, hard-working dogs and I have had a lot of fun living and working with them. Please help support this breed in the UK by visiting our new club, The Canadian Eskimo Dog Club of Great Britain |
