Canadian Eskimo Dog

Canadian Eskimo Dog

A large spitz-type dog, with a broad chest, thick coat, large bushy tail (that can be carried over the back) and erect ears, this is a striking, powerful dog that comes in black and white, grey and white, red and white, sable and white, and white and black. Males stand at 58-70cm and weigh 30-40kg when fully grown and females are 50-60cm tall and weigh 18-30kg.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Extra training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
  • Large dog
  • Heavy drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Very vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

Personality

The Canadian Eskimo dog is very much a specialist working breed rather than an average pet dog. Bred to pull weights of up to 80kg over 70 miles a day in the harshest of Arctic conditions, he does not thrive in an ordinary domestic set-up! Pack-orientated, he is nevertheless affectionate to people and is playful, curious and vocal.

History and Origins

The Canadian Eskimo dog breed worked with Inuit hunters to find seal breathing holes and hold large predators at bay, such as polar bears. It was also used as a sled dog. It is said there were 20,000 Canadian Eskimo dogs in its native homeland in the 1920s, but in just 50 years, with the development of the snowmobile, this number dropped to just 200, as sled dogs were simply no longer needed. A dedicated breeder set out to save the breed, but the Canadian Eskimo dog remains quite a rarity outside of Canada.

The Canadian Eskimo dog is generally a robust dog with few breed specific health problems.

The Canadian Eskimo dog needs a great deal of exercise to fulfil his needs – at least two hours of daily exercise. An energetic hobby such as sled-racing is a must, though warm-weather energetic exercise should be avoided because of the possibility of heat exhaustion.

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs.

The warm, weatherproof coat comprises a thick undercoat and a top coat that is 8-15cm long. Male dogs have thicker, longer hair (a mane) around the neck and shoulders. The coat needs brushing about twice a week, but daily brushing will be needed when the coat sheds heavily.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

Finding a dog

Labrador lying next to the sofa
Finding a pet
Is this the right breed for you?
All dogs have their own unique personality! Try our Dog Breed Selector tool and find out which dog breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle.
Puppy walking next to owner on a lead
Finding a pet
Thinking about getting a puppy?
Join Growing Pup for help from our Purina experts on how to find the right puppy and prepare for your new arrival, as well as a discount off one of our puppy ranges.
Dog with red collar sitting next to the owner
Finding a pet
Finding a good breeder
If your heart is set on a pedigree puppy, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. Find out what to look for in a puppy breeder with this guide.
Dog with red collar
Finding a pet
Welcoming your dog home
While you're waiting for the big day you may need to distract yourself, so luckily there are a few things you need to sort our before you welcome your new arrival.
Dog with red collar lying
Adoption
It's incredibly fulfilling to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It often means offering them a second chance at life. There are many dogs waiting for a loving family and their forever home, but what can you expect from the process?
Dog with red collar looking out the window
Puppy advice
Everything you need to know
Getting a new puppy is incredibly exciting for all the family, but it can be quite scary for your new pup. Find out how to deal with everything from behaviour to health questions with our expert puppy advice.
Owner checking dogs collar
Finding a pet
Benefits of having a dog
It's known far and wide that dogs are man's best friend, but did you know that there's actually numerous benefits of having a dog? From helping you to get fit to meeting new people, your puppy can actually help to improve your health and social life. Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs!