American Eskimo Dog
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General Description
(Spitz, Standard Eskimo Dog, Toy Eskimo Dog, Miniature Eskimo Dog, American Eskimo, German Spitz, Deutscher Spitz, Eskie) American Eskimo Dogs are a Spitz-type breed that comes in three size varieties: standard, miniature, and toy. Their head is wedge-shaped and features an evenly proportioned muzzle and skull. The breed’s triangular-shaped ears stand erect. American Eskimo Dogs have prominent, almond-shaped eyes with dark eyelids. Their skin can vary from pink to gray, but black is the preferred color for their nose, gums, and pads. The body of the American Eskimo Dog is longer than it is tall, and their legs are sturdy and springy. The breed’s tail is heavily plumed and curls up over the back. Alaskan Eskimo Dogs have a lush, solid white coat that may or may not have biscuit or cream markings. Their topcoat is long and straight, and the undercoat is thick and plush.User added info
The American Eskimo Dog may also be known as the Alaskan Eskimo Dog.
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Character
American Eskimo Dogs are fun-loving, playful, and charismatic. They are very good with children and make excellent family pets. Some Alaskan Eskimo dogs have an independent streak, but they usually adhere to their work and obey their master’s commands. A highly intelligent breed, the Alaskan Eskimo Dog is alert, acute, and easy to train. They need firm training to prevent the onset of behavioral difficulties or mischievous activities. They are protective over their families, but they will become accepting of strangers once they have been properly introduced. The breed aims to please, and they are exceptionally good at mastering tricks. Alaskan Eskimo dogs need attention, and they should be well-socialized to avoid the onset of aggressive behavior. *
This breed is known to be very energetic and is rarely lazy.
Size
9 – 19 inches
Weight
6 – 35 pounds
General Health
American Eskimo Dogs are a comparatively healthy breed, but like most other large dog breeds, they are prone to hip dysplasia. Some eye and tear duct problems are also common in this breed. American Eskimo Dogs have a thick coat that should be kept clean to prevent the onset of fleas and dermatitis. They are a very long-lived breed.*
This breed has rare instances of hip dysplasia. This breed has no real medical problems and has very little dander making them nearly hypo-allergenic. Some people that are normally allergic to dogs have found that the American Eskimo does not cause the reactions that other breeds do. Also note that some dogs, although rare, may form diabetes in their older years.
History
American Eskimo Dogs originated in the United States in the twentieth century. The breed was formerly referred to as the German Spitz. They were brought to the United States from Germany during WWI, and then were renamed because of the anti-German feelings during and after the war. They were utilized as circus dogs in the 1930’s and 1940’s, and are the first breed to ever walk a tightrope. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1995. American Eskimo Dogs have a number of natural talents including guarding, narcotics detection, and trick performing. They are also good watchdogs.*
This breed has been recognized by the UKC for more than 30 years.
Maintenance
American Eskimo Dogs have a thick, lush, snow-white coat that needs surprisingly little grooming. Brushing twice a week with a firm bristle brush is sufficient. They are average shedders, and should be brushed daily when shedding. American Eskimo Dogs love to go for walks, and they should be properly exercised on a daily basis.
Ideal Environment
As long as they are given daily exercise, an American Eskimo Dog can do well in a small household or apartment. Because of their activeness indoors, they are a breed that can be happy with a small yard. It’s important to ensure they are properly exercised because they have a natural propensity to put on weight.*
They love the cold and enjoy being outside in the snow.
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Ask a QuestionAmerican Eskimo Dog Q&A
My American Eskimo is 6-months old and she's got quite a bit of fur, but she isn't fluffy like her parents were. Is this normal or will she never be fluffy?
I have 2 American Eskimo sisters, one is very fluffy and the other has a much smoother, non-fluffy coat. They are a year and a half now and it appears they will be staying this way. I love them either way!
I just wanted to know if a 6 month old american eskimo is safe and friendly around a newborn baby?
Ours is safe around all kids he dose have lots of energy and will sniff and lick the newborn but like all dogs you should watch and make sure they act OK together
Hi. I have a toy american eskimo puppy. He is about 4 1/2 months old and has a very thin coat. I received him when he was 6 weeks old and he was never very fluffy and his coat just became thinner as he grew older. All the pictures I see online of eskies are very fluffy and even pictures I've seen of other eskies from the same breeder have been fluffy. Will his coat fluff out or will it always stay thin like it is?
It seems it is time for the "puppy ugly stage" where the puppy loses its hair around the 4 month period and gets its adult hair at about 8 months of age
My husband and I adopted a handsome little eskie who is 5 months old. He is afraid of everything and everyone. He wont leave the room and explore the house. He wont leave the room to go in the kitchen to eat. When we take him outside to go potty, he hids by our feet. He jumps at anything, noise, voices, tv.
Are all eskies like this? We have had him for a week and a half and he just is not settling in. What can we do to help him?
Thank you all for replying. It has been 4 months now and he has adjusted wonderfully. He is very protective of certain family members. He is wonderful with our 3 year old and they play together well.
I am thankful that we stuck with it and kept trying. HE is the cutest dog I have ever seen!
When we first got our eskie, he was the same way. I had to actually hand feed him so he would eat, he stayed by my side constantly and would cry every time i left him. He was very shy and timid. After about a month, he adjusted and is now very socialbe. He is very protective and has tons of energy, he also has become more independent. It just takes time and patience. Good Luck!!
My american eskimo is 7 years old and is still very timid around visitors to our home. She will have nothing to do with my parents or any other visitors. My parents dog sit for us at their home, while she is at their house, she is friendly. This may be because she feels secure with their two dogs and she follows their actions. The timid american eskimo needs to continuesouly be introduced to the things that bother them. For instance, if the water hose was left out across walk, she would not go past it into the yard. We worked with her to over come the fear. After several days, she learned the hose was not going to hurt her.
My american eskimo can be very timid at times. He has a few things that he is afraid of which i find weird. Simple things like my car keys, the tile floor, baloons, and pretty much anything with a wheel of any type. One time while jogging a roller-blader went by and Sully almost killed me by jumping between my legs! Although he is afraid of things he still loves to explore and play and especially loves being outside. I hope that your puppy will adjust because they really are the most amazing dogs! Goodluck
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I had 2 american eskimo dogs
I just recently had to put both my eskies to sleep about 2 months apart from each other...both 14 years of age. These dogs will bring so much love and joy to your heart, and my two will be so very very much missed!! I am already looking into getting another American Eskimo, I just love this breed, and really don't want any other breed!!
Pros: Wonderful Dogs!!
Cons: The shedding...but, with all the love they gave me...it was all worth it.