Most important facts
- Group
- Working
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 18–40 kg
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Coat
- Dense
- Energy
- High
- Height
- 50–70 cm
- Colours
- Any colour or combination
- Shedding
- Heavy
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£42/mo
- Gear to consider
- Slow-feeder bowl, undercoat rake for heavy shedding, secure pulling harness for sledding or skijoring
Typical dry food, adult
About the Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog, known in Canada as the Qimmiq, has hauled sledges and hunted alongside the Inuit across the Arctic for centuries, and is considered one of North America's oldest working breeds. Numbers collapsed during the twentieth century as snowmobiles replaced dog teams, falling from tens of thousands to a few hundred, and a dedicated Canadian breeding programme in the 1970s saved it from disappearing. It remains genuinely rare today, in the UK especially.
Bred over centuries to work in teams hauling sledges, this is a gregarious, pack-minded dog that forms strong bonds with its own family. Within that circle it is affectionate and sociable, but it keeps the independent mind of a dog that made its own decisions on the trail, so consistent, patient training matters.
Its hunting ancestry gives it a pronounced prey drive, so it is not a safe match for cats or small pets, and it can be reserved with unfamiliar dogs without early socialisation. It howls rather than barks, and can become destructive if bored or left alone, suiting a household with company for most of the day and an active outdoor routine.
Common health conditions
Things Canadian Eskimo Dog owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Hip dysplasia
A malformed hip joint that leads to wear and arthritis. Keep this large breed lean from puppyhood to take pressure off the joints.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
A life-threatening stomach twist more common in large, deep-chested breeds. Meals given two or three times a day help, and vigorous exercise stays away from mealtimes.
Eye conditions (cataracts and entropion)
Cloudy lenses or inward-rolling eyelids can affect vision and cause irritation. Book regular eye checks so problems are caught early.
Heat sensitivity
Bred for the Arctic, this breed overheats easily in warm weather. Exercise in the cooler parts of the day and keep fresh water always available.
Feeding a Canadian Eskimo Dog
This is a large working breed whose calorie needs swing enormously with lifestyle. A dog still sledding or hiking long distances can need considerably more energy-dense food than a companion on daily walks. Feed the dog in front of you, checking body condition and adjusting portions as activity shifts through the seasons.
Deep-chested large breeds like this one carry a raised bloat risk. Smaller meals, two or three a day, suit this dog better than one. Use a slow-feeder bowl, and keep strenuous exercise an hour clear of eating. A quality large-breed diet supports the joints through growth, while omega oils help maintain the dense double coat that sheds heavily twice a year.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Canadian Eskimo Dog needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
18–40 kg
Est. daily calories
730–2,000 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Canadian Eskimo Dogs eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£1.38
- Per month
- ~£42
- Per year
- ~£505
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Canadian Eskimo Dog
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Canadian Eskimo Dog by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs9/10
- Appetite7/10
- Trainability5/10
- Good with children5/10
- Shedding8/10
- Tolerates being alone2/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Hardy, robust working breed with fewer inherited problems than many modern pedigrees
- Deeply loyal and affectionate towards its own family once bonded
- Thrives on an active outdoor life and excels at sledding and dog sports
Worth knowing
- Needs well over two hours of vigorous daily exercise plus mental stimulation
- A strong prey drive makes it a poor match for homes with cats or small pets
- Howls where other dogs bark, and dislikes being left alone, so flats and long solo hours are difficult
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
Is a Canadian Eskimo Dog a realistic choice for a UK home?
Only for a small number of owners. It needs a securely fenced garden, well over two hours of daily exercise and company for most of the day. It is also genuinely rare here, so finding a puppy takes patience.
How much should I feed a Canadian Eskimo Dog?
Let body condition set the amount you feed, since energy needs vary hugely with workload. Give a large-breed complete food as two or three meals a day, and check ribs and waist regularly. Our Food Finder can help match a diet to your dog's age, size and activity.
Are Canadian Eskimo Dogs prone to putting on weight?
They can, particularly once retired from active work. Weigh the food out, and consider a lighter formula if your dog is less active than a working line.
Do Canadian Eskimo Dogs get on with other pets?
Not reliably. Their history as pack-hunting sled dogs gives them a strong prey drive, and they are generally not considered safe around cats or small pets, even with early socialisation.