CHAPTER XXXI 

 NORTHERN DOGS 



MOST of the dogs of the Northern regions resemble the Esquimaux 

 in many respects, all having the pointed muzzle and prick ears, and 

 most of them the same carriage of tail, but none have quite the 

 same wolf-like expression or the peculiar coat. So great, however, 

 is the resemblance in some cases that it is difficult for those without 

 experience to know the difference, and several cases have come under 

 the writer's notice in which Norwegian and Swedish dogs have 

 been offered for sale as Esquimaux, the owners quite believing that 

 they were such. In one instance it was not until the owner of the 

 dog and the gentleman from whom he purchased it saw an 

 Esquimaux and a Norwegian dog side by side that they were con- 

 vinced they were wrong in describing the dog as one of the former 

 breed. 



The Esquimaux is found over a wide geographical range, but 

 although specimens from different parts differ from one another, they 

 all present certain general and prominent features. That these dogs 

 are closely related to the wolf admits of no doubt ; in fact, so much 

 are they alike in general appearance that, when seen at a distance, 

 it is difficult to distinguish the one from the other, The chief 

 difference between the two is in the carriage of the tail : in the 

 dog it is carried over the back, which is not the case with the wolf. 



There are few handsomer dogs than the Esquimaux, and none 

 of greater utility to their owners than are these dogs in their native 

 parts. Without them life in the Arctic regions would be impossible, 

 the natives being entirely dependent upon them for the means 

 of travelling from one part to another. Long journeys over the 

 ice-bound districts are accomplished in heavily laden sledges 

 drawn by these dogs ; they are yoked by means of a single trace, 

 composed of a long thin thong of seal or walrus hide, to the sledge, 

 which is formed of boards lashed together. The trace is passed 

 round the body, over the shoulders, and under the fore legs. A 

 dog of superior intelligence is selected as the leader of the team, 

 and so much depends upon this dog that no pains are spared in 



