What makes the American Eskimo Dog Unique?
The Eskie is built along classic Nordic lines, a form that has proved effective at pulling heavy loads through snow and ice. It is compactly built, slightly longer than tall. The stand-off, double coat resists soaking and provides insulation against the cold. The small thick ears are also cold-resistant. The breed’s smaller size has moved it from the realm of sled dog, but it remains a sled dog in miniature. Its trot is agile and bold. The expression is keen and alert. The American Eskimo is bright, eager to please, lively and fun-loving — in short, an enjoyable and generally obedient companion. True to its spitz heritage, it is independent and tenacious and loves to run, especially in cold weather. But it is among the most biddable of spitz breeds, and it is calm and well-mannered inside. It is good with children, other dogs, and pets and is generally outgoing to everyone.
Breed Groups
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Is the American Eskimo Dog Right For You?
American Eskimo Dogs are very friendly and affectionate. They get along well with family members and other animals as a general rule. This breed is great with older children and will no doubt enjoy playing with them. However, when these dogs are handled or petted too roughly unwanted interactions have been known to occur so American Eskimo Dogs may not be best for families with small children or toddlers. These animals are also excellent watchdogs and loudly greet visitors.
In 5 Words
- Reserved
- Alert
- Protective
- Friendly
- Intelligent
Characteristics
Learn About the American Eskimo Dog
Description
General
Spitz type dogs have long proved their worth by carting heavy loads, even in wintery conditions. The American Eskimo Dog is similar in built to its ancestors, but is more diminutive in size. These compact, square-shaped dogs are somewhat longer than they are tall. They have triangular, upright ears that are thick and cold resistant. Their tails are plumed and carried over their backs. They should move at a brisk, agile trot. Under their dense coats, American Eskimo Dogs have grey or pink skin. Their noses, foot pads, gums, and eyelids should be black. Blue eyes are not permitted.
Size
The breed comes in standard, miniature, and toy varieties. Standard size dogs will weigh between 20 and 40 pounds and measure 15 to 19 inches in height. Miniature versions will measure 11 to 15 inches tall and weigh somewhere between 11 and 20 pounds. Toy types should weigh between 6 and 10 pounds and can be up to 12 inches tall. Owners should note that dogs of greater than 19 inches (48 centimeters) or those smaller than 9 inches (23 centimeters) are not allowed in the show ring.
Coat
These dogs have a heavy double coat which helps them resist inclement weather. While the outer coat is quite coarse, the undercoat is soft and dense. Their fur is especially thick around their necks, but they may also have additional fur on both their rump and back legs. Males of the breed may even have a mane or ruff. American Eskimo Dogs always have white fur, but may have biscuit hued markings as well. Other colorations are not allowed. Wavy or curly coats are not also permitted.
Short History of the American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog descended from Nordic Spitz breeds that have fox like faces, profuse coats, and upraised ears. Having tails which are carried over their back is another feature of the Spitz type dogs. The white German and Italian Spitzes as well as the white Keeshond and Pomeranians were among the ancestors of this breed.
Despite the fact, they have no connection to the Eskimo people, the breed formerly called an American Spitz became known as American Eskimo Dogs around the year 1917. It is thought that the name change was done to honor the dogs’ Nordic ancestry.
Throughout the 19th century, members of this breed worked as circus animals because they were not only beautiful but also highly trainable. The American Eskimo Dog was eventually recognized as a member of the AKC Non-sporting group in the mid 1990s.
Temperament
American Eskimo Dog Although these animals are intelligent and alert, American Eskimo Dogs may nonetheless have a mischievous streak. With that said, this breed learns quite quickly and they typically strive to please their human owners. Much like other Spitz breeds, these lively dogs enjoy racing about in cold weather. American Eskimo Dogs are widely regarded as being among the most obedient Spitz dog types, which helps make the breed more suitable for indoor life than others.
American Eskimo Dogs are very friendly and affectionate. They get along well with family members and other animals as a general rule. This breed is great with older children and will no doubt enjoy playing with them. However, when these dogs are handled or petted too roughly unwanted interactions have been known to occur so American Eskimo Dogs may not be best for families with small children or toddlers. These animals are also excellent watchdogs and loudly greet visitors. Though wary of strangers at first, American Eskimo Dogs will soon make friends with anyone to whom they have been introduced.
Caring for Your American Eskimo Dog
General Health
TIn good health, these dogs have a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years. There are not many major health concerns for this breed but they are prone to ailments such as patellar luxation, skin allergies, and pyruvate kinase deficiency.
Care
Daily
Due to their high energy levels, regular exercise is crucial for American Eskimo Dogs. Yet, the larger dogs are far more active than their smaller counterparts. A short walk or a brisk play session will be enough for the toys to get their daily exercise, but the standard size American Eskimo Dogs might need a lengthy walk or a fast-paced jog around the neighborhood instead. Allowing these dogs to play in an enclosed yard will also help them meet their activity requirements.
Weekly
Once or twice a week, American Eskimo Dogs should be brushed in order to remove loose hairs from their coats. If the dogs are shedding, they should be groomed more frequently. Males and females that have been spayed shed once a year but females that are not spayed shed twice yearly. A slicker brush is recommended for use on this breed.
Monthly
American Eskimo Dogs are like any other breed in the fact that they require monthly heartworm, flea and tick prevention medications. Their nails should also be kept trimmed and their teeth brushed regularly.
Grooming & Bathing
American Eskimo Dogs have natural oils in their coats, which help make them impervious to dirt and dust. Mud will simply fall of their coat when it dries. Thus, a clean coat is maintained with little effort from their owners. This breed is not prone to odor problems either. Bathing them every three months or as needed is nonetheless suggested, but not required.
Exercise & Training
Firm and consistent training is best with this intelligent breed, but they also respond well to rewards based learning methods. American Eskimo Dogs generally excel at formal obedience trials. However, unwanted behavior can result if American Eskimo Dogs are not given enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are especially prone to boredom barking. Hyperactive behavior such as spinning in circles, aggressive behaviors, and separation anxiety have also been noted.
Families with small dogs should be aware that their pets are prone to developing the delusion that they are in charge rather than their human owners and take care to avoid this mistaken idea. In areas where the weather ranges between temperate and cool conditions, standard size Eskimo Dogs can live outside. Yet, this breed would be far happier indoors with their families instead.
American Eskimo Dog Picture Gallery
