German Spaniel vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison

Looking like a smaller version of the Red Setter, the German Spaniel, known also as the Deutscher Wachtelhund or German Quail Dog, hails from Germany.

It isn't a new dog breed and in fact it was developed around 1890 already. Used as a hunting dog, the German Spaniel isn’t well known outside of Germany, but it was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996.

There are a number of breeds which feature in the development of the German Spaniel, and one of the more prominent dog breeds used for the modern day German Spaniel is the extinct Stoeberer. The Stoeberer was crossed with water dogs and sporting spaniels to bring about the modern German Spaniel as we know it today.

It was in 1903 that the dog was recognized as a breed, and in the 1960s and 1970s the dogs were imported into the United States.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog dates way back to more than 4,000 years ago. This Arctic breed of dog was developed to pull sleds, and wasn’t considered as a pet but as a working dog – an important means to an end – a tool for use.

By the 1960s the dog breed had declined to such an extent that they were removed from UKC and AKC registries. It is believed that the breed would have in all likelihood become extinct if it weren’t for the efforts of Brian Ladoon, William Carpenter and John McGrath who formed the Eskimo Dog Research Foundation in 1972.

After breeding for 30 years, the dog has the biggest genetic stock colony of Canadian Eskimo Dogs and in May 2000, Nunavut, a Canadian territory, adopted the dog as the animal symbol for this region.

As a medium-sized, muscular dog which stands at roughly 45cm to 54cm in height and weighs 18 – 25kg, the German Spaniel is a sporty gun dog who has a long back in relation to his height.

The ears are long and floppy with wavy or curly hair that will need to be attended to so as to avoid matting.

He has a long, wavy or curly weather-resistant coat, being short on the head but with feathering around the legs and stomach. Color of the coat includes brown, reddish brown and white. The white markings can be found on the chest of the dog, the legs, tails and muzzle. `

Temperament:

The German Spaniel loves to work and be busy and if he can be included in his human family’s activities, then so much the better. He is a social dog and gets on well with other dogs as well as children in the home. The German Spaniel is an intelligent dog and easily trained. In fact training and socialization are important for him, making him obedient and a pleasure to have around.

Looks of the Canadian Eskimo Dog

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a well-built, medium- to large sized dog looking much like a husky. The male Eskimo dog is somewhat bigger than the female, standing 58 – 70cm at the shoulder and weighing 30 - 40kg.

The male often has some thick fur around the neck, giving him the appearance of looking larger than he actually is. He is slightly larger than the female. Other people say he has a similar appearance to a wolf.

He has a thick double coat which can be white, gray, fawn or even black and white. He has short, erect ears, dark brown eyes and a bushy, feathered tail which curls over the back. Sometimes you find blue eyes with the Canadian Eskimo Dog, and its only when you want to show him, that this isn’t acceptable.

Temperament

The Canadian Eskimo Dog's temperament is hard working, tough, brave, alert and intelligent. When he is trained and socialized, which will be important for this breed, he becomes gentle and loving, forming a strong bond with his owner. He’ll also get along well with children in the home as well as other pets.

The German Spaniel makes a wonderful family pet. He is friendly and sociable, getting along well with just about all dogs and people. He loves his human family, wanting to be involved in all their activities.

He is an active dog, used to hunting and being outdoors and he will therefore require a good deal of exercise from his owners, otherwise he becomes bored and frustrated and even destructive.

He is an adaptable dog, living in the city or the countryside, but wherever he is, exercise is important. Docile and non-aggressive, he has got all the characteristics that make him a splendid family pet.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a dog which is responsive to training. With training and socialization, as a highly intelligent, strong-will dog he will need to be supervised by a firm, authoritative figure.

He makes such an awesome pet when properly trained, and if you’re a responsible dog owner who knows how to care for- and exercise your pet appropriately, you’ll be rewarded by having a strong, loving companion at your side.

Health problems are fairly unknown with the robust German Spaniel, and if well cared for, he can reach 12 to 15 years of age.

There are always one or two hereditary health concerns, and the health issues that affect the breed the most are hip dysplasia, skin allergies and splayed feet.

The American Kennel Club tells us that this type of foot is flat, with spreading toes. It is a fault in your pet because it doesn’t support his weight well, causing health problems later on for your pet. This is why it is so important to have your pet’s nails clipped from time to time, because long nails can turn a good paw into a splayed one, actually injuring the tendons.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a generally healthy breed who has a life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years when he is lovingly cared for and provided with a top quality diet. Ensure that he has a top quality diet with plenty of raw meat geared towards his age and energy levels.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog suffers from common health issues that most dogs are at risk for, and typically this will include hip dysplasia and eye disease. If your dog develops a disease such as hip dysplasia, speak to your vet immediately.

Grooming:

Shedding quite heavily and seasonally, the German Spaniel’s thick coat will require being brushed twice a week to keep it shiny and healthy. He loves the attention you give him at the same time.

There are some German Spaniel owners who like to take their dogs in for professional grooming, requesting that the coat be cut short all round.

The long ears of your German Spaniel, especially if your pet spends a lot of time swimming, can be permanently damp, picking up dirt easily. Check inside the ears and make sure they are dry and clean to prevent ear infections.

Make sure to brush his teeth 2 or 3x a week as well because plaque build up leads to dental disease but it also negatively affects other body organs too, shortening your pet’s life.

Diet:

Every dog, just like any human being, requires good nutrition, fresh water and warm, dry sleeping facilities to remain happy and to give him a good chance at longevity.

Apart from the very best commercially manufactured dog foods, ensure he occasionally gets some raw meat in as well as some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken. These can be added into his kibble.

Exercise:

The Canadian Eskimo Dog has always been a working dog, used to being driven hard to perform, and to this day he likes to work hard and have his day filled with activities.

His exercise requirements are high and this is one breed that you’re going to have to exercise regularly – long walks, running on a leash as you cycle, ball games, swimming, hiking. It is why the dog is best suited for life in the country as opposed to small properties in the city. If exercise seems like a lot of hard work for you, don’t buy such a breed as it will be cruel and irresponsible to leave him day after day in your back yard. He becomes bored, frustrated, unhappy and destructive.

Grooming:

The dog is an average shedder and his coat is short and dense. There’s not a whole lot of maintenance to worry about with this good-looking dog and he will basically require having a good brush twice a week.