American Eskimo: Training, Characteristics, Exercise, Health

(Spitz)

Group: AKC Non-Sporting; KCGB Working Group under the name Canadian Eskimo Dog; Northern

AKC Ranking: 109

Alternative Names: American Spitz, American Deutscher Spitz

About American Eskimo Dog Origin and History of the Breed The American Eskimo Dog is a Spitz type dog, bred in North America and closely related to the German Spitz. Anti-German sentiment during World War I may have led to the name change in the early 1900s and today they have become a separate breed. As with other Spitz-type dogs the American Eskimo is a Nordic type dog.

Late in the nineteenth century these dogs were used in circuses because of their quickness and agility, intelligence and trainability, and sparkling white coats. As they traveled in the circuses, people saw them and became enamored with them, so their popularity grew.

Relatives of this dog are the white German Spitz, the white Keeshound, the white Pomeranian and the Volpino Italiano (white Italian Spitz).

A General Appearance of the Dog

The American Eskimo is a snowy white Spitz-type dog. Typically it is a medium sized dog, but also comes in toy and miniature sizes in addition to the standard size. It has a plumed tail curled over the back. The American Eskimo Dog has a wedge shaped head with erect triangular shaped ears. The coat is heavier around the neck creating a mane or ruff, and the ruff is more prominent in the male. The eyes may or may not be blue. The American Eskimo is compactly built and well balanced.

Coat Color

The profuse coat is normally a snowy white but may also have biscuit or cream markings.

Coat Type

The American (or Canadian) Eskimo Dog has a heavy double coat, for the northern climates, with a thick undercoat and harsh outer coat growing up through it. Eskies have a heavier coat around the neck area creating a ruff or mane.

Height

Toy: 9 inches up to and including 12 inches
Miniature: over 12 and up to and including 15 inches
Standard: over 15 and up to 19 inches

Weight

Toy: 6 to 10 pounds
Miniature: 10 to 20 lbs
Standard: 18 to 35 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a bright, playful and affectionate dog. The Eskie is excellent with children. They are intelligent, willing to please and easy to train.

Eskies like to work and often rank high in obedience trials. They also make very good watch dogs and will bark at an approaching stranger, but can instantly become anyone’s friend that is introduced to them. The American Eskimo breed loves to bark.
Eskimo Dogs need lots of love and attention. Eskies need early socialization to avoid potential aggression towards other dogs.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

American Eskimos are a very active, fun loving breed. They do best with lots of outdoor activities and cooler climates. However, they like to be with their family so they prefer to sleep in the house. In hot climates they will need to be in the air conditioning much of the summer.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

American Eskimos are excellent with children. They crave lots of love and attention from the whole family.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

Eskies are an active breed. They need long daily walks and should be kept on a leash or in a well fenced yard.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

American Eskimo dogs need long daily walks. They were bred as a working animal and need an outlet for their energy. The Eskimo Dog will gain weight if he is not getting enough exercise.

Grooming

The Eskie’s thick double coat should be kept clean. This is easily done with a good brushing twice a week. When shedding, brushing should be done daily.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

Although normally healthy, attention should be given to the eyes and tear ducts. American Eskimos can be prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.

Litter Size: Eskies have an average of 5 puppies

Life Span: Normal life expectancy is around 15 years

National Breed Clubs: US – American Eskimo Dog Club of America; www.aecda.com

Other Recognition: UKC, AKC, NKC, CKC, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link: tlcrescue@columbus.rr.com