Inuit dogs in fan hitch. Click for bigger.
From the latest issue of The Fan Hitch comes this piece by Mark Hamilton entitled Why Inuit Dogs?:
From the latest issue of The Fan Hitch comes this piece by Mark Hamilton entitled Why Inuit Dogs?:
The Inuit Sled Dog as a working animal was and is shaped by the harsh requirements of life in the polar region. It has evolved into a breed that enthusiastically works in all arctic weather conditions. It seems to be genetically programmed to survive even in conditions of privation. The dogs are intelligent and clever. They express enjoyment in their work and their lives. I've found them to be brave, reliable, honest and to have seemingly boundless enthusiasm for everything they do. I love this breed and frankly find it difficult to imagine myself with any other breed of dog.
But reality is that most of the Inuit Dog's finest attributes are of little or no value when living the easy life this far south of the tree line. The Inuit Dog's legendary endurance under difficult circumstances goes largely unchallenged at 41.78ยบ north here in Connecticut. We don't have polar bears down here, which pretty much obviates our need for keeping a bear dog close at hand. Yes, we have black bears, but generally they can be chased off if you just bang a couple of pot lids together.
On the other hand, the Inuit Dog's equally legendary enjoyment of a good brawl among themselves and their ability to take advantage of humans incapable of projecting a leadership aura is not diminished in any way by living so far south of the tree line. What becomes apparent as a result of the dogs being here are the number of people living close at hand who are incapable of understanding the breed's behavior (i.e. we live among people who have embraced a Disney-like world view).
The point here is simple: Working dogs are not for everyone and often come with real liabilties. If you are looking for a lap dog or simple suburban pet, an Inuit Dog is not for you!
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2 comments:
True working dogs just aren't good pets.
Here's the best analysis I can find on the characteristics of a working-type golden and why they don't make good pets for the casual owner:
http://www.bredekaer.dk/golden_retrievergb.htm
And field trial quality Labradors bred in this country are much more active and reactive than any golden retriever. They really are a challenge to keep. That's one reason why the fellow who wrote Marley and Me had such a hard time with his dog. His lack of knowledge about retrievers was a big factor, but he had a Lab from a trial strain. They are full of energy-- so much so that the average person cannot provide them the stimulation they need to thrive.
Of course, they aren't like Qimmiq (Inuit dogs).
If only more people understood this.
I've see so many Huskies and other northern breeds in homes where their physical and mental needs are simply not met. Unfortunately, northern breeds are such victims of their pretty looks that their working instinct is all but ignored. The "Disney-like world view" is so true too...I watched a YouTube video of an American tourist in Ireland who was watching sheepdogs do what they do best. Every comment I heard was something to the effect of "Oh how cute!" Thank goodness for the 'mute' function.
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