Canadian Eskimo Dog
A powerful Arctic working dog of the Inuit, built for hauling and hunting in extreme cold, not for easy pet life.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at the withers
- Males 58–70 cm · Females 50–60 cm
- Weight
- Males 30–40 kg · Females 18–30 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–14 years
- Exercise
- 90–180 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Double coat, medium, long
- Colours
- Most colours
- Bred for
- Sledding, Hunting by scent
- Country of origin
- Canada
- FCI
- Group 5, no. 211 · Spitz & primitive types
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 3/5 – Moderate |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with cats | 1/5 – Very low |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 5/5 – Very high |
| Playfulness | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 5/5 – Very high |
| Grooming effort | 2/5 – Low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 1/5 – Very low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 1/5 – Very low |
| Copes with being alone | 1/5 – Very low |
| Copes with heat | 1/5 – Very low |
| Copes with cold | 5/5 – Very high |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- live in a cold climate and run sled dogs
- have experience with working Arctic breeds
- can provide very large amounts of exercise
Think twice if you …
- live in a warm place or a city
- have cats or small pets
- want a calm family pet
Care
Temperament
Canadian Eskimo Dogs are tough, energetic and loyal, friendly with people they know but often assertive with other dogs. They have a strong prey drive.
Exercise
They need hours of hard work or exercise daily. Sledding, skijoring, pack hiking and pulling suit them best.
Grooming
The thick double coat needs a weekly brush and daily combing during the heavy annual moult.
Training
They are intelligent and independent; consistent, experienced handling is needed. Socialisation with dogs and people should start early.
Health
The breed is hardy, though hip dysplasia and some eye problems are seen, and it does poorly in heat. Ask the breeder for hip and eye results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Canadian Eskimo Dog, also called the Canadian Inuit Dog, has worked with the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic for many centuries, pulling sleds, carrying loads and helping hunt seals and polar bears. Its numbers fell sharply in the 20th century as snowmobiles spread, and a breeding programme in the 1970s helped save it.
This is a strong, high-drive working dog rather than a household pet. It is affectionate with its people but needs heavy exercise, a cold climate and experienced handling. It often lives in a pack hierarchy and can be rough with other dogs and dangerous to small animals.
Did you know?
The Canadian Inuit Dog was adopted as the official animal of Nunavut in 2000.