|
History
It is estimated that the first Canadian Eskimo Dogs arrived approximately 1100-1200 A.D. with the migration of the Thule Inuit throughout Canada’s Arctic Region. The “Qimmiq”, as it is known by the Inuit, which translated from Inuktitut simply means "dog", is an extremely versatile breed. They were used for transportation, hauling sleds and packing, work they continue to this day. They also assisted in hunting, capable of locating seal breathing holes and served as a protectors attacking and holding musk ox and polar bears at bay for the hunters. The dogs played a vital part in everyday survival of the Inuit people and their families. A Canadian Eskimo Dog can pull twice its weight through the most unsympathetic weather conditions known to man with very little nourishment making it an extremely efficient working dog. This breed has survived and thrived 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 it is the only breed of dog to have ever stood at both Poles. 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. This, 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 more were simply destroyed, while others were crossbred to make faster dogs. The outcome was devastating to the breed population. Entering the 1970’s the Canadian Eskimo Dog was considered extinct, or at least on the verge of extinction. There remained an estimated 200 pure dogs left in the North. Then 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. Yet to this day the number of pure Canadian Eskimo Dogs in existence remains dangerously low, there are approximately 300 registered dogs left 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 of Canada and its members play an important role in the continued preservation of this unique and rare breed by maintaining its working integrity and ensuring survival through the sharing of lines to increase genetic diversity. The CEDCC 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 awareness and 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.”
Daniel Webster
“Those that cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Santayana
The Life of Reason
CED
TIMELINE
C.2000BP - The earliest certain occurrence (presence) of the dog in the Dorset culture context.
1100-1200 A.D - Migration of the Thule Inuit throughout the Canadian Actic with the help of Canadian Eskimo Dogs
1909 - Captain William Perry attained the North Pole with Eskimo Dog Teams.
1912 - Roald Amundsen successfully reached the South pole using Eskimo Dogs.
1920 - Eskimo Dogs numbers in the Canadian North were estimated at 20,000.
1950 - The AKC dropped the Eskimo Dog from the registered ranks due to lack of registrations
1957-59 - Canadian Defense Research Board used Eskimo Dogs during their studies in the Lake Hazen area of northern Ellsmere island.
1963 - Only one CED was listed on the CKC registry. None were registered thereafter and the breed was deemed Extinct as far as official recognition.
1970 - Eskimo Dog numbers had dwindled to less than 200 animals.
1972 - Bill Carpenter and John Mcgrath with assistance from the Canadian Kennel Club and the Canadian Gov. began the Canadian Eskimo Dog Research Foundation (CEDRF) in Yellowknife NWT.
1984 - Cluttom-Brock declared the Eskimo Dog was of North American origins - not of Asian origins
1986 - The first Eskimo Dogs from the CEDRF were registered.
1987 - Renee Wissink successfully recreated the journey of Qitlarssuaq from Igoolik on Baffin Island to Thule Greenland - crossing the Devon, by Eskimo Dog power. |
