Canadian Eskimo Dog Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Canadian Eskimo Dog

Other names

Qimmiq
Canadian Husky
Canadian Inuit Dog
C. familiaris borealis
Exquimaux Husky
Kingmik
Chien Esquimau Canadien
Kanadischer Eskimohund
Perro Esquimal Canadiense

Origin

Traits
Weight	Male	30–40 kg (66–88 lb)
	Female	18–30 kg (40–66 lb)
Height	Male	58–70 cm (23–28 in)
	Female	50–60 cm (20–24 in)
Coat	thick and dense, soft undercoat, stiff guard hairs, mane of thicker fur around the neck
Colour	about any colour, with or without special markings

Notes

Territorial animal of Nunavut

Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a special type of working dog from the Arctic. It is also known as qimmiq. These dogs were brought to North America from Siberia by the Thule people many years ago. They are known for being strong, loyal, and very good at working in cold places.

What is a Canadian Eskimo Dog?
- History of the Breed
  - How Dogs Helped the Inuit
Appearance and Traits
- What Do They Look Like?
  - Size and Weight
- Temperament and Personality
  - Working Dog Instincts
The Canadian Eskimo Dog Today
- Conservation Efforts
Images for kids
See also

What is a Canadian Eskimo Dog?

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a very old and important dog breed. It is one of the oldest native dog breeds in North America. These dogs are strong and built for life in the cold Arctic. They have been used by Inuit people for thousands of years.

History of the Breed

The ancestors of the Canadian Eskimo Dog came to North America about 4,000 years ago. They traveled with the Thule people, who were the ancestors of today's Inuit. These dogs were very important for survival in the Arctic. They helped with hunting, transportation, and protection.

How Dogs Helped the Inuit

Canadian Eskimo Dogs were essential for the Inuit way of life.

They pulled sleds, carrying people and supplies across the snow and ice. This was their main job.
They helped hunt seals, polar bears, and other animals. Their strong sense of smell and hearing made them great hunting partners.
They also guarded camps and warned people about dangers.
Sometimes, they even helped find breathing holes for seals under the ice.

Over time, the number of these dogs went down. This happened because snowmobiles became popular for travel. Also, some diseases affected the dogs. But people are now working hard to bring the breed back.

Appearance and Traits

Canadian Eskimo Dogs are medium to large-sized dogs. They are very strong and have a thick coat that keeps them warm.

What Do They Look Like?

These dogs have a thick, dense coat with a soft undercoat and stiff outer hairs. This double coat protects them from extreme cold. They can be almost any color. They often have a thick mane of fur around their neck, which makes them look even more impressive.

Size and Weight

Male Canadian Eskimo Dogs are usually taller and heavier than females.

Males are about 58 to 70 centimeters (23 to 28 inches) tall. They weigh between 30 and 40 kilograms (66 to 88 pounds).
Females are a bit smaller, about 50 to 60 centimeters (20 to 24 inches) tall. They weigh between 18 and 30 kilograms (40 to 66 pounds).

Temperament and Personality

Canadian Eskimo Dogs are known for being very loyal and intelligent. They are also brave and tough. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are best suited for people who understand their working dog nature.

Working Dog Instincts

Because they are working dogs, they have a strong desire to pull and work. They are very energetic and love to be active. They are also very social with other dogs. They often howl instead of barking.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog Today

Today, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is the official territorial animal of Nunavut, Canada. This shows how important they are to the region's history and culture.

Conservation Efforts

Many people are working to protect and increase the number of Canadian Eskimo Dogs. They are trying to make sure this special breed continues to thrive. These efforts help keep the breed's unique history alive.