Surprisingly, the American Eskimo dog did not come from the snow-white peaks of Alaska, nor were they founded by the indigenous people called Eskimos. Originally of German descent, these dogs were renamed American Eskimo dogs after World War I.
They are energetic, playful, loyal, quick, very smart, and incredible at performing dog tricks. They need mental challenges and lots of physical activity. They are great pets, and they love to interact with the people closest to them.
Characteristics of American Eskimo Dogs
Affectionately called Eskies, American Eskimo dogs are noted for their flowing white locks and showy good looks. Any American Eskimo physical description always refers to its incredible mane of beautiful white hair and dense sparkling coat.
But that’s not all. The Eskie proudly displays a lion-like ruff around the chest and shoulders. They present a constantly smiling face, their nose and lips are black, and they look at their owners with deep, penetrating eyes that convey a keen intelligence. Finally, their plumed tail fans out and is carried majestically over their back. In addition to dogs with all-white coats, some Eskies have markings that are a biscuit cream color.
The American Eskimo dog was originally bred as a watchdog. They are territorial by nature and quite courageous. Because of their watchdog history, Eskies are very vocal and possess a sharp, loud bark. Your Eskie will bark at any stranger who comes in close proximity to you or your property. Although trained to guard people and property, Eskies are not considered an aggressive breed.
A young puppy or older Eskie will always be fun-loving, alert, and eager to please. They are highly trainable at any age, agile, loyal, and strong.
Eskies move elegantly, with bold strides and a fluid gait. According to the American Kennel Club, “Eskies are social animals and can develop problem behaviors when neglected or undertrained because they insist on being part of family life. Among the most trainable of breeds, the clever, kid-friendly Eskie practically invented the phrase “eager to please”.
Their history as performing dogs at the Barnum and Bailey Traveling Circus was a natural outgrowth of the American Eskimo personality: continuously curious with lots of excitable energy. It goes without saying that Eskies are also excellent trick dogs. Physical activity, structure, and mental challenges are key.
That fun-loving, playful side comes out as you bond with your Eskie. They will be your loyal companion and shower you with unconditional love and affection. The Eskie is basically an indoor dog and forms strong bonds with the people closest to them. Eskies are happiest when interacting with their humans. As they get older, Eskies calm down a bit and become more sedate.
The American Eskimo life span is 13 to 15 years. Their size varies depending on the subtype you select. In terms of height, a toy Eskie is 9 to 12 inches tall and weighs 6 to 10 pounds. A miniature Eskie is 12 to15 inches tall, weighing 10 to 20 pounds, while a standard is 15 to 19 inches tall with a weight range of 25 to 35 pounds.
Because of their desire to interact with others, be aware that the American Eskimo temperament can take a turn for the worse if left alone for long periods of time or without enough exercise. They can quickly become destructive.
Caring for American Eskimo Dogs
The American Eskimo dog has a dense undercoat below its well-known longer outer coat which is white and fluffy. Often called a white double coat, the flowing white hair will constantly have your Eskie shedding. Still, keeping your American Eskimo Dog clean is surprisingly easy with consistent brushing.
The Eskie has oil on its fur that prevents dirt from sticking. A thorough brushing two or three times a week will get rid of most of the dead hair before it begins to shed. The brushing also helps to prevent rare instances of matting.
A thorough brushing two or three times a week will remove dead hairs before they can be shed, as well as help to prevent matting.
In terms of bathing, be careful to bathe your Eskie only occasionally. Limiting the baths to once every few months will prevent the dry irritated skin that would result from more frequent bathing. A trip to the groomer where ears are thoroughly cleaned and nails are trimmed is a great time for that bath.
Perhaps a result of their heritage as tightrope-walking performing circus dogs, the Eskie‘s need for exercise and activity is pretty high. The American Eskimo dog can get easily bored and somewhat irritable if not given something to do. Without sufficient mental stimulation and physical activity Eskies can begin to bark excessively and may start chewing what and where they shouldn’t. Eskies love structure and find purpose in having something to do each day.
Training classes are important for puppies and owners as well, particularly Eskies who thrive on interactions and challenging activities. Classes are an excellent way to bond with your Eskie, and you may learn how to stop bad behaviors early in the event you see any.
Use an assortment of toys to help provide good exercise and stimulation to keep an Eskie out of trouble. If you’re lucky enough to have a securely fenced yard that will also help your Eskie’s activity level. However, your Eskie shouldn't just be left out in the yard by himself all day. Not only do American Eskimo dogs enjoy companionship, they are also indoor dogs. Their warm coats may look to be enough out in the elements, but they prefer to be inside.
In terms of feeding, the American Eskimo dog does well on high-quality dog food, whether homemade with a vet's instruction or purchased from the pet store. Be sure the food is appropriate for your Eskie’s age, whether a puppy, an adult, or a senior. The American Eskimo dog is prone to becoming overweight, so be careful with the number of calories you feed your Eskie and pay attention to their weight. Of course, clean and fresh water should be available at all times.
Health Problems to Watch for With American Eskimo Dogs
Keep teeth clean. Nearly 80% of all dogs will suffer from dental disease by age two. While this is generally a chronic problem in pets, American Eskimo dogs are more likely than other breeds to suffer from dental issues. Problems begin with tartar on the teeth, which can lead to infections. Your Eskie’s teeth should be brushed daily, with professional dental cleanings as needed.
Be careful of diet. As lively as American Eskimo dogs can be, there is a tendency for Eskies to become overweight quite easily. As with all dogs, exercise and a proper diet will keep your dog healthy and maintain their general well-being.
Genetic Problems. Some American Eskimo dogs have been discovered to exhibit certain genetic problems. These potential medical issues are not common but should be consistently monitored at regular health visits. It is recommended that a hip evaluation be made along with an ophthalmologist evaluation to check for an eye condition called progressive retinal atrophy.
While more prevalent in large breeds, hip dysplasia can occur in smaller dogs, as well as a condition called luxating patella that affects the kneecaps. Be aware that all responsible breeders will perform health testing, and the American Eskimo dog is generally a very healthy breed.
Special Considerations for American Eskimo Dogs
The most serious consideration regarding the choice of an American Eskimo dog is whether your lifestyle and living environment are suited to a dog that is so active and alert and requires constant mental and physical activity. If you spend great portions of your day away from home, an Eskie may not be the right match. If you come home too tired to interact and engage, an Eskie may not be the right fit for you.
History of American Eskimo Dogs
In the 1930’s, perhaps the most famous performing dog in America was Pierre, an ancestor to our American Eskimo dog. Pierre was called a German spitz back then and was trained to perform daring stunts as a tightrope walker. His agility, incredible intelligence, and showy good looks thrilled crowds of all ages. Of course, he worked with the most famous circus: Barnum & Bailey.
Barnum & Bailey sold puppies after each show. Due to the growing popularity of the circus dogs, many of today's American Eskimo dogs can trace their lineage back to these circus dogs.
German immigrants first brought the spitz to America in the early 1800’s. Although white was not always a recognized color in the various German Spitz breeds, it was generally the preferred color in the United States.
After World War I, a prejudice against all things German gripped the U.S., and a spitz breeding kennel in Ohio started calling the German spitz an American Eskimo dog. The name caught on. Incredibly, despite its exciting past as a performing dog, it was not until 1995 that the AKC registered its first American Eskimo dog.
