The American Eskimo, also known as an Eskie, comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. This breed is a small to medium-sized dog with a Nordic appearance. It has a beautiful white coat, with distinct black facial features on its nose, lips, and eye rims. Additionally, the Eskie has upright, triangular ears.
Due to its double coat, which consists of a shorter undercoat and a longer outer coat that stands away from the body, the Eskie requires brushing twice a week to prevent matting. While this breed loves to run and needs regular exercise, like other Spitz breeds, it is well-behaved and calm indoors.
In summary, the American Eskimo is a charming dog breed that comes in different sizes. It has a stunning white coat and black facial features. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain its coat, and it enjoys being active outdoors but is also well-mannered indoors.
Below, we look at American Eskimo dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an American Eskimo, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of American Eskimos!
| Dog Breed | American Eskimo |
| Size | |
| Weight | 20-40 lbs (average) |
| Height | 15-19″ (average) |
| Location | Germany |
| Ancestry | Northern Spitz |
| Date of Origin | early 1900s |
| Group | farming, guarding |
| Life Expectancy | |
| Price | |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The American Eskimo dog is known for its beautiful long coat and is believed to be descended from an ancient line of dogs that can be traced back 6000 years to the Stone Age. It is closely related to the German Spitz, which has a history of being a brave protector of homes and fields since 1450 in Central Europe. Originally called the American Spitz, the dog’s name was changed to the American Eskimo due to anti-German sentiment during the early 20th century. Despite the name change, the American Eskimo dog does not have any cultural or genetic ties to American or Inuit culture.
The German Spitz, a relative of the American Eskimo, was bred as a watchdog for farmers, chosen for its vocalization and ability to alert people to potential threats. Similarly, the American Eskimo is also vocal and a capable watchdog, but it was primarily bred for entertainment purposes. These dogs gained popularity through their tricks and abilities and were often featured in traveling circuses as tightrope walking dogs. The American Eskimo is considered a small, white Spitz-type dog and is believed to be descended from the German Spitz, white Keeshond, or white Pomeranians that migrated with Europeans in the 19th century. It was officially recognized as its own breed by the American Kennel Club in 1994 under the non-sporting group.
🐕 American Eskimo Appearance
The companion dog known as the American Eskimo possesses power, agility, attentiveness, and beauty, living up to its nickname of “the beautiful dog. ” The American Eskimo is an all-around tiny dog with a balanced stride. His Nordic-style visage has triangular-shaped ears and black tips. Eskies have somewhat oval-shaped eyes with a sharp, inquisitive look. Pure white is the recommended coat color, however cream-colored biscuit is also acceptable. The Eskie’s coat is made up of long, velvety guard hairs that develop into the topcoat after passing through a thick undercoat. Three sizes of the American Eskimo are recognized: the Toy, which is 9 to 12 inches long, the Miniature, which is 12 to 15 inches long, and the Standard, which is 15 to 19 inches long. All classes have a tail that curls at the buttock, and all classes have a ruff (mane), albeit the males’ is more prominent.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black, Brown |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Fawn, White |
⚡ Fun Fact:
🐶 Traits & Temperament of American Eskimo
American Eskimo dogs are among the most affectionate and intelligent canines. These dogs vocalize when a stranger approaches since they were taught to be friendly and non-aggressive, yet they rarely bite or snap at people. They like running and are eager to please, yet they are more obedient than the majority of their Spitz relatives. The American Eskimo is a breed that, although having a lot of energy to expend outside, is well-mannered indoors. It gets along well with kids and cats but may pursue smaller animals like birds, hamsters, or gerbils. In contrast to other breeds, these dogs’ two-year-long puppy period is followed by an extroverted and highly trainable stage. The American Eskimo needs more affectionate care than other breeds because it is a companion dog. Long separations can cause anxiety, and your Eskie can start to chew inappropriately or bark excessively. The American Eskimo is an attractive, perceptive, and energetic dog that would fit in well in any loving household.
🤝 Are American Eskimos Friendly or Aggressive?
🐩 American Eskimo Care & Maintenance
The American Eskimo has fluffy white fur that sheds a lot, necessitating frequent grooming. To avoid matting and maintain your American Eskimo’s hair properly feathered, it is advisable to brush him two to three times every week. Regular brushing will also aid in keeping your dog clean because the American Eskimo’s fur has oil that keeps dirt from sticking to it. The skin of the American Eskimo is extremely delicate, and washing could aggravate it. Only sometimes, depending on how unclean the dog is, should it get a bath. However, you should often wipe the eyes of American Eskimos since they are prone to eye problems and tear stains. While grooming, always check your dog’s ears for dirt and possible infection. Your veterinarian may advise you to use a pH-balanced ear cleaning to keep your American Eskimo’s ears healthy. The American Eskimo needs regular exercise since it is an extremely energetic dog. Although its size makes it ideally adapted for compact areas, the dog was intended as a watchdog for colder temperatures and does quite well outside. As long as it can obtain regular exercise and socialization, the American Eskimo is an adaptable dog that can live in any environment and in any size of space. American Eskimo dogs eat a similar diet to other small and medium-sized breeds, but you should always be aware of how your dog will respond to different foods. Some foods, including salmon, may cause an allergy in the American Eskimo, and some vets have cautioned against giving them rawhide chews.
🍖 Food: We recommend 2.5 cups daily, costing you about $1.75 – $2.25 daily, or around $52.50 – $67.50 a month.
🐾 Exercise:
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 7 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know:
❤️🩹 American Eskimo Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for American Eskimo Dog Breed can be:
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Addison’s Disease
While minor concerns include:
- Patellar Luxation
🤧 Important: Is American Eskimo hypoallergenic? .
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for American Eskimo.
⚡ American Eskimo Dog Breed Facts
What makes the American Eskimo a great choice for families with young children?
The American Eskimo is a great choice for families with young children because they are loving and smart dogs. They are not aggressive and rarely bite or snap at anyone, making them safe and gentle around children.
Is the American Eskimo breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the American Eskimo breed is considered a suitable breed for apartment living. They are small to medium-sized dogs and do not require a large living space. However, they do have high energy levels and need daily exercise to burn off their energy.
How much exercise does a American Eskimo require compared to other breeds?
The American Eskimo requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are active dogs and love to run, but they are also well-mannered indoors. Daily exercise, such as walks or playtime in a fenced yard, is necessary to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Is the American Eskimo breed known for being good with other pets?
The American Eskimo breed is generally good with other pets, such as cats. However, they may chase smaller pets like birds, hamsters, or gerbils due to their high prey drive. Proper socialization and training can help minimize this behavior.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American Eskimo?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American Eskimo are the Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Shih Tzu. These breeds have similar size and temperament traits but may have different grooming requirements.
What are the common health issues that American Eskimos are prone to?
Common health issues that American Eskimos are prone to include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and patellar luxation. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage these health conditions.
Are American Eskimos known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
American Eskimos are known to be easy to train compared to other breeds. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners. Consistent and positive training methods work best with this breed.
Are American Eskimos more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
American Eskimos are more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. They are companion dogs and require positive attention from their owners. Long periods of separation can lead to anxiety, excessive barking, or destructive chewing behavior.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the American Eskimo that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the American Eskimo that are suitable for people with allergies are the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Poodle. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens, making them a better choice for allergy sufferers.
What sizes of dogs similar to the American Eskimo are best for individuals or families with limited space?
The Toy or Miniature sizes of dogs similar to the American Eskimo are best for individuals or families with limited space. These smaller sizes are more suitable for apartment living or smaller homes.
Is the American Eskimo breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The American Eskimo breed is generally good with children, including those with special needs. However, as with any dog, proper supervision and teaching children how to interact with dogs safely is important.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the American Eskimo?
The grooming and shedding needs of the American Eskimo are moderate compared to other breeds. They have a double coat that requires brushing twice a week to prevent matting. They shed moderately throughout the year, and more heavily during shedding seasons. Regular grooming and brushing can help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that American Eskimo dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
