Pet Wiki

Canadian Eskimo Dog

Also called Canadian Inuit Dog, Qimmiq, Canadian Husky, Exquimaux Husky, Kingmik

Gentle and warm with people it knows and strongly attached to its owners, yet tough and bold at work.

SizeLarge
Weight18 to 40 kg (40 to 88 lb)males 30 to 40 kg, females 18 to 30 kg12
Height50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in)males 58 to 70 cm, females 50 to 60 cm13
CoatDense double coat
OriginCanadian Arctic, where it lived and worked alongside the Inuit (Thule culture) for well over a thousand years.13
GroupFCI group 5
Recognised breedShort profile
tireless, hard-working sled dog
loyal and affectionate with its people
brave and alert
321

Personality what they are like

Gentle and warm with people it knows and strongly attached to its owners, yet tough and bold at work. It has a natural pack sense, a keen interest in chasing, and plenty to say in true spitz style. Breed authorities see it as a better match for adult households than as a pet for young children.123

Coat and looks how to spot one

dense double coat

A sturdy, powerfully built sled dog made for hauling rather than racing, with a wedge-shaped head, thick upright ears and a bushy tail carried over the back. A soft, thick undercoat sits under stiff guard hairs that can reach 8-15 cm, and males grow a mane-like ruff over the neck and shoulders. The coat is shed once a year, usually in late summer.12

Coloursall whitewhite with markingsredbuffcinnamonblackgreysablesolid colours with whitefacial masks common12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Canadian Eskimo Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. Bred to pull loads all day, it needs a lot of outdoor exercise and does best with real work such as sledding, carting or long hikes. It thrives in cold weather.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing through most of the year; during the yearly moult a coat rake helps clear the dense undercoat before it mats.21

Home where they are happiest

Suits a home with outdoor space and an owner who spends a lot of time outside; it is built for and enjoys freezing temperatures.2

Company who they like around

Pack-oriented and happiest with clear structure and plenty of time with its people; often lives and works well in dog teams.12

The story where it all began

The Inuit relied on these dogs for centuries to pull sleds, carry packs and help hunt seals and polar bears. Snowmobiles and changes in Arctic life cut their numbers sharply in the 20th century, and by 2008 only a few hundred purebred dogs were thought to remain. A breeding programme started in the 1970s by the Eskimo Dog Research Foundation, using dogs from remote Inuit communities, underpins the breed today.312

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    A single dog was traditionally expected to haul somewhere between 45 and 80 kg.1

  2. 2

    In summer the dogs worked as pack animals, carrying loads of up to about 15 kg each.1

  3. 3

    Nunavut adopted the Canadian Inuit Dog as its official territorial animal in 2000.3

  4. 4

    The Ivakkak dog-sled race was launched in 2001 partly to help revive the breed.3

  5. 5

    Genetic studies show it is distinct from Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Canadian Arctic and the Inuit people, who call it 'Qimmiq' (meaning 'dog' in Inuktitut). The name 'Canadian Eskimo Dog' reflects its origin with the Eskimo (Inuit) people of Canada.3

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

NanookKiviSnowdriftBlizzardTundraAuroraIkiaqSikuMikiFlurryNanuqKuma

A day in the life told by a Canadian Eskimo Dog

This morning I woke to a crisp, cold air that smelled of snow and adventure. After a quick stretch, I joined my pack for a long hike through the sparkling white trails. I love the crunch beneath my paws and the way my breath makes little clouds. We stopped by a frozen lake where I chased a few snowflakes just for fun. Back home, my humans gave me a good brushing, which felt wonderful. Now I'm curled by the fire, watching the stars appear. Another great day in the Arctic.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 1 Nordic Sledge Dogs, standard No. 211; current standard dated 28.02.2018.1
Canadian Kennel Club
Recognised in the Working Dogs group.2
American Kennel Club
Was dropped from the AKC registry in 1959.3

How many About 300 purebred dogs estimated3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Canadian Eskimo Dog, and at what times?

Feed your adult Canadian Eskimo Dog at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent morning and evening times work well. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

What should a Canadian Eskimo Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality commercial dog food suited to its age and activity level is a good choice. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always keep human treats safe and check with your vet for any concerns.7

How often should I bathe a Canadian Eskimo Dog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or spends a lot of time outdoors. Use a gentle dog shampoo.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Canadian Eskimo Dog need brushing?

Brush your Canadian Eskimo Dog every few days, and daily during its yearly heavy shed. A coat rake helps remove the dense undercoat during moult. Regular brushing keeps its beautiful double coat healthy and reduces loose hair.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Canadian Eskimo Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Canadian Eskimo Dog need?

This breed needs a lot of daily exercise, ideally purposeful work like sledding, carting, or long hikes. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play. It thrives in cold weather and loves being active outdoors with you.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Canadian Eskimo Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth every 2 to 3 days (daily is ideal) using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and gently clean the outer part with a vet-recommended solution, never push anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Canadian Eskimo Dog live?

Lifespan varies by individual and care. Ask a reputable breeder or your vet for typical ranges for this breed.

Is a Canadian Eskimo Dog good with children and other pets?

This dog is gentle and warm with its own family, but breed authorities often recommend adult-only homes. It has a strong pack sense and can get along with other dogs if raised together, but its chase instinct may be strong around smaller pets.123

Can a Canadian Eskimo Dog be left alone?

This pack-oriented breed is happiest with plenty of time with its people and may struggle with long periods alone. If you must leave it, provide structure, company, or a dog walker. It thrives on being part of your daily life.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard N° 211 Canadian Eskimo Dog fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colour, temperament, work history
  2. Canadian Kennel Club: Canadian Eskimo Dog ckc.caused for group, care, exercise, grooming, temperament
  3. Wikipedia: Canadian Eskimo Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, population, fun facts
  4. canadian-eskimodog-foundation.org canadian-eskimodog-foundation.org
  5. ckc.ca ckc.ca
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.