528 
Nansen’s dogs were mostly of the white 
or white and black Samoyede breed. Peary’s 
were of the larger and more wolf-like 
Eskimo race. Both travellers have much 
to say in their published records of the 
working capabilities of their dogs, and 
from them and the writings of other Arctic 
and Antarctic explorers one gathers much 
that is enlightening concerning the nature 
of the various breeds. 
The Samoyede, or Laika, is the smaller 
YOUNG SAMOYEDES BY PETER THE GREAT——ALASKA. 
BRED BY THE HON. MRS. McLAREN MORRISON. 
dog, and the less powerful, as it is also the 
more decoratively beautiful, with its thick 
fur of pure snowy white. Some of them are 
entirely black with a white patch on the 
chest, and many of the white ones have 
black about the head, while occasionally 
brown or fawn occurs; but unblemished 
white is the colour most admired, giving 
distinction to the black nose and the bright 
dark eyes. With its pointed muzzle, and 
sharply erect ears, its strong, bushy tail, 
and short body, the dog is obviously of 
Spitz type, but the wolf nature is always 
more or less apparent, and one cannot doubt 
that the white Arctic wolf has contributed 
largely toits origin. In height the Samoyede 
is from 18 to 22 inches; weight about 60 lb. 
THE NEW BOOK 
OF THE WWoG 
The Eskimo, although less comely in 
appearance, is larger by a few inches, and 
zoologically a more interesting dog, as 
being much more nearly allied to the wolf. 
Personally he is a sturdy, well-boned animal, 
with excellent body qualities, and admirable 
limbs. His resemblance to his wild relative 
is accentuated by his long, snipy muzzle, 
and his erect triangular ears, although it 
may be noted that his Eskimo owner has a 
fancy for the ear carried low. The eyes are 
set obliquely, like those 
of the wolf, and the 
jaw is formidable, with 
excellent deatition. 
With a strong, arched 
neck, a broad chest, 
and muscular quarters, 
he is apparently made 
for work, and for ac- 
complishing long jour- 
neys, with tireless en- 
durance. His tail is 
long and bushy, and 
in the adult is usually 
carried over the back. 
His coat is dense, hard 
and deep, especially on 
the back, where it may 
be from two to four 
inches in length, with 
a woolly undercoat to 
resist the penetrating 
snow and cold. It is 
longer about the neck and the thighs, but 
shorter on the legs and head. In colour it 
is the same as that of the wolf, black or 
rusty black with lighter greyish markings 
on the chest, belly and tail. Often a pure 
white dog may be seen, as Peary’s Lion, 
who was very little different from the 
Siberian breed, and in all there is the 
characteristic light spots above the eyes. 
The height of the Eskimo dog may average 
22 inches at the shoulder. 
Many lupine traits are observable in the 
Eskimo dog. He does not habitually bark, 
but has a weird wolfish howl; and he is re- 
markable for his thievishness and his destruc- 
tiveness towards smaller animals. Possibly 
he inherits from the wolf, with whom he is 
