Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog, also known as the Qimmiq, stands as one of North America's oldest and rarest purebred dogs.
Developed over thousands of years by the indigenous Thule people of the Arctic, this remarkable breed served as the primary means of transportation across frozen landscapes, pulling heavily laden sleds across vast expanses of ice and snow whilst also assisting hunters in locating seals and polar bears.
18-40kg
Weight
Medium
Size
10-15yrs
Lifespan
About the Canadian Eskimo Dog
The introduction of snowmobiles in the mid-twentieth century, combined with declining sled dog populations, brought the breed perilously close to extinction and it remains critically rare today. A powerfully built spitz-type dog, the Canadian Eskimo Dog typically stands 50–70 centimetres tall and weighs 18–40 kilograms, featuring a thick double coat in various colours, erect triangular ears, and a heavily furred tail carried over the back. The breed is energetic, robust, and spirited, with strong pack instincts and a pronounced prey drive that reflects its working heritage. These dogs require very experienced ownership, a clear pack structure, and over two hours of daily exercise. The Canadian Eskimo Dog is rarely kept as a domestic companion outside its traditional working context, making it suitable only for those committed to meeting its considerable physical and behavioural needs.
Canadian Eskimo Dog at a Glance
- Group
- Working
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 18–40 kg
- Height
- 50–70 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Coat
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Canadian Eskimo Dog Lifestyle
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is best suited to a larger home and really benefits from a large, secure garden. A country setting suits them well.
Dog Food for Canadian Eskimo Dog
Top-rated foods for Medium breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Canadian Eskimo Dog
Canadian Eskimo Dog Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Canadian Eskimo Dog weighing around 29 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.16 - £5.50
Per month
£155 - £165
Per year
£1882 - £2006
Canadian Eskimo Dog Characteristics
The Canadian Eskimo Dog needs at least one good run or long walk every day and is highly trainable and learns new things fast. They get on well with older children and can manage moderate periods alone. The coat requires moderate grooming effort, nothing excessive and is neither a heavy nor light shedder. This is a very clever breed that benefits from puzzle toys and training to keep their mind busy.
Canadian Eskimo Dog Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptionally hardworking with the stamina for sled pulling and endurance activities
- A strong pack orientation makes them loyal and cooperative in multi-dog households
- The double coat is relatively low maintenance while offering excellent protection in cold climates
- Highly trainable and intelligent, excelling in specialised working roles
Cons
- Not suited to inexperienced owners given their strong-willed, independent nature
- A high prey drive means careful supervision around smaller pets and animals
- Can be vocal, with howling that may cause issues in residential neighbourhoods
- Sensitive to heat and prone to overheating, which limits exercise options in warmer weather
