American Eskimo Dog is a loyal, intelligent, and versatile dog with exquisite looks. Fondly called Eskies, they are a perfect package of beauty with brains and are great companion dogs. American Eskimo Dogs are purebred and come in three sizes- Toy, Miniature, and Standard. They are affectionate, cheerful, independent, and excellent problem solvers. Eskies are brilliant and are at the top of the game when using their brains.
Interestingly, Eskies were once circus performers. Their stunning looks and ability to learn quickly added to their performance and thus was everyone’s favorite in the show. They have high energy, are alert, and make a lovable family companion. They are very vocal by nature, and many dog owners have claimed that their Eskies speak with them. This cuddly snowball pooch never stops talking, and one never is alone when there is an American Eskimo Dog nearby.
Other Names: Cloud Spitz, American Spitz, German Spitz, Cloud, Eskie
Original Pastime: Walking, canine games
History of American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dog is a white-coated fluffy dog that belongs to the Spitz family. The Spitz dogs are nordic dogs with fox faces and soft coats; tails are carried over the back and small ears.
American Eskimo dogs are the direct descendants of the white German Spitz, White Keeshonden, or large white Pomeranians and came to America with their German Immigrants during the 1800s. The German communities settled in the Mid-Western United States and developed this breed as farm dogs. But later on, they were used in circuses and roadshows. By the late 19th century, these white Eskies were the show stoppers at the American circus shows. They were quick-witted, clever with attractive white coats, and awed the audience by their beautiful looks and performance. As a result, Eskies soon became popular among American families and children in the 1900s.
It is to be noted that American Eskimo dogs have no connection with the Eskimos. Though they were famous and people’s favorite, AKC recognized this breed only in 1995.
Types of American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo dogs have been classified into three varieties based on their size. However, except for the size, other characteristics remain the same.
Toy: Height – 9 to 12 inches
Weight – 6 to 10 pounds
Miniature: Height – 12 to 15 inches
Weight – 10 to 20 pounds
Standard: Height – 15 to 19 inches
Weight – 25 to 35 pounds
American Eskimo Dog Highlights
Eskies are happy, alert, and intelligent dogs. If they have no activities and get bored, they are prone to destructive behavior like excessive barking and chewing inappropriately.
They love to be around their families and suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.
The pet owners ought to be intelligent people when they own an Eskie. Else their lives will be led by their dogs.
Eskies have a high prey drive and will fall for their instincts to chase when they see a bird, hamster, or gerbil.
American Eskimo Dog Personality
American Eskimo dogs are in three different sizes. They all grow approximately 9-19 inches and weigh around 6-35 pounds. They are double-coated with a dense undercoat and longer outer coat. The hair is glossy, soft, straight, with a thick ruff around the neck. The front and rear legs are finely feathered. The tail is carried up over the back and covered profusely with fur. They are not hypoallergenic and shed a lot. The coat color primarily comes in white or white and cream. The ears are small and pricked, nose, lips, and eyes are all black in contrast with the white fur. They carry a fox-like face and black eyes with a sweet expression. They are lovely dogs who will add a perfect picture frame to your home.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
High
Dog-friendly
High
Stranger-friendly
High
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
High
Good for new owners
High
Sensitivity level
High
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold tolerance
High
Heat tolerance
Medium
American Eskimo Dog Physical Features
Head: The skull is slightly crowned and wedge-shaped. The broad muzzle doesn’t exceed the skull’s length, the nose is black to dark brown, and the lips are thin and tight with black to dark brown color. The ears are small, fur-tufted, upright, and blend softly with the head. The eyes are oval and have black or dark brown color with a keen, alert, and intelligent look. The jaw is robust with close-fitting teeth.
Neck: The neck is strong, erect, medium in length with a graceful arch.
Topline: The topline is level and firm. They have a deep and muscular chest.
Body: The body is compact and robust. The chest is broad and deep; the ribs are well-sprung. The back is wide, muscular, straight, and level. The loin is firm.
Tail: The tail is moderately high and carried up over the back.
Forequarters: The forelegs are well angulated with a firm shoulder. The shoulders are muscular and strong. The legs are parallel, firm, and proportionate to the body. The declaws can be removed.
Hindquarters: The hindquarters are well balanced and angulated. The thighs are strong and well developed, the legs are parallel and firm. The dewclaws are not present in the hindquarters.
Feet: The feet are oval, compact, and tightly knit. They are well padded with hair.
Coat: They are double-coated with a dense undercoat and longer outer coat. It is soft and straight. There is a thick ruff around the neck. The outer part of the ear is well covered with fur. The muzzle hair is short and smooth. The legs are well feathered.
Color: White or white and Biscuit cream
Gait: The gait is well balanced, agile, bold, and frictionless.
American Eskimo Dog Temperament
American Eskimo Dog is a lively, affectionate, and happy-go-around dog. They are intelligent, active, energetic, and great problem solvers. They love to entertain people and are quick learners. American Eskimo dogs were initially bred as farm dogs, making good companion dogs. They love to be around their families and aren’t great when left around. Eskies understand human lip movement and are very vocal with their owners. When the Eskies are not talking, they are chewing. They love to chew toys, keeping their teeth clean and healthy.
Though Eskies are wary of strangers, they are unaggressive and friendly with anyone. They are polite and friendly with children and have immense energy to play. They are good with other dogs and cats. However, they have a high prey drive and get led by their instinct to chase. Hence, it would help if you kept small pets like rodents and rabbits away from your Eskies. American Eskimo Dogs are good watchdogs and warn their owners about strangers. They are protective of their families but are not guard dogs. They love to be busy and constantly move around the place. With an Eskie puppy, one is assured of a cuddly polar bear running, walking, and talking around, making them forget their “me time.”
American Eskimo Dog Training
American Eskimo Dogs are intelligent dogs who love to use their brains. They are highly energetic and easy to train. American Eskimo puppies need to be socialized early, and puppy training is necessary. Back in their circus days, they were trained dog acts. They are eager to please and learn new commands quickly. Eskies crave attention and companionship with their humans and develop destructive behavior when left alone.
Trainability Overview
Easy to train
High
Intelligence
High
Prey drive
High to medium
Mouthiness tendencies
High
Barking and Howling tendencies
High
Wanderlust tendencies
Medium
American Eskimo Dog Exercise Needs
American Eskimo Dogs are intelligent and active dogs. They need a lot of activities to keep them mentally and physically active and busy. They have a lot of energy and require a high amount of exercise. An Eskie left alone or lacking enough exercise will develop destructive behaviors. They love chewing and need proper toys to play with to provide suitable training and mental stimulation. They have a high prey drive and should be in leashes while walking or playing. They excel in activities such as agility, tricks, and dog games. They love to be indoors with their owners and can be engaged with indoor games. However, a daily exercise of 60 minutes will keep the Eskies healthy and happy.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level
High
Exercise needs
High
Intensity
Medium
Playfulness
High
American Eskimo Dog Grooming
American Eskimo Dogs are double-coated and are easy to clean. The coat is soft and straight, with a high level of shedding. Brushing the coat 2-3 times a week will remove the dead hairs and prevent matting. You can bathe them occasionally as the skin gets dry and develops irritation. The ears need to be cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections. Nails need to be trimmed to avoid overgrowth and any injury. Brush their teeth periodically for good oral health. Trimming the whiskers and coat is not allowed, and it will be penalized if done.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
High
Drooling tendencies
Low
Amount of shedding
High
American Eskimo Dog Health
American Eskimo Dog is a healthy and active dog. Yet, it’s always wise to be aware of the health conditions they are prone to.
Health Overview
General health
High
Weight gain tendencies
High
Size
Low
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative eye disorder that causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eyes. It can be detected earlier. A very later stage is blindness. Dogs with this condition can survive for several years since they have other senses to compensate.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is outwardly a painful disease that occurs when the bones of the back legs do not fit properly in the joints. While some dogs will exhibit symptoms, the majority of canines will not. Hip dysplasia is primarily genetic, although other causes such as accidents, excessive weight gain, and inappropriate training can also cause it. Even though this disease is fatal, therapies range from medicine to hip replacement surgery.
Hip Dysplasia causes defects or damage to the hip bones and joints and worsens without treatment. To avoid this problem, avoid breeding dogs with hip dysplasia parentage and get annual examinations.
Other Causes of Hip Dysplasia:
Injuries
Excessive weight gain
Wrong exercises
Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include:
Reduced activity and movements
Reluctance to rise, jump, run or climb
Lameness in the hind limbs
Reducing thigh muscle mass
Swaying, “bunny hopping” gait
Grating in the joint during movement
Enlarging shoulders
Pain
Stiffness
Cataracts: It is a common cause of blindness in older Dogs. The lens of the eyes becomes cloudy and opaque. Treatment might require surgery for good results.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This condition affects the hip joint. The blood supply to the head of the femur is decreased, and thus it gets disintegrated. It affects puppies at the age of 4-6 months old, and the symptoms include limping. You can treat this with surgery.
Recommended Tests for American Eskimo Dog
Hip Evaluation
PRA Optigen DNA Test
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
American Eskimo Dog Diet and Nutrition
American Eskimo Dogs require a daily amount of 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food divided into two meals. They are active dogs and need the right amount of nourishment. Therefore, you can feed them a well-balanced protein diet along with calorie-rich food. However, every dog’s diet depends upon the size, age, metabolism, and activity level. They love to eat and are prone to obesity. Nothing makes them happier than a treat and a cuddle. However, they can be kept healthy and in shape with the nourishing and right amount of meals. At regular intervals, provide your dog with clean and fresh water.
American Eskimo Dog Living condition
American Eskimo Dogs are well being anywhere and are adaptable. They love cold climates and it is fun to watch them playing in the snow for hours. American Eskimo dogs are indoor dogs and can live in any kind of home, from apartments to houses with big yards. They love to be around their family and don’t suit the backyard. They also suffer separation anxiety when left alone. They have high energy levels and do well in busy households.
Did you know?
The American Eskimo Dog is always white or Biscuit Cream.
American Eskimo Dogs are intelligent and were famous for doing dog tricks in the circuses during the 19th century.
They became a popular breed after dancing to music and interacting with clowns at the Barnum and BaileyCircus.
Perrie the Eskie was the most popular dog as a tightrope walker performing at the Barnum and BaileyCircus.
Previously known as the American Spitz, the name changed to American Eskimo Dog in 1917.
American Eskimo Dogs or their name has no traceable origin or connection with the Eskimos.
American Eskimo Dog Club Recognition
AKC-Recognized Breed
Canadian Kennel Club
Rescue Groups
Heart Bandits, the American Eskimo Dog Rescue
Adding an American Eskimo Dog to Your Family
Things to remember before adding an American Eskimo Dogto your family.
It is best to get an American Eskimo Dog from a reputable breeder to prevent unavoidable circumstances like health and vaccination. In addition, it is best to check with the puppy’s parents to cross-check its health and happiness. Following health clearance certificates are essential:
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease.
Auburn University for thrombopathia.
The Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) for eye conditions.
The cost of an American Eskimo is between $300 and $1000, exclusive of the miscellaneous costs.
