The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-08-09
Esquimaux Dogs.
Toron to Globe.

Nf~~~'
When at Fort Albany we saw several
Esquimaux dogs, species OF canine
unknown to civilized communities
These dogs are very large-larger than
our Newfoundland and much stronger
when in condition. Their strength,
however, varies. In the winter, when
they are we'll fed for driving, they are
much stouter and stronger than in sum-
mer, when they are poorly fed, with
out exercise and languid from the heat,
which is very telling upon them, as
their native climate far to the north is
very severe. Their colors are white
and yellow-while impure breeds are
white and black-the hair thick and
bushy, and the tail long, bushy and
curling up at the end. At times they
are very quiet, at others very savage.
They are driven ordinarily five in num-
Der, but often many more, before sleds,
one, invariably female, leading, for
the other will follow her more readily.
Each dog has separate rein, which is
held by the driver, who has also great
long whip made of sealskin, plated as
ordinary whips, but with the heavy
part of the lash about the thickness of
a mans wrist. The lash is from six to
nine fathoms long, and the handle,
made of wood, from foot to foot
and half in length. When dog is
not drawing properly or misbehaving
in any way he or she is drawn by his
or her separate rein out from the rest
of the pack to receive chastisement
with the whip, and so we'll do they
know what is coming that just as soon
as the rein is pulled the victim begins
yelping and struggling to correct his
or her ways before the whip
comes laundering along Crest skill is
required in the use of these whips, for
if not properly handled the great heavy
lash cracks around the manipulator's
body and legs infiicting very painful
and sometimes severe wounds, but in
the hands of person skilled in the use
of them these whips can be used with
great precision and effect, sometimes
completely cutting a dogs ear off.
Very remarkable stories are told about
the manner in which the Esquimaux
handle their whips, but they are, be-
lieve, slightly exaggerated. 1t is said
that they have frequently attacked and
killed white bears, the most ferocious
animals in the vicinity of James Bay,
with knife attached to the end of
whip. One of our party "tried his
hand" with one of these dog-whips and
succeeded in furnishing his legs rather
severely, while a Hudson Bay COM
officer used it with as much ease
and precision as horseman would have
used an ordinary whip. Some Esqui-
maux dogs at Fort Albany had to be
tied a long distance apart with long
chains, while whole fish were thrown to
them, which they devoured with aston
ishing suddenness, lest in their greed
they should turn upon each other.
They are quite manageable when
they get on the track of deer, and no
person can check them in their wild
career as they gallop sup hill and down
dale," over ice and snow and through
bush, with the sled behind them in pur-
suit of the prey. Ordinarily they make
about sixty miles day, and very pleas
antly ard comfortably does man
travel in these northern regions, wrap
ped up in blankets and furs upon dog
sled.