Eskimo Dogs Seem to Have Laws of Their Own.
In his voyage of polar exploration Commander Fiala observed among his dogs a sort of government quite independent of that of their keepers. They were of the Eskimo variety and were trained to work in teams. In their general conduct, however, they acted as a community, and their rules had reference to the common good. There was no penalty less than that of death.
During the period of darkness we lost eight dogs. Three of them, splendid large animals, were killed by their companions. The other five either wandered off on the young ice and were blown away or were killed by the pack at a distance from camp. Every dog was known by name.
It is a curious fact that when one dog has antagonized the others the only way to save him from destruction later on is to chain him. Then the other dogs let him alone. Unfortunately for us, the dogs that seemed to incur the enmity of their fellows were the large strong animals, the bullies and fighters.
There seemed to be a degree of justice in their judgments. From close observation I found that the dogs generally forgave a bite on the head or body, but that an attack on the legs seemed to be considered foul play and must be paid for by the life of the offending canine. The whole pack united in his execution.-Youth’s Companion.
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