The Canadian Eskimo Dog Club Of Great Britain

🐾 Just 5 Weeks till our 25th Anniversary Weekend!

Come celebrate with us and enjoy a fantastic lineup of dog‑friendly events, competitions, and camping fun. 💛⛺

🎯 Have‑a‑Go Activities (Enter on the Day)

🐕 Fast K9 – £1.50 per dog
Top dogs will be added to our Leaderboard Competition!

🐩 Agility Have‑a‑Go – £1 per dog

🐶 Hoopers Have‑a‑Go – £1 per dog

🚲 Dry Land Dog – £1 per dog

🚗 Tyre Pulling – £1 per pull

🏅 Good Citizens Bronze Testing
£5 per dog (enter on the day)
Pass and receive an official RKC Bronze Certificate!

🐕‍🦺 Fun Dog Show
£2 per class or 3 for £5 (enter on the day)
Rosettes, prizes, and the chance to compete for Best in Show!

⛺ Camping
Camping available from just £5 per night!
Book your spot using this link:
👉 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAO__dUqbTdUNU1SV1U2T00yN1dBT0laREs0Mlo1VFJNMi4u&origin=Invitation&channel=0&utm_source=copilot.com

❄️ Canadian Eskimo Dog Show Entries Now Open!
(Show date: 12th September)

Enter online using this link and secure your place in the ring:
https://www.onlineshowentry.com/v3/index.php?fbclid=IwY2xjawTi5jVwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7iuZ5Mg1tj32t9rKWOZkQcGTDFMMgZxzfh-w-KWBfqYwU0IabXCNgXbyvLtQ_aem_04cRtkkASHvJ62jWPgLIFQ

❄️🐾 Friday Facts: Arctic Dog Sledding in Iqaluit, Nunavut

This week we’re doing something a little different. We usually explore Inuit history, but today we’re stepping into a modern, lived experience one that still carries the heartbeat of tradition.

Our feature comes from an article published by Voyageur Tripper, written by Mikaela, who offers a visitor’s perspective on dog sledding in Iqaluit. While her piece is framed through the lens of tourism, it’s also a warm and genuine look at encountering the Canadian Inuit Dog (Qimmiq) and the world of dog sledding for the first time.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kRTGrzZTNMukeIrbu-LgUtQCIL2djGJs/view?usp=sharing

Pictures below curtesy of Voyager Tripper Article

❄️🐾 Breed Standard Spotlight: Feet, Tail & Movement

Continuing our journey down the breed standard, we now focus on the feet, tail, and overall movement.

Feet
Feet should be large, almost round, and well‑arched, with thick pads and hair between the toes for protection and insulation.

Tail
The tail is large, bushy, and set moderately high. In motion, it is typically carried up or over the back, while in a standing position it may hang down naturally.

Gait / Movement
Movement is characterised by a powerful, brisk trot, with the rear legs moving in line with the front legs. Dogs with heavily muscled thighs may appear to move slightly wide behind, which is acceptable within the standard.

Last week we talked about Rufus whom made a massive impact on the way many judges and show societies saw the Canadian Eskimo Dog at shows. Let's move along with the historical journey to another dog.

NAPU OF NORTHWINDS AT AKNA SHCM IMP CAN *** born 15th July 2011.

Napu occupies a unique and important place in the history of the Canadian Eskimo Dog in the United Kingdom. Imported directly from Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, by the Akna Kennel, Napu arrived as an unregistered Inuit dog from Matty McNair of the Northwinds Expedition Kennel. Although no official pedigree was recorded for his sire or dam, his sire was a dog called Lewis and his mother was actually a CKC registered dog High Lonesomes Qimmiq Polaris. His outstanding quality, soundness and unmistakable breed type enabled him to become one of the most influential dogs in the modern development of the breed in the UK.

Health and welfare were always a priority throughout Napu's life. His BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme results were excellent, with a left hip score of 4, right hip score of 4, giving a total score of 8, assessed on 30th August 2012 at just over one year of age and he also achieved a Clear result under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme, tested at Crufts on 10th March 2016.

Napu's greatest claim to fame came in the show ring, where he etched his name into British canine history. On Friday 5 July 2013, at the East of England Championship Dog Show, he became the first Canadian Eskimo Dog ever to be placed in a Championship Show Working Group, achieving the remarkable honour of Working Group 4 under respected judge Mrs Ann Arch.

This achievement was made even more significant by the identity of the judge. Mrs Ann Arch had previously presided over the judging at Crufts. This historic separation of the Canadian Eskimo Dog and the Greenland Dog into their own distinct breeds, from the fiemer Eskimo Dog for judging purposes in 2001 marked the start of seperate journeys for both breeds here in the UK. The fact she should later award the first ever Championship Show Group placing to a Canadian Eskimo Dog added a fitting historical symmetry to the occasion and marked an important milestone in the breed's progress and recognition within the United Kingdom.

Napu's legacy extends far beyond his individual achievements. His success demonstrated the quality and potential of the Canadian Eskimo Dog on the British show scene and helped establish confidence in the breed at Championship level. As one of the foundation dogs of the Akna Kennel, he played a pivotal role in promoting and preserving this rare Arctic breed, inspiring breeders, exhibitors, judges and owners alike.

His historic Working Group placing remains one of the defining moments in the history of the Canadian Eskimo Dog in the UK and stands as a testament to the breed's soundness, working heritage and enduring quality. He was used at stud and left a legacy of quality dogs that have excellence in the show and working disciplines.

Written by Racheal Bailey

The European Dog Show being held in Stockholm, Sweden 🇸🇪 September 2026 has an entry of 8 dogs:

MALES
Open 1
Ch 1
BI***ES
Junior 2
Open 2
Ch 2

The Swedish Winners Shows held in conjunction has an entry of 6 dogs:

MALES
Open 1
Ch 1
BI***ES
Junior 2
Open 1
Ch 1

Best of luck to all attending 😀

🔥🔍 Friday Fact:
Ready for something different? This week we’re mixing history with science for a fact that’s too good not to share.

A study published in Science has clarified the origin and history of the Qimmit, Greenland’s sled dogs, through the analysis of 92 ancient and modern genomes.

The results show that they are not a uniform population but distinct regional groups, shaped by centuries of geographic isolation and close association with Inuit communities.

The most relevant aspect is that the genetic history of the Qimmit largely mirrors human migrations in the Arctic.

Data indicate at least two introductions of dogs into Greenland together with Inuit groups from Canada, confirming that these animals accompanied human expansion in the North.

This fits with previous studies showing that the Thule/Inuit expansion was not a single event but a multi‑phase process, with dogs introduced in successive waves.

Some regional lineages, now extinct—especially in northeastern Greenland—are genetically well defined and distinct from others.
The study also shows that the genetic impact of European dogs remained surprisingly limited.

Ancient Qimmit predating Danish‑Norwegian colonization show no significant European introgression, and even modern dogs retain a low level of this component.

This suggests remarkable biological continuity despite major historical, economic, and environmental changes.

Another key observation concerns genetic variability: some populations show lower diversity and higher homozygosity, signs of small, isolated groups.

From a conservation perspective, this is crucial, as the survival of Qimmit depends not only on cultural importance but also on careful management of their genetic diversity.

Qimmit are not just sled dogs: they are a living memory of Inuit migrations, Arctic adaptation, and the long coevolution between humans and dogs in the far North.

I wrote about Inuit dogs and their origins in Migrations, available online in several formats and languages.

Article originally posted by Giovanni Padrone.

❄️🐾 Breed Standard Spotlight: Body & Hindquarters

Continuing our journey through the breed standard, we move further down the body to explore two key structural areas.

Body
The body should convey overall power and endurance, with a deep, wide, well developed chest, moderately sprung ribs, and a strong, well developed loin. The back is level and well muscled throughout, showing only a slight tuck up. The skin should be thick and tough, reflecting the breed’s durability.

Hindquarters
The hindquarters are powerful, with well muscled thighs and a good turn of stifle. Rear pasterns should be vertical and strong. When viewed from behind, the legs appear straight, with hocks neither turning in nor out.

History is something that everyone new to any breed should try and learn about. Over the next few weeks we will share some images and information about dogs that have been important in the historical journey of the Canadian Eskimo Dog. Starting with this dog:

SHEPHERDSWAY JACK FROST AT ESKIMALS SHCM - A Pioneer of the Canadian Eskimo Dog in the United Kingdom

Born on 22 May 2009, Shepherdsway Jack Frost at Eskimals SHCM, known as Rufus to his friends was one of the most influential Canadian Eskimo Dogs in the history of the breed in the United Kingdom. Bred from outstanding imported bloodlines, he is the son of High Lonesomes Polaris III at Shepherdsway (Imp Can) and Shepherdsway Rainbow of Ice, bringing together generations of carefully preserved Canadian breeding. He was lovingly owned by David and Lizzie Salter and was raised with Canadian Eskimo Dogs, Alaskan Malmutes, Siberian Huskies and Labradors, all of which worked successfully in harness too.

His pedigree reflects the dedication of the Shepherdsway kennel, the first kennel to import the Canadian Eskimo Dog into the United Kingdom. Those pioneering imports laid the foundation for the breed's development in Britain, providing the genetic diversity and quality that would establish the breed for future generations. Jack Frost stands as an important representative of that legacy.

Health has always been a key consideration in preserving this rare and vulnerable breed. Jack Frost achieved an excellent BVA/KC Hip Score of 9 (5:4) and was certified clear under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme when tested, demonstrating the importance placed on responsible breeding, health testing and long-term breed preservation.

In the show ring, Shepherdsway Jack Frost at Eskimals SHCM forged an exceptional career. His numerous successes at Open Shows in AVNSC (Any Variety Not Separately Classified) and Championship Shows brought unprecedented visibility to the Canadian Eskimo Dog at a time when dedicated breed classes were still uncommon. Through his consistent exposure and good breed type and always outstanding performances, he introduced countless judges, exhibitors and spectators to one of the world's rarest indigenous Arctic breeds.

His achievements were instrumental in changing the landscape for the Canadian Eskimo Dog in the UK. As exhibitors continued to demonstrate the breed's quality and attract increasing entries, many show societies recognised this growing interest by introducing dedicated Canadian Eskimo Dog classes, gradually removing the breed from AVNSC competition. This marked a significant milestone in the breed's journey towards greater recognition within the UK show scene.

Awarded the first ever, Show Certificate of Merit (SHCM), Jack Frost's success reflected not only his own outstanding quality but also the commitment of those who believed in promoting the breed through exhibition. His influence extended well beyond his own wins; he helped establish opportunities for future generations of Canadian Eskimo Dogs to compete under their own breed classes and inspired many exhibitors to campaign the breed across the country.

Shepherdsway Jack Frost at Eskimals SHCM is remembered not simply as a successful show dog, but as a true ambassador for the Canadian Eskimo Dog. His legacy lives on through the increased recognition of the breed within the United Kingdom, the opportunities now available to exhibitors, and the continued preservation of one of the world's oldest and rarest working dog breeds. Sadly Rufus was never used at stud. However two of his litter sisters Shepherdsway Eskimo Angel At Akna and Shepherdsway Cinders At Akna did go on and produce UK and World winning progeny.

Written by Racheal Bailey of the Akna Kennel