American Eskimo

Description:The American Eskimo is in the Spitz family (Nordic Breed), descendant from European breeds like the German Spitz, the White Keeshond, the White Pomeranian, and the Volpino Italiano. They are bred as companions. Their face, coat and lush tail are Spitz-type and they have a pointed muzzle and erect ears. Nicknamed the “Eskie” they have been bred to be a house dog, companion and watch dog. American Eskimos are wonderful with their human family including children, as long as they are near their family they will be content. They enjoy cold weather better than warm. Known to clean their faces like cats they are easier to maintain then you may think as their coat easily repels dirt and they have no doggie odor when clean. They have been used as a watchdog, as well as a circus performer. It comes in three sizes: toy miniature, and standard. Other Names: Eskie, American Spitz Type: Northern Breeds

Height: 9 – 19 inches. Standard: over 15 and under 19 inches, Miniature: 12 to 15 inches, Toy: 9 to 12 inches Weight: 6 – 35 lbs. Standard: 18-35 lbs., Miniature: 10 – 20 lbs., Toy: 6 – 10 lbs.

Colors: All white or biscuit cream. Coat: Stand off straight, double coat with a dense undercoat and a longer coat of guard hairs. It has a pronounced ruff around the neck and longer hair on the rump and hind legs.

Temperament: AmericanEskimosare affectionate, fun-loving, bright, obedient, alert, energetic, and intelligent but can also be independent and tenacious. It is loyal, outgoing, and eager to please with its friends and family but wary with strangers. The American Eskimo can be very clever and sometimes mischievous, they make excellent watchdogs. With Children: Yes, good if properly socialized to children. With Pets: Yes, especially with other American Eskimos

Watch-dog: High, will bark to alert owner to strangers. Guard-dog: High

Care and Training: American Eskimos need to be brushed twice weekly and even more when shedding, they will also need to be bathed once a month. You will need to pay special attention to their teeth and nails. Larger American Eskimos will need a good jog or long walk daily. Smaller Eskies nood only a short walk or lively romp. Special Needs: Attention, grooming, socialization, and training Learning Rate: High intelligence, high trainability with positive reinforcement.

Activity: High, an active bouncy breed. Living Environment: Highly social; adaptable to apartment life but needs regular exercise and attention. American Eskimos need long daily walks or free reign in a fenced backyard. They enjoy active exercise and roughhousing. Easy to train.

Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, elbow and knee degeneration, PRA, and seizures.

Life Span: 12 – 15 years Litter Size: 5

Country of Origin: USA History: The American Eskimo can be traced to the peat dog, a breed that lived among the New Stone Age lake dwellers. They are one of the oldest breeds. Belonging to the “Spitz” group, they are descendants of the White German Spitz dogs. It is speculated they arrived in the United States in the 1600’s. Early on they were known as the American Spitz, but changed their name in 1917 to the American Eskimo Dog, or “Eskie”. In 1985 the American Eskimo Dog Club of America was formed.

First Registered by the AKC: 1995 AKC Group: Non-Sporting Registries: AKC, UKC