Siberian Husky vs Canadian Eskimo Dog: Full Breed Showdown

If you want a full rundown of the Siberian Husky vs Canadian Eskimo Dog, then you’ve come to the right place.

Siberian Huskies are a much more popular breed that is kept as pets across the world. Canadian Eskimo Dogs are still very rare, with only a few select breeders. They are not suitable to be kept purely as pets and are instead used to work and for shows.

They share a similar background as sled dogs, though, which means there is more to this comparison than meets the eye. Stay tuned to learn all the differences and similarities between these two breeds!

An inforgraphic detailing the similarities and differences between the Siberian Husky vs Canadian Eskimo Dog

Contents

Differences Between The Siberian Husky vs Canadian Eskimo Dog
Similarities
Which Dog Is Best For You?
Recommended Reading On The Canadian Eskimo Dog

Differences Between The Siberian Husky vs Canadian Eskimo Dog

Let’s start with the key differences between the Siberian Husky and Canadian Eskimo Dog.

Breed Population

Canadian Eskimo Dogs were almost made extinct due to the introduction of the snowmobile and the RCMP’s slaughter of Intuit dogs. This was so severe that by 1963, only one Canadian Eskimo Dog remained in the Canadian Kennel Club, and the breed was declared extinct.

Breeding efforts have drastically improved the outlook for Canadian Eskimo Dogs, but there still aren’t many of them compared to the vast majority of other breeds. In the UK, for example, there have only been just over 200 dogs registered in the UK since 2000.

Historically, huskies have also struggled with population numbers, especially during the famines suffered by the Chukchi people in the 1860s, but the numbers are very strong today.

AKC Registration

The Canadian Eskimo Dog lost its AKC registration in 1959 and has never regained it.

However, they are still registered with the Canadian Kennel Club, and the future seems optimistic for this breed to be accepted in other clubs across the globe.

Siberian Huskies were first recognized by the AKC in 1930 and have continued to be part of the club due to the large number and popularity of the breed.

Availability

Although Canadian Eskimo Dogs are becoming more established in recent years due to the brilliant efforts of breeders worldwide, they are still in much shorter supply when compared to a breed like the Siberian Husky.

It’s much harder to get one of these dogs, and they’re also only for certain owners who can work and potentially show them.

Huskies are also a lot of work, but they are technically available to anyone who wants one.

Size

Canadian Eskimo Dogs are larger than Siberian Huskies in both height and weight:

Canadian Eskimo dogs weigh 40 to 88 lbs and reach 19.5 to 27.5 inches in height, depending on gender, as per the CKC standard.
Siberian Huskies are naturally smaller, reaching 35 to 60 lbs in weight and 20 to 23.5 inches in height.

Canadian Eskimos also grow larger manes (on the males), making them look similar to a wooly husky and even larger than a regular husky.

Working vs Domestic Breed

Canadian Eskimo Dogs are still a working breed, like Huskies, but they are not widely domesticated, and most examples still work to this day.

Some Huskies still work in places like Alaska, but they’re much more popular as domestic pets in most locations worldwide.

Eye Color

An easy way to tell these two apart (aside from the obvious size difference) is with their eyes.

Huskies regularly have blue eyes, or one blue eye and one brown, whereas Canadian Eskimo Dogs never have blue eyes. Instead, their eyes are generally dark and appear either hazel or yellow.

Huskies can also have green eyes and generally have much more variation in eye color.

Similarities

Siberian Huskies and Canadian Eskimo Dogs share a similar heritage as sled dogs, so it’s only natural that the two breeds have quite a few similarities.

Appearance

As Spitz-type sled dogs, there are quite a few similarities in appearance between the Siberian Husky and Canadian Eskimo Dog.

A white and red Canadian Eskimo dog — Credit – Canadian Eskimo Club UK Gallery

They both have several characteristics seen across many Spitz-type breeds, such as erect pointed ears, curly tails, and thick double coats. This gives them a classic wolf-like appearance.

A Siberian husky with one blue and one brown eye laid on some grass next to gravel — A Siberian Husky with classic blue and brown eyes

It can be difficult to tell these breeds apart in similar color combinations if you aren’t familiar with them both.

Sledding History

Huskies and Canadian Eskimo Dogs share a similar background as sledding dogs used to pull light loads over long distances.

As you’ve probably guessed, this also means that both breeds have a high drive for work and lots of excess energy if they aren’t exercising or working regularly.

Thick Double Coat

A thick double coat is essential for all Arctic breeds to survive the extremely low temperatures that are often faced in those climates.

Huskies and Canadian Eskimo Dogs have thick double coats, which means their coat is split into two layers: a short wooly undercoat that provides insulation and a long guard layer that protects the skin and coat below from debris and moisture.

Coat Color Variation

Huskies are known for having many different coat colors, from classic black and white to red and even agouti (and many more); there is an almost endless variation in the possible coat colors.

Canadian Eskimo Dogs also have a wide variety of coat coloring with pigmentation from black to light brown, and according to the UK Kennel Club, all colors and markings are acceptable.

The Canadian Kennel Club is stricter and advises colors of all white, red, buff, cinnamon, and more with markings, but keep in mind that these are just according to the standard.

Just as the AKC issues Husky colors under the Siberian Husky Club of Americas standard, there are other colors outside those that are referable in shows.

Prey Drive

Both breeds have a high prey drive by nature, which means they can be prone to chasing after small animals like other small dogs or cats without thinking about it.

This is important to consider if you have other pets.

Which Dog Is Best For You?

If you’re interested in getting a Canadian Eskimo Dog, there’s a very high chance that you would already know a lot about the breed, as there are few breeders around.

These dogs still need to be worked, and they are not very suited for being domestic pets at all.

On the other hand, Siberian Huskies are domesticated worldwide and available in most places. They still need a lot of exercise, but working them isn’t a requirement.

Want to read more husky breed comparisons? Check out some of our other recent husky comparisons below: