American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dog pictures
American Eskimo Dog suitability

In my own words

 

I’m quite the showman. In fact my lineage can be traced back to generations of fine circus dogs. My shiny coat, obedience and agility mean that I’m just made for the stage. But, I’m equally at home relaxing with the family and love to feel like I’m a part of the gang- so please don’t leave me alone for too long as I get bored and lonely very easily. You’ll see that children will love me due to my warm and affectionate nature and, as long as they are considerate of my space, I’ll be the best playmate that they could ask for. While I’m more than happy living in an apartment I do need at least a walk a day to keep me happy. I do have to admit that I can be a little headstrong and am known to try and get my own way. But break through that strong exterior and you’ll find that I’m a harmless and lovable companion.

My ideal owner(s)

 

Singles

Active types

Families with older children

Cold-climate dwellers

What they say about me

 

Intelligent

Friendly

Playful

Independent

Please read on, to find out more about me, and whether I will be someone you can be happy with for the next 15 years, or even longer!

Is this American Eskimo Dog for you?

Test your knowledge about the American Eskimo Dog

Information essential about the American Eskimo Dog

 

Kennel Club Group:

Non-sporting

Size:

Height: Toy: 9-12” (23-31 cm); Miniature: 12-15” (23-38 cm); Standard: 15-19” (38-48 cm)

Popularity:

 

In addition to serving as a watchdog and companion, the American Eskimo dog also achieved a high degree of popularity in the 1930s and 1940s United States as a circus performer.

Breed History:

 

Despite its name and appearance, the American Eskimo Dog originated in Germany. A member of the Spitz family, the breed was first named the German Spitz but this was swiftly changed due to anti-German prejudice during the First World War. Descended from a host of white European Sptizes—including the Keeshond, the Pomeranian, the German Spitz and the Italian Spitz—the American Eskimo Dog first cam to the United States in the early 1900s with German immigrants. Popular as a circus dogs due to their shiny coats, trainability and nimbleness, their name was officially changed in 1917. An American Eskimo dog named Stout's Pal Pierre was famous for walking a tightrope with the Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1930s, only further increasing the breed’s popularity. Many of today's American Eskimo Dogs can trace their lineage back to these circus dogs.

There are three size varieties of the American Eskimo breed, the toy, miniature and the standard. They were originally bred to guard people and property and, therefore, are territorial by nature and make valiant watchdogs. While they are not considered to an aggressive breed, American Eskimos are generally quite vocal, barking at any stranger who comes within close proximity to their owners or their owner's territory.

It should be noted that the American Eskimo Dog is not entirely an internationally recognized breed, and since neither of the American kennel clubs are affiliated with the Federation Cynologique International, financiers wishing to participate in certain international dog shows will register their American Eskimo Dogs as the very similar German Spitz. Although the American Eskimo is known as the German Spitz in several countries outside of the United States, the two breeds have actually developed somewhat differently.

Character:

 

Your American Eskimo is quite a strong character and is not recommended for first-time dog owners. They are an intelligent breed, and as well as being very alert, they have a tendency to demonstrate aggressive and dominant behaviour if not well trained and properly socialised. While they may require a firm hand, they make extremely rewarding companions. American Eskimo Dogs are very quick learners and are fantastic at learning tricks. They are very good at adapting their keen intelligence to tasks and projects. Strong-willed and independent, they are also gentle and happy pets, responsive to games and positive play.

 

The American Eskimo Dog requires a large amount of exercise and needs to be walked regularly. They will be perfectly happy in apartments as long as they are kept active. The Toy Eskimo will generally have their exercise needs met through indoor play, while the Miniature and Standard varieties require daily securely leashed walks. The breed is well suited for apartment living provided that they are sufficiently physically exercised and mentally stimulated. They are most comfortable in cooler climates and need to be watched over during summer. American Eskimos are great with children. The species makes friends quickly but is cautious of strangers.

 

Temperament:

 

American Eskimo Dogs have been devoted companion dogs for centuries and love to be around people and be involved in family occasions. Left alone or neglected, their behaviour can become destructive and they tend to bark excessively. The best way to combat this separation anxiety is to insure that your dog is included in all activities. They do best in a home with older children who are considerate of their space. This breed generally does well with other pets provided they are of the same size of larger as they will attempt to dominate smaller pets. The American Eskimo dog is affectionate and excels as companion and guardian.

Conformation:

 

American Eskimo Dogs have beautiful white coats and resemble small Samoyeds. They have solid balanced frames with alert stances and gaits. Their heads should be wedge-shaped with medium-sized muzzles and skulls. Their lips, noses and eyelids are black. Their oval shaped eyes should feature an alert and intelligent expression and their triangle-shaped ears are always erect. The American Eskimo Dog has a thick, straight, double coat that creates a mane around the neck as well as a curled, heavily plumed tail. The outer coat is straight with long guard hair, while the under coat is thick and dense.

Colour:

 

The American Eskimo Dog is white in colour.

Training:

 

Training of the American Eskimo Dog must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. Early socialisation and obedience is also recommended. The American Eskimo Dog is an intelligent breed that is highly adept at learning tricks. It is important to recognise that the American Eskimo Dog will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods.

Care:

 

The American Eskimo Dog’s thick coat should be brushed several times per week with a firm bristle brush to prevent matting (more during shedding season). Bathing should be done only when necessary using a shampoo formulated for white-coated breeds. Nails should be trimmed.

Health:

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is between 14 and 15 years, yet some live for as long as 16 years. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. However, if your American Eskimo Dog does achieve a good old age, the normal complaints that we all suffer from, such as arthritis and failing eyesight may begin to develop. This breed does tend to become overweight easily, so proper diet and exercise is needed to maintain an overall well being. All responsible breeders should perform health testing and anyone purchasing a puppy should be aware of the genetic problems that have been found in some individuals of the breed, such as progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patella, and hip dysplasia. However, none of these problems are common and the breed is generally very healthy. In addition to the less common problems mentioned, American Eskimo Dogs can have a tendency towards allergies and most commonly, tear-staining. They are also known in some cases to have dental issues. However, if you are careful who you buy from, your Golden Retriever should give you many years of good health, fun and loving companionship.

 

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Advice on choosing your breed »

Find an animal shelter or rescue home where a American Eskimo Dog is waiting for a new home »

 

The following grid gives a fast track review which covers all breeds. You can apply it to help you decide if a American Eskimo dog is suitable for you, the environment where you live, your personality and your lifestyle. On the grid, 1= strongly disagree, and 5= strongly agree. For example, if you are looking for a dog that likes to run, look down the list under Activities, and you will see that American Eskimo Dogs are strong runners, scoring 5. If you want a playful companion, look down the same list, and you will see that American Eskimo Dogs love to learn tricks, and score 5. You might like to save or print off this section and keep it for reference while you check some other breeds before making your final choice.

Be the first to rate this breed »

Noahs Breed Rating | Community Breed Rating

Activities
Good jogging companion5/5
Good walking companion5/5
Likes water/swimming3/5
Likes learning new tricks5/5
Likes to hunt1/5
Likes to fetch1/5
Good gundog/retriever1/5
Behaviour
Barks a lot5/5
Gets easily jealous1/5
Protective5/5
Aggressive3/5
Timid2/5
Friendly with strangers5/5
Cost
Expensive to insure1/5
Expensive to feed1/5
Environment
Happy to sleep outside2/5
Prefers countryside5/5
Suits urban environment5/5
Prefers temperate climate5/5
Prefers hot climate2/5
Prefers cold climate5/5
Grooming
Moults a lot3/5
Hypoallergenic1/5
Requires lots of grooming3/5
Role and Suitability
Ideal for elderly3/5
Ideal for singles5/5
Ideal for couples with no children5/5
Ideal for family with children5/5
Good watch dog5/5
Good guard dog5/5
Sociability
Good with other pets3/5
Good with other dogs5/5
Time and Energy
Happy being left alone for 4hrs1/5
Happy being left alone for 2hrs2/5
Requires lots of exercise5/5
Training and Obedience
Good for first time owners2/5
Good for experienced owners5/5
Good recall5/5
Easy to train5/5
Activities
Good jogging companion0/5
Good walking companion0/5
Likes water/swimming0/5
Likes learning new tricks0/5
Likes to hunt0/5
Likes to fetch0/5
Good gundog/retriever0/5
Behaviour
Barks a lot0/5
Gets easily jealous0/5
Protective0/5
Aggressive0/5
Timid0/5
Friendly with strangers0/5
Cost
Expensive to insure0/5
Expensive to feed0/5
Environment
Happy to sleep outside0/5
Prefers countryside0/5
Suits urban environment0/5
Prefers temperate climate0/5
Prefers hot climate0/5
Prefers cold climate0/5
Grooming
Moults a lot0/5
Hypoallergenic0/5
Requires lots of grooming0/5
Role and Suitability
Ideal for elderly0/5
Ideal for singles0/5
Ideal for couples with no children0/5
Ideal for family with children0/5
Good watch dog0/5
Good guard dog0/5
Sociability
Good with other pets0/5
Good with other dogs0/5
Time and Energy
Happy being left alone for 4hrs0/5
Happy being left alone for 2hrs0/5
Requires lots of exercise0/5
Training and Obedience
Good for first time owners0/5
Good for experienced owners0/5
Good recall0/5
Easy to train0/5

*PLEASE NOTE: All our breed profiles are general, and all dogs are individuals. Always talk to the breeders and meet the owners you are buying from. Try to meet the dog and its parents if it is a puppy in their home environment.

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