History  & Description of the

American

Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a member of the Spitz family of dogs.  Other members of the Spitz family include the Pomeranian, the German Spitz, Akita, Keeshond and the Chow Chow. The American Eskimo breed of dog is characterized by a thick coat, small ears, and a bushy tail that will wrap around and keep the nose warm while the dog is currled up sleeping.  The body is slightly longer than the dog is tall at the withers.

During World War II, the dog was often referred to as a "Nordic" breed. During the early 1900's these small white dogs were common in the communities of American German immigrants, thus becoming known as the American Spitz.

The United Kennel Club (UKC) first started to register this breed in 1913 as an Eskimo but changed it in 1917 to its new name of American Eskimo. The American Eskimo Dog is not related to the Canadian Eskimo dog nor the North Greenland Eskimo Dog. It also is not a downsized Samoyed, but a descendent of the white German Spitz. Other close relatives are the white Keeshond, the white Pomeranian, and the white Italian Spitz.

The Eskie gained popularity as the dog seen in many circus acts. Even today's Eskies can find former circus dogs in their pedigrees. The circus dogs were known for their striking beauty and they were naturals when it came to performing.

The American Eskimo Dog is very versatile in it abilities. Some have been used as herding dogs, others as companions. They excel at obedience trials and agility. They have great intelligence, they are free thinkers and do not wait for commands. They are easily trained with positive reinforcement.Typically, the Eskie is alert to its environment, watchful, intelligent, friendly, and easily trained.

The American Eskimo dog has been described as "the dog beautiful". It has a double coat that is lovely white, or white with biscuit or cream markings. The double coat is easy to care for as it does not require frequent bathing. The double coat consists of a short, dense undercoat, with a longer guard hair growing through it forming the outer coat. The coat is thicker and longer around the neck and chest forming lion-like ruff, which is more noticeable on males than on females. The coat is dirt repellent and this breed does not have doggie smell. They tend to be very cat like in some of their actions. They clean their faces just like a cat.

The skin is either pink or gray in color. The nose, eyelids, gums and pads of their feet are black in color. They have white eyelashes and appear to be wearing black eyeliner.

American Eskimo dogs fall into three distinct separate sizes.

Sizes

Toy: over 9 inches and up to, and including 12 inches to the withers.

Miniature: over 12 inches and up to and including 15 inches to the withers.

Standard: over 15 inches and up to and including 19 inches to the withers.

American Eskimo Basics

Height: 9"-19"

Weight: 6-40 lbs

Life Span: 12-16 years

Jogging Partners: Good

Children's Dog: Excellent

Grooming: Good

Ease of Training: Good

American Eskimos are independent and stubborn, but eager to please, True to their spitz heritage, they are bold and adventurous dogs. They are fast learners and reward-based training (such as with games or food) is best.