Canadian Eskimo Dog History past and present

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is known to have been resident in the Arctic for at least 4000 years. The Canadian Eskimo Dog was first bred by the Thule people, while research has shown that it is related to the Greenland dog, with very little significant genetic differences. It is sometimes considered the same breed by authorities, although the Greenland dog can be criticized for lacking any proper breeding program, questioning its validity as a pure breed. It was, and still is (to a very limited extent), used by the Canadian Inuit as multi-purpose dogs, often put to work hunting seals and other Arctic game, and hauling supplies and people. Though popularly assumed to be a wolf-dog hybrid, genetic testing has shown that the Eskimo dog has no recent wolf anscestry.

In the 1800s and early 1900s this breed was in demand for polar expeditions. When snowmobiles came into use, the population numbers started rapidly declining, because snowmobiles are faster and need less care. In the 1920s there were approximately 20,000 dogs living in the Canadian Arctic, and the breed had been accepted for showing by both the AKC and CKC; however, in 1959 the AKC dropped the breed from its registry because of extremely low numbers. By 1963 there was supposedly only one dog registered with the CKC, and when this dog died there were still no others registered.

It probably would have gone extinct if not for the Eskimo Dog Research Foundation (EDRF). The EDRF was founded in 1972 by William Carpenter and John McGrath and was largely funded by the Canadian Government and the Northwest Territories, with some support from the CKC. The EDRF purchased dogs from the small (about 200 dogs) population remaining in the Canadian Arctic from remote Inuit camps on Baffin Island, Boothia Peninsula, and Melville Peninsula. The EDRF then began breeding dogs in order to increase numbers.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is still very rare; only about 20 CkC reg'd breedable females, however they are making a come back to the show ring in Western Canada. Dedication to the preservation and future survival of the Canadian Eskimo dog promises its place in our future history and tradition. Through promotion and participation in the show ring we are hoping more people will be willing to undertake the responsibly and dedication of this indigenous canine and work with us and other CKC breeders to increase the genetic pool of registered stock. Those already involved are working diligently to increase numbers,ensuring genetic diversity and maintain the working integrityof the Canadian Eskimo dog.

The requirements for this breed’s future are increased participation. Responsible parties willing to dedicate and commit to this indigenous canine, to work with the existing registered and recognized breeders to maintain and further increase genetic diversity.  
   Let’s not let another proud and true part of our Canadian Heritage vanish, especially when we have the opportunity and intelligence to change it.

“The past, at least, is secure,"

"Its up to us to secure the Canadian Eskimo Dogs  future.”