Temperament
Toughness and endurance are the two characteristics emphasized by Lorenz's description. The Inuit dogs also possess a strong pack mentality. When raised as a pack, they settle into a hierarchy identical to that of wolves. The Alpha male, or boss - or "king" as he was frequently referred to in the past - wins his position by fighting and defeating other dogs. He maintains his supremacy by brawn but also by cunning. He intimidates his subordinates to discourage them from challenging him.
A dominant female, the Alpha female, is often the constant companion of the Alpha male. Sometimes, if he is engaged in a fight, which he does not win rapidly, she will support him by attacking his adversary. Otherwise, she is content to watch.
The Inuit dog is very friendly toward humans if properly socialized. We must never underestimate his size and zest for playing and eating as well as for work.
Children are vulnerable when left unsupervised in the company of Inuit dogs. A dog might pounce on a well-meaning child who unwisely picks up a bone, intending to give it to him. The dog may not understand the gesture and will attempt to retrieve his property. This trait is not exclusive to the Inuit dog, and many a child has been bitten by the family pet under similar circumstances.
Nor should a child be permitted to feed the dogs. Inuit dogs become extremely excited at feeding time, and jump for their food. A youngster, or even a slightly-built adult, might get knocked to the ground. The dogs' powerful paws are equipped with large claws that can easily rip tender flesh. The Inuit dog has no intention of attacking a human, but its boisterous nature can be dangerous.
The presence of food is often the cause of aggression. In well-fed and contented teams, it does not lead to a full fight, only much growling and teeth baring.
In Northern settlements, serious fighting occurs if a loose dog wanders into the middle of a picketed team. Fighting is the great enjoyment of the Inuit dog.
Aggression is a topic frequently mentioned in connection with Inuit dogs. Inter-male dominance is the primary type of aggression. The pack mentality is strong and each dog takes his rightful place, but the hierarchy can only be established by fighting unless the dogs join the pack as pups. A pup enters at the bottom of the social ladder. As long as the young dog displays the appropriate submissive attitude to the boss dog, there is no conflict.
Some fear-aggression and predatory-aggression have also been reported. Fear-aggression is almost always due to lack of socialization. Drivers of Inuit dog teams have said that this type of aggression is more common today than in the past. A reason for this may be due to the changes of the traditional Inuit way of life.
The Inuit dog requires early and intensive socialization to form a bond. Inuit pups who have not been handled by humans between birth and five weeks of age will grow into difficult dogs, exhibiting strong fear-aggression.
The nature of the Inuit dog needs to be well understood before taking him on. He requires a large measure of daily exercise and he never tires of it.
Copyright © ISDI 2005
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