American Eskimo Dogs

Appearance:

Body: Strong, compact, deeply-chested and a straight, level, broad back.

Coat:Inner downy coat and an outer coat of guard hairs that protect them from extreme weather conditions.

Color: White or white and cream.

Ears: Small, wide-set and furry which helps to keep their body heat in.

Eyes: Dark to medium brown, slightly oval in shape, and set well apart. The rims are black to dark brown and the eye lashes are white.

Face: Nordic-like with black lips, nose, and eye rims.

Feet: Well-padded, compact and oval-shaped. Pads are black to dark brown.

Head: Wedge-shaped

Legs: Forelegs are straight, powerful, and well-angled. Hind legs are also well-angled with muscular thighs.

Neck: Muscular, held erect, and gracefully arched.

Size:
Toy - 9 to 12 inches; 6 - 10 lbs.
Miniature - 12 to 15 inches; 10 - 12 lbs.
Miniature - 12 to 15 inches; 10 - 12 lbs.

Tail: Abundantly thick with fur and carried upward over the back.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers.

This intelligent, friendly and sociable dog will make a wonderful family companion. They are eager to please and good with the entire family regardless of age. They are easily trainable, quick, alert and agile making them a very desirable choice.

The Eskie is a highly energetic dog and requires and will seek constant companionship from their family. Be sure you are able to provide lots of attention to them if you are considering this breed of dog. They will become bored easily if not consistently challenged with new activities.

The American Eskimo dog is slower to mature than many other breeds and requires patience in their progress to develop. They love to chew, are known to be barkers, and love to dig in the yard.

Eskies are bred to be house dogs and are not a descendent of the working Eskimo sled-dogs. They originated in the United States as companion dogs and were, at one time, favored by circus dog trainers to be used as trick-dogs.

They are typically non-aggressive but will bark to alert you of visitors. Their hearing is acute and they are very aware of all that goes on around them.

Training should be gentle and respectful for this sensitive breed.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Non-sporting Dog

Originally referred to as the American Spitz but in 1917 they were renamed the American Eskimo Dog.

The American Eskimo Dog is a Nordic Breed and a member of the Spitz family.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: The Eskie will easily become bored without regular exercise and play time. This can lead to mischievous, and sometimes destructive, behavior.

Grooming: Regular weekly grooming is necessary. Bathing is needed less frequently than other breeds due to their very dry skin.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 Years. They have been known to live to 20 years.


Possible Problems:

Dermatitis from fleas if not groomed regularly
Eyes - should be checked yearly by an Ophthalmologist
Luxating Patella - dislocated knee joint
Seizures
Urinary Stones

Country of Origin

United States

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