It is estimated that the first Canadian Eskimo Dogs called “Qimmiq” (which simply means dog) by the Inuit, arrived approximately 1100-1200 A.D. with the migration of the Thule Inuit throughout Canada’s Arctic Region. These dogs were extremely versatile, used for transportation, hauling sleds and packing. They also assist in hunting, capable of locating seal breathing holes and served as a protector attacking and holding at bay musk ox and polar bears.
The dogs were a vital part in everyday survival of the Inuit people and their families. This breed has survived in the harshest terrain in the world, which lead to its demand in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s as the dog of choice for expedition use, thus they have stood at both poles. A Canadian Eskimo Dog can pull twice its weight through the harshest weather and terrain with every little nourishment.
In the 1950’s it was estimated that 20,000 Canadian Eskimo
Dogs lived in Canada’s North. During the 1960’s with the introduction
of the north came southern influences and inventions. Which in
turn led to the demise of the Canadian Eskimo Dog. As the snowmobile
gained popularity and the population in the Arctic grew the Canadian
Eskimo Dog quickly started to vanish. Other breeds of dogs came
to Canada’s north, carrying many diseases and illnesses that the
Canadian Eskimo Dog had never been exposed too. Many died, many
bred with other breeds, crossbreeding resulted. You can imagine
the outcome. Entering the 1970’s the Canadian Eskimo Dog was on
the verge of extinction with an estimated 200 pure dogs left in
the North. In 1972 a project was initiated to try to save the
breed and re-establish its numbers. William Carpenter and John
McGrath with assistance from the Canadian Kennel Club and the
Canadian Government began the Canadian Eskimo Dog Research Foundation
Kennel Club. In 1986 the first dogs from this project were registered
with the Canadian Kennel Club. The collaborated efforts were instrumental
in creating the foundation stock of the registered breed. However
again today the number of pure Canadian Eskimo Dogs in existence
is dangerously low, there are 279 registered dogs in existence.
Little effort in the past was extended to introduce this breed to the general public, unlike the Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute. The Canadian Eskimo Dog
Club and its members play an important role in the continued preservation of this unique and rare breed. Maintaining its working integrity and ensuring survival through the sharing of genetics to increase genetic diversity. The Association educates, and promotes the breed by participating in functions every possible chance i.e.: Dog sledding, skijoring, packing, CKC Sanctioned Matches, Pet Expos, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Radio Interviews etc.
The Future
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.
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“The past, at least, is secure.”
Daniel Webster
“Those that cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Santayana
The Life of Reason
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Contact:
Laura Pitblado
RR # 2
Huntsville, Ontario
P1H 2J3
crash3@sympatico.ca
