This dog is often considered to be North America’s oldest and rarest
remaining purebred indigenous domestic canine. Other names include Qimmiq
(Inuit for "dog") or what is considered to be the more politically correct
Canadian Inuit Dog. Although once used as the preferred method of
transportation by Inuit in the Canadian Arctic, traditional working dog
teams became increasingly rare in the North after the 1960s, as snowmobiles
became more popular, and tended to be faster and more efficient. Today many
Northerners and Nunavutmiut (Inuit living in Nunavut) prefer to run the
faster, though less hardy, mixed-breed Alaskan Huskies, limiting the
popularity and indeed the probable survival of the increasingly rare
Canadian Eskimo Dog.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog's temperament reflects its
original work and environment. It is loyal, tough, brave, intelligent, and
alert. It is affectionate and gentle, and develops a deep bond with its
owner and is intensely loyal. When used as sled dogs, they were often
required to forage and hunt for their own food. Consequently, many Canadian
Eskimo Dogs have stronger prey drive than some other breeds. Owing to their
original environment, they take pure delight in cold weather, often
preferring to sleep outside in cold climates. Like most spitz breeds they
can be very vocal. |
American Dog Breeds
