CANADA Day

July 1.   Today is a national holiday here– it’s Canada’s birthday.  And to celebrate the day, my human, of course, had to purchase the obligatory holiday attire for us canines. And of course, she subjected us to the dreaded photo shoot. And voila – what you see are two of the best shots.  Out of thousands taken.

 In honor of all things Canadian, I thought we could take a minute to talk about those dog breeds who have their roots in Canada.  Did you know there are 4 breeds from the “Great White North” who are recognized by the CKC and three of those are also recognized by the AKC?  If you didn’t know– you will now!

The breed recognized by the CKC alone is the Canadian Eskimo Dog also known as the Canadian Inuit Dog. These guys are sturdy dogs, built for pulling sleds in the Arctic. They were almost extinct in the 1970’s and then a strong effort was made to save them.  They’re probably not a dog for everyone as they need LOTS of exercise, and probably like to be outside.  A LOT.  They probably don’t mind the rain and snow like Frodo does.

Then we have the Newfoundland.  Those guys are HUGE.  They are like big black bears.  Although some come in a brown color too.  Some say that Leif Ericsson brought the Viking “bear dogs” with him when he came to Newfoundland.  In the 19^th century, they were imported to Great Britain – and it was there that the Landseer variety (white with black spots), really became popular. Newfies love to swim – and have webbed feet.  They are great at hauling fishermen's nets – and have also been used for water rescues.  They are basically big gentle giants. 

Our next breed is probably one of the BEST-known, most popular breeds in the world.  OK.  Maybe I made that up- because I don’t really have the world-wide stats.  But there sure are LOTS of them! The ever-popular, all around dog’s dog – the Labrador Retriever.  While they originated in Newfoundland, the British really helped to develop the breed as a sporting breed.  These guys come in three colors – Black, Chocolate (NOT brown) and yellow (NOT golden).  Labs do everything.  They hunt.  They swim.  They do obedience.  They do agility.  They like to eat.  LOTS.  They like kids.  They are seeing eye dogs.  And therapy dogs.  They shed.  LOTS.  My human had one – his name was Beamish. Frodo loved him.  And after Beamish went to the Rainbow bridge, I came along.  The antithesis of a Lab.  But wonderful in my own way.

And our last Canadian breed is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.  And guess where THEY come from?!  Portugal.  JUST KIDDING.  They came from my very own province – Nova Scotia. Tolling has nothing to do with collecting money at a toll station.  Tolling is a strategy in which a dog romps and plays along the shore, attracting the attention of ducks and geese.  The hunter stays hidden.  When curious waterfowl come in for a closer look, the hunter calls in the dog and ka-bam.  Maple Mustard Mallard.  Tollers are said to be a combo of retrievers, spaniels setters and a dash of collie thrown in for good measure.  They are smart and excel at lots of things – like Labs.  They are reddish in color – with some white on their feet and chest and tail tip– and sometimes on their faces.  And they can dance a Scottish jig.  JUST kidding.  But who knows – they ARE from “New Scotland.”

So today we celebrate Canada AND Canadian dogs – including those who are Polish - but born in Canada.  Happy Canada Day!!!!

©  Linda Wozniak