Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-j824f Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-15T22:14:29.237Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Pack dogs in the Canadian Arctic*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2009

Extract

Before the Eskimo economy had been much affected by the advent of whites, pack dogs were a common means of summer transport in most if not all parts of the Canadian Arctic. Among the changes which have led to less inland movement in summer are the attraction of settlements at “ship time”, the increase in bulk and weight of the average Eskimo family's personal effects, the increased reliance on bought food, the advent of boats and modern weapons, and the decline of the mainland caribou. Also, the availability of steel-shod dog sledges and the increased size of dog teams have, in some areas, made it more convenient to use a sledge in summer than to use pack dogs. However, sledge travel is not suitable for a small party of whites on a single summer trip, as a large team is needed and sufficient dogs and dog food may be difficult to obtain. We have found the use of pack dogs both convenient and economical, particularly for reconnaissance work, where freedom to spend varying amounts of time in any place along the route is a requisite. The reduction of weight of one's personal pack increases the pleasure of travelling and facilitates work along the way. We have used from one to four dogs, depending on their availability and upon the amount of dog food which can be obtained before starting and en route. Five is probably the maximum number of pack dogs that a man travelling alone would want to look after, as loading in the morning and adjusting packs during the day are time-consuming tasks.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1961

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1Jenness, Diamond. Material culture of the Copper Eskimos. Report of the Canadian Arctic Expedition, 1913–16, Vol. 16. Ottawa, 1946.Google Scholar
2Birket-Smith, Kaj. The Caribou Eskimos, material and social life and their cultural position. Report of the Fifth Thule Expedition, 1921–24, Vol. V. Part 1. Copenhagen, 1929.Google Scholar
3Douglas, G. M.. Lands Forlorn: a Story of an Expedition to Hearne's Coppermine River. New York, 1914.Google Scholar
4Noice, Harold. With Stefansson in the Arctic. London, 1924.Google Scholar