Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is one of the oldest northern sled breeds, developed in the Arctic regions of Canada and used by the Inuit people for more than two thousand years. These dogs were indispensable in the harsh northern environment, providing transportation of goods, assisting in seal hunting, and enabling movement across ice and snow. The breed evolved naturally, with selection based on endurance, strength, cold resistance, and the ability to work in harness for many hours. With the advent of mechanized transport, the breed’s population declined sharply, but conservation programs helped preserve it. Today, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is recognized as part of Inuit cultural heritage and remains a valuable working northern breed.
General Appearance
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a large, powerful, strongly built northern breed with a distinctly expressed working type. The body is broad, deep, muscular, adapted to long periods of work in harness. The format is slightly elongated. The head is wedge-shaped, large but not coarse, with an alert and enduring expression. The ears are erect, triangular, well protected by dense fur. The tail is thick, bushy, usually carried curled over the back. The double coat is extremely dense, with a heavy undercoat providing protection from extreme cold. Movement is strong, stable, and reflects endurance and working power. The overall type is that of a powerful, functional northern dog created for hard work.
Important Proportions
The Canadian Eskimo Dog must have strong, balanced proportions reflecting its adaptation to heavy sledding work. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers, forming a slightly elongated format. The chest is deep, wide, and well developed, providing large lung capacity and stability in movement. The head is proportional to the body, wedge-shaped, with a muzzle slightly shorter than the skull. Limbs are strong, with a wide stance and moderate angulation ensuring efficient propulsion. The tail is high-set, fluffy, curled over the back. Proportions must emphasize strength, endurance, and suitability for long work in harsh conditions.
Behaviour and Temperament
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is independent, strong-willed, and highly driven in its working ability. Created for sled work in extreme environments, it is known for endurance, persistence, and capacity for prolonged physical effort. It is loyal to its owner yet naturally self-reliant and requires confident, experienced handling. It is social but may show dominance toward other dogs. Human aggression is uncharacteristic, though territorial and guarding tendencies may appear. Cowardice, nervousness, panic reactions, or lack of working motivation are unacceptable — the temperament must remain stable, strong, and resilient.
Head
The head of the Canadian Eskimo Dog is large, wedge-shaped, and proportional to the powerful body, expressing strength, endurance, and attentiveness. The skull is broad, slightly convex, with a moderately defined, smooth stop. The muzzle is deep, strong, tapering toward the nose but remaining voluminous and functional. The nose is black or dark, with seasonal lightening allowed in lighter dogs. Lips are tight, dry, and well fitting. Jaws are strong, with a full set of sturdy teeth and a scissor bite. Cheekbones are strong but not coarse. The expression is serious, steady, and work-oriented. A weak muzzle, coarseness, over-heavy structure, or unclear lines are unacceptable.
Facial Region
The facial region is clean, dry, and functional. The muzzle is strong, straight, slightly shorter than the skull, providing a strong grip and ability to work in cold. The nasal bridge is straight, without dips or convexity. The nose is large, dark, well pigmented. Lips are tight, non-pendulous, forming a clean contour. Jaws are strong, wide at the base, enabling the dog to withstand heavy loads. Cheeks are muscular but not protruding. The overall lines are firm and confident, reflecting the breed’s working nature. A weak muzzle, poor pigmentation, or loose structure are unacceptable.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, set slightly obliquely, emphasizing the northern type and attentive expression. Eye color ranges from dark brown to brown; lighter shades are undesirable as they diminish expressiveness. Eyelids are tight, dry, well fitting, with stable pigmentation. The gaze must be confident, calm, work-oriented, without signs of aggression or fear. The characteristic expression is focused and capable, reflecting the dog’s ability to make independent decisions in demanding environments. Round or protruding eyes, weak pigmentation, nervousness, or agitation in the expression are unacceptable.
Ears
The ears of the Canadian Eskimo Dog are erect, triangular, medium-sized, densely covered with fur for cold protection. They are high-set, directed forward or slightly outward, emphasizing alertness and readiness. Tips are slightly rounded. The ears must be strong, mobile, responsive to sounds and surroundings. Soft, semi-erect, overly large, or low-set ears are unacceptable. Their appearance must reflect the northern working type and the dog’s ability to survive and function in severe climates.
Neck
The neck is strong, muscular, and sufficiently long to provide free movement and stability during sled work. It is high-set, blending smoothly into a powerful withers. The skin is dense, without looseness or dewlap, well protected by thick fur. The neck must be strong but not coarse, capable of supporting heavy harness work and sudden turns. Musculature is evenly developed, emphasizing the breed’s working purpose. A short, weak, overly thick, or excessively loose neck is unacceptable.
Body
The body is powerful, deep, and strong, emphasizing the breed’s endurance. The topline is straight and firm, the withers well defined. The back is broad, muscular, of medium length. The loin is short, strong, slightly arched, giving stability and push. The chest is deep and wide, with well-sprung ribs providing great respiratory capacity. The abdomen is moderately tucked, without looseness. The croup is broad, slightly sloped, muscular, forming a powerful rear drive. The body must appear solid, strong, and work-capable. A narrow chest, soft back, weak loin, or excessive length are unacceptable.
Tail
The tail is one of the breed’s characteristic features. It is high-set, thick at the base, covered with very dense, long fur forming heavy plume. In rest it may hang down, but is often carried curled over the back. When excited or moving, it rises above the topline, showing activity and confidence. The tail must be proportional to the body. Kinks, poor coverage, low set, or a straight, uncurled tail are unacceptable as they disrupt the northern type.
Forequarters
Forequarters are strong, straight, widely set, providing stability and power in sled work. Shoulders are long, well-sloped, fitting closely. The upper arm is muscular, approximately equal in length to the shoulder, providing free reach. Elbows are close, directed backward, not turning in or out. Forearms are strong, straight, with well-developed bone. Pasterns are short, strong, slightly sloped but firm. Feet are large, round, with thick pads adapted for deep snow and ice. Weak pasterns, toeing out, narrow stance, or insufficient bone are unacceptable.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful, widely set, and well-angulated, providing strong, stable propulsion. Thighs are long, muscular, wide. Stifles well defined, with correct moderate angulation. Lower legs are strong, proportionate, with well-developed muscles. Hocks are dry, low-set, giving excellent stability and endurance. Metatarsals are short, vertical, straight. Feet are large, dense, adapted to snow and ice. Weak joints, cow hocks, barrel hocks, straight hindquarters, or excessive heaviness are unacceptable.
Gait and Movement
Movement is confident, powerful, rhythmic, emphasizing strength and endurance. The primary gait is a broad, free trot with strong rear propulsion and good front reach. Front and rear legs must move straight and parallel without crossing, wobbling, or coordination issues. The topline remains stable and firm. Movements should not be stiff or overly light — the dog must demonstrate capacity for long exertion, hauling loads, and maintaining pace. Short steps, limb interference, weak pasterns, broken rhythm, or instability are unacceptable.
Coat
The coat is highly adapted to extreme Arctic cold. The outer coat is long, straight, dense, and coarse, lying close and protecting from wind and ice. The undercoat is extremely thick, soft, and abundant, providing exceptional insulation. Males often have a pronounced mane on the neck, emphasizing the northern type. The tail is heavily feathered. On the muzzle and ears the coat is shorter but dense. Soft, silky, curly coat, lack of undercoat, or insufficient density are unacceptable.
Permissible Colours
The Canadian Eskimo Dog comes in many natural shades. Acceptable colors include white, black, grey, red, fawn, agouti, and combinations thereof. Two- and three-color patterns with white markings on chest, legs, muzzle, or tail are common. Gradual shading is normal. Pigmentation of the nose, lips, and eyelids must be dark and strong; winter lightening is acceptable but must not be permanent. Pale tones, washed-out shades, lack of pigment, or unnatural color combinations are undesirable. Albinism is unacceptable. The color must emphasize the working northern type.
Size
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a large, strong, and enduring breed, with size reflecting working potential. Males typically measure 58–70 cm at the withers; females 50–60 cm. Weight varies by sex and build but the dog must remain strong, muscular, and functional, without excessive heaviness or looseness. Balance between height, body width, and limb strength is essential. Too light or overly massive types are undesirable. Correct proportions and strong bone are key size criteria.
Faults
Faults include deviations compromising working ability, health, or type: insufficient bone, narrow chest, soft or sagging topline, weak loin, poor musculature, or looseness. Light, round, or overly soft eyes, weak pigmentation of eyelids or nose are undesirable. Movement faults include short steps, stiffness, toeing-in or toeing-out, or close hocks. Behavioural issues such as excitability, irritability, or poor manageability reduce breed quality. Looseness and weak ligaments are serious faults.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include serious deviations compromising working type or temperament. Cowardice, panic reactions, uncontrolled aggression, or unstable nerves are unacceptable. Incorrect bite, significant tooth loss, eyelid defects, entropion, ectropion, or lack of pigment on nose or eyelids are disqualifying. Excessive white markings beyond standard limits are faults. Incorrect tail, lack of undercoat, soft or curly coat are disqualifying due to impaired working function in Arctic conditions. Severe movement faults, limb deformities, or genetic abnormalities are also unacceptable.
Important Notes
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is valued for working endurance, strong psyche, and survival ability in harsh northern environments. Breeding must prioritize functionality, correct coat, stable nerves, and strong bone. The breed must not lose its working type or become decorative — excessive softness of coat, reduced endurance, weak movement, or loss of independence are highly undesirable. Minor structural faults are less critical than issues of temperament or physical resilience. The breed must retain strength, confidence, and stability.
Conclusion
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a powerful, enduring northern breed that has preserved ancient working qualities and exceptional adaptation to Arctic conditions. It combines strength, independence, stable temperament, and the ability to work long hours in harness. The standard emphasizes correct structure, strong bone, deep body, powerful movement, and dense coat. The breed must retain its working, not decorative, type. With proper breeding, the Canadian Eskimo Dog remains a reliable helper, a cultural heritage of the Inuit, and a universal working breed for northern regions.
