The American Eskimo Dog combines good looks and smart mind in a complete set of brains and beauty. Neither shy nor aggressive, Eskimo is always alert and friendly, little conservative when making new friends.
History of American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo is a member of the family of Spitz dogs. The Spitz-type breeds can trace their history back to the “Peat Dogs” of the New Stone Age. All of them possess double coats that stand away from the body, prick ears and a tail that curls tightly and is usually carried over the back.
Among the most common Spitz breeds represented today are the Keeshond, the Chow Chow, the Finnish Spitz, the Shiba Inu, and the Akita and several others, besides the American Eskimo.
The American Eskimo has the shape of the typical Spitz type of dog, with short erect ears, a bushy stand-off coat all over the body, and a brushy tail curling over the back.
In 1985, The American Eskimo was first registered in the American Kennel club in the non-sporting group. It is considered that perhaps the name came from the numbers of these small Spitz-type dogs that were bred by the American Eskimos and were used as sledding dogs. The dogs that were bred by the Eskimos, however, were of a larger size and stockier.
The dogs the Eskimos used were most likely descended from the German Spitz, crossed with the Keeshond and the White Pomeranian. After the admittance into the American Kennel Club, the breed officially became known as the American Eskimo, with the nickname of Eskie.
The Eskie comes in three sizes, toy, measuring 9-12 inches, miniature, measuring over 12 and up to 15 inches and the standard, measuring over 15 and up to 19 inches. The coat is always white, biscuit, or cream, with black being the preferred color of the rims of the eyes, nose, and lips.
The coat is typically easy-care, requiring only a thorough brushing once a week or so. The little dog is well built and balanced, slightly longer than it is tall, with a large ruff around the neck. This little dog loves to go walking and its beauty always attracts admirers.
The American Eskimo is an exceptionally healthy dog, having no particular genetic diseases. There may be some tearing of the eye, which needs to be watched, but other than that there seem to be no outstanding health issues. Even with its heavy coat, it is considered an “indoor” dog and except for shedding it makes it makes a fine pet.
The American Eskimo is most popularly used these days as a companion dog for the house, typically it is a good watchdog that will bark a warning but will not show aggression. It is alert and watchful, affectionate and friendly. It is a playful yet mellow pet, its disposition being quite friendly and its size being non-threatening for children or the elderly.
The American Eskimo is a smart dog and does well in Obedience trials and in agility. He possesses an easy attitude, generally very trainable and nonaggressive to other dogs as well as people.
Also, Know the Features of American Eskimo Dog
Special Health Considerations
The American Eskimo Dog, like many large dogs, are prone to hip dysplasia, flea allergies, hot spots, cataracts, epilepsy, patellar luxation, and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.
They have no tolerance for fleas and can develop serve flea allergies which can result in painful skin lesions. Their skin is naturally dry so they should not be allowed not be bathed more than once every two or three months. All dogs should have their teeth brushed once a week.
Taking Care of an American Eskimo Dog
Like any other dog, the American Eskimo Dog needs a significant amount of exercise every day; but in her case, her exercise requirement depends whether she is the toy type, the miniature or the stand size.
The miniature and toy versions require only a very small amount of exercise daily. They can get by with just a short walk around the block or just a bit of running inside the house.
On the other hand, standard-sized Eskie requires a lot more time for exercise. She needs a good workout every day along with several walks around the neighborhood. In general, American Eskimo dogs love to run around and play a lot, especially in cold weather.
This dоg breed іѕ nо stranger tо very cold сlіmаtеѕ. She саn tоlеrаtе соld tеmреrаturе very well. In fact, thеу were not mеаnt tо lіvе іn warm places. However, ѕhе still mаkеѕ a very good hоuѕе реt and watchdog as long аѕ ѕhе іѕ kерt іndооrѕ mоѕt оf thе time. Yоu mау аlѕо need tо bruѕh her thісk coat аt least twісе a wееk to keep it lооkіng great.
The American Eskimo Dog’s Health Concerns
A gооd thing about the these dogs іѕ thаt she іѕn’t рrоnе tо аnу mаjоr health рrоblеmѕ of American Eskimo Dog. Hоwеvеr, minor health соnсеrnѕ may arise, ѕuсh аѕ CHD, раtеllаr luxation аnd PRA. Shе саn also acquire dіаbеtеѕ — but оnlу rаrеlу.
Vets recommend that you tаkе your Eѕkіе tо thе clinic to bе tеѕtеd fоr роѕѕіblе еуе, hір and knее problems. Thіѕ brееd’ѕ аvеrаgе lіfе ѕраn іѕ bеtwееn 12 tо 14 уеаrѕ.
American Eskimo Dog Tеmреrаmеnt
Thе Eskie іѕ аn іntеllіgеnt, trаіnаblе, frіеndlу dоg. Thеу аrе ѕаіd tо bе ѕlіghtlу “conservative.” They should nеvеr be оvеrlу ѕhоw оr аggrеѕѕіvе. They can mаkе good wаtсhdоgѕ bесаuѕе thеу аrе very аlеrt and nоtісе everything thаt gоеѕ оn. Thеу are protective of thеіr home and fаmіlу but they dоn’t thrеаtеn to bite.
Eѕkіеѕ are ѕоmеwhаt tеrrіtоrіаl. Dоg trаіnіng іѕ gеnеrаllу еаѕу, thеу аrе еаgеr to рlеаѕе and they are extremely lоуаl dоgѕ. Thіѕ dоg brееd іѕ аlѕо very gentle аnd good with сhіldrеn.
These dogs tend to be very energetic so you should plan to provide plenty of exercise for your dog. Otherwise, they can get into trouble in the home since they are so smart. They can invent their own ways to keep themselves occupied, which doesn’t always please their owners. Eskies get along very well with other pets.
Approximate Adult Size
There are three sizes of the American Eskimo Dog, Toy, Miniature, and Stand. The Toy runs from 9 to 12 inches to the withers (tallest point of the back), the Miniature runs 12 to 15 inches to the withers and the Standard runs 15 inches to 19 inches to the withers.
Care, Grooming, Diet & Exercise
Living Environment – This dog breed generally prefers cooler weather but they do well in all climates. They are energetic dogs so they need plenty of exercises. As companion dogs, they like to be around people and they can make good apartment dogs if they get enough exercise.
Grooming – This haired dog has a thick double coat that needs regular grooming to avoid matting. They should be brushed out about twice a week. They are an average shedder.
Diet & Exercise – Dietary needs for this breed are normal. However, they are very energetic dogs and they need plenty of daily exercises. They do best if they have a yard of their own.
Health – Eskies are generally healthy dogs but they can be prone to progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patellas (slipped kneecaps), and canine hip dysplasia. Dog allergies and tear stains can also show up in some dogs.
If you are interested in getting an Eskie you should talk to a breeder about possible health problems in the breed.
American Eskimo Dog Trainability
As the descendant of circus dogs, the American Eskimo Dog is highly trainable. They are intelligent, clever and love to please their owners. Dog training comes very easily to them. They are also very agile and they can learn many tricks. Positive dog training is recommended (praise, rewards).
