SELECTED THESES ON THE CIRCUMPOLAR ARCTIC

The provenance of the Inuit dog is explored from known occurences of faunal remains in paleoinuit archaeological sites which support the presence of the breed in the Arctic to c. 2000 BP. From a review of 'hunter-gatherer' cultures worldwide and a knowledge of the essential role played by the Inuit dog in Inuit culture in the historic period it is postulated that the breed has been resident in the Arctic concurrent with all known human occupants. The relationship of the Inuit dog to the wolf is investigated through anatomical comparisons, behavioural considerations and Inuit dog-keeping practices. A conclusion asserts that there is no firm evidence to supprt the common contention of regular breeding beyween the two species and much information suggests that the Inuit dog is no more closely related to the wolf than is any other breed. The Inuit dog displays special characteristics as a consequence of living in a polar environment. The breed's pelage, behaviour, size, nutrition and health issues are each reviewed to reveal their contribution to the unique adaptation which has allowed this animal to thrive in its natural habitat. The history of the Inuit dog in terms of its contribution to Inuit culture and to geographic and scientific exploration in the polar regions is traced. The declining use of dogs in polar transport has led to the substantial reduction of Inuit dog populations throughout its Arctic habitat.'