Toronto (Feb 23/04) - The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes the Canadian Eskimo (or Inuit sled) Dog is on the brink of extinction.

But so far, the club has not decided on a specific course of action to protect the breed.

It has yet to release a press statement to the media, but says public awareness is important to save the breed.

"We're in the beginning steps of deciding what to do," said Jason Foucault at the Canadian Kennel Club office in Toronto last Wednesday.

Last week, revelations surfaced that only 279 pure bred Canadian Eskimo Dogs are living today. Out of that number only 50 are female breeders.

"The breed is in peril," Foucault said. "Due to the number there is a need for the breeders. They need help."

But the Canadian Kennel Club can only do so much. It is up to people who breed the dogs, and the general public, to show an interest in having the animals around.

A Canadian Eskimo Dog costs $1,200 to purchase from a reputable Canadian breeder.

Foucault has the distinction of being the one and only Canadian Eskimo Dog owner in the Greater Toronto Area.

He harnesses his dog and has her pull a sled while running with him in the city.

"They need to run," he said, adding, the breed is not for everyone.

"Do your research before you purchase any dog, but particularly a Canadian Eskimo Dog," he said.

The Canadian Kennel Club can provide information for the public about good breeders, and proper training, and care for the dog.

Foucault first became aware of the decline in the number of Canadian Eskimo Dogs three years ago. He heard there were 400-500 of them left. With recent numbers so grim, people like Laura Pitblado, spokesperson for the Canadian Eskimo Dog Association, are hopeful more funding can be obtained through the federal government to establish breeding programs.

In particular, programs in the North.