American Eskimo dogs are small dogs that have a thick coat and a fox-like face. American Eskimo dogs have a white coat that can have some cream or biscuit markings.
The fur of an American Eskimo dog is very thick, which means that they shed year-round. This dog breed comes in three different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.
American Eskimo dogs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Contents
History
The American Eskimo Dog originated in Germany and was used as a watchdog and companion. According to the American Kennel Club, this breed began to be known as the American Spitz in 1917, and was later renamed to its current name of American Eskimo Dog in 1985.
The American Eskimo Dog is part of the Spitz family (a group of dogs that share similar characteristics such as pointed ears, dense coats, and curled tails). Other breeds that are members of this family include Samoyeds, Keeshonds, Pomeranians, Chows Chows, Akitas, Shiba Inus, and Finnish Spitzes.
Are American Eskimo dogs good pets?
- For families, the American Eskimo dog is a great fit.
- This breed is known for its liveliness and intelligence, but their friendliness and playfulness are also common characteristics.
- Their pleasant personalities make them suitable companions for everyone from children to the elderly.
- They get along well with other pets, especially if they’re socialized at a young age and taught to be accepting of other animals.
What To Expect When Caring For an American Eskimo Dog
Exercise Requirements:
- Daily exercise is a must for American Eskimos. You’ll need to engage your Eskie in plenty of daily play and exercise, both indoors and out. Don’t skimp on the play sessions or walks; these dogs need lots of physical activity to keep them fit and happy.
Living Conditions:
- The American Eskimo will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. It’s important to note that this breed requires consistent companionship from its family (but not other pets). They’re happiest when they can be with their people, so choose this breed only if you’re willing to have a canine companion follow you around the house, whether it’s into the bathroom or out into the backyard.
Characteristics of the dog
- American Eskimo dogs are known for being loyal, protective, and affectionate.
- These traits are probably the reason many people like to have them as companions.
- The American Eskimo dog is split into three varieties: standard, miniature, and toy.
- They have a life expectancy between 12 and 14 years.
- The height of an American Eskimo dog ranges from 10 inches to 19 inches tall, with a weight between 9 pounds to 40 pounds.
- These dogs were bred for farm work and all-around family pets, but are more commonly seen in shows today.*American Eskimos come in white or biscuit cream coloration.
- This breed was created by crossing German Spitz breeds with local farm dogs.
Adaptability
The American Eskimo Dog is adaptable to many environments, but they do need a significant amount of exercise.
This can be met with long walks and play sessions, as well as frequent indoor games or activities.
The dogs are also excellent at adapting to the weather, as long as they have a warm coat and shelter during extreme winter weather.
Health And Grooming Needs
The American Eskimo Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. They include:
- Dental problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye problems, such as cataracts or luxated lenses (dislocated lens within the eye)
- Allergies
It’s important to keep your Eskie in good condition by making sure he gets his daily exercise. He also requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
Brush him at least two or three times a week and bathe him every few months using a shampoo made for dogs. Trim the nails every few weeks and clean his ears regularly to avoid ear infections.
Trainability
Training this dog is relatively easy, given that he is eager to please his owner.
They are quick learners and generally respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
However, they can be stubborn at times, which is not uncommon for many intelligent breeds.
Physical Needs
American Eskimos are active and athletic dogs that need daily exercise. They are not suited for apartment living. Eskies tend to get bored and destructive if they aren’t given enough things to keep them mentally stimulated. They don’t like being left alone in the house for long periods of time and will bark as a way of expressing their disapproval.
Their thick double coat makes them less suited to hot climates, but because of their climate-resistant coat, an American Eskimo is a great dog for cold-weather climates like Alaska or Canada.
The American Eskimo likes to sleep:
- In bed with the owner
- On a dog bed in the bedroom
- In a crate in the bedroom (a crate is not meant to be used as a punishment)
- In his room (a kennel run or using baby gates to keep him out of certain rooms works well)
Size and Weight
The American Eskimo (sometimes called the Eskie) is a medium-sized dog with a wedge-shaped head, triangular upright ears, and small dark eyes. They are sturdy dogs with well-muscled bodies.
The smallest variety of the breed measures 9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs 15 to 20 pounds. The larger varieties can reach 15 to 19 inches tall and weigh 20 to 30 pounds.
Personality
The American Eskimo Dog is a friendly, affectionate, and intelligent breed. He enjoys being around people and makes an excellent family pet. The American Eskimo is also very active and loves playing with children.
This breed bonds closely with its family and does not do well when left alone for extended periods of time. They are great companions and love being the center of attention!
Feeding
Ideally, you’ll want to feed your Eskie a high-quality dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient. This will mean spending a little more for food than you would for the cheaper brands, but your Eskie’s health is worth it. A higher-priced brand will contain fewer fillers, byproducts and chemical preservatives, which can make your dog sick over time.
Eskies are small dogs, so they don’t need much food. You should feed an adult Eskie between 1/2 and 3/4 of a cup of dry dog food a day. Your precise feeding amount depends on whether you have a toy or standard American Eskimo, how active she is and how much she weighs. Your vet can let you know if your Eskie requires more or less than these amounts to maintain her svelte figure.
Do American Eskimo dogs shed a lot?
American Eskimo dogs are good for people with allergies because the breed does not have an undercoat. Their soft, semi-long coat shed year round, but in small enough amounts that it’s not quite as noticeable as breeds with an undercoat.
A short-haired American Eskimo dog will shed more throughout the year, while a long-haired American Eskimo dog will blow their coat (shed heavily) twice a year and then shed lightly the rest of the year.
Brushing your American Eskimo is the best way to manage shedding and keep your home fur free. Brush your American Eskimo at least once a week for ten minutes or so with a slicker brush to reduce shedding and keep his skin healthy. Brushing your American Eskimo outside can make cleanup easier and is recommended during seasons when he’s blowing his coat.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an affectionate, intelligent, and beautiful dog, the American Eskimo might be perfect for your family. But these dogs are not right for those who don’t have time or money to invest in their care. While they can be great watchdogs and seem threatening to strangers, they love people who are part of the family.
They are especially good with children, although they can sometimes hear them by nipping at their heels. If they’re properly socialized at an early age and given lots of attention and exercise, American Eskimos make great pets who will keep you laughing with their many tricks and antics.
