American Eskimo Dog Dogs Information

Written by: Shawna L. Krautheim

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: Eskie Dog
Toy American Eskimo
Miniature American Eskimo
Standard American Eskimo

Common Misspellings:  Americaneskimo dog, American Eskimodog, Spits

Learn all about American Eskimo Dog Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the American Eskimo Dog dog breed. You'll find solid information about American Eskimo Dog dog history, American Eskimo Dog life expectancy American Eskimo Dog dog appearance, American Eskimo Dog temperament and personality, American Eskimo Dog health problems, American Eskimo Dog puppy care, training American Eskimo Dog puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible American Eskimo Dog dog breeder.

"The Dog Beautiful" is the very appropriate nickname for this gorgeous specimen of canine good looks! From it's lovely thick snow-white coat to it's perky, erect ears and gloriously plumed tail, the American Eskimo seems to have been created to be admired!

Also referred to as the "Eskie", this member of the Spitz family descended from the German Spitz, and was recognized and renamed by the United Kennel Club in 1913. Recently recognized by the American Kennel Club (1996), this adorable breed has gained popularity world-wide as an exceptional family pet.

Known for his sparkling white coat, happy appearance and triangular, pointed ears, the American Eskimo Dog is a wonderful companion breed that is believed to have developed through the crossbreeding of various dogs brought into the country by European immigrants. Known as the first dog to ever walk a circus tightrope, the American Eskimo is an intelligent and attentive breed of dog.

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American Eskimo Dog Facts

The American Eskimo Dog Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: United States of America

American Eskimo Dog Height: Toy, 9 inches to and including 12 inches;
Miniature, over 12 inches to and including 15 inches;
Standard, over 15 inches to and including 19 inches.

American Eskimo Dog Weight: 6-10 pounds for Toy, 10-20 pounds for Miniature, and 18-35 pounds for the Standard American Eskimo

American Eskimo Dog Color Variations: White, or white with cream markings

American Eskimo Dog Size Variations: The American Eskimo Breed comes in three sizes; toy, miniature and standard.

American Eskimo Dog Exercise Needs: Reasonable

American Eskimo Dog Grooming Demands: Reasonable

American Eskimo Dog Trainability: Medium Difficult

American Eskimo Dog Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Average American Eskimo Dog Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes

Good With Other Pets: Yes

Breed Group: Non-Sporting

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American Eskimo Dog Dog History

His name is misleading, because the American Eskimo was not bred or raised by Eskimo people. In fact, it is believed that the American Eskimo is the descendant of stock that journeyed over to America with various European immigrants, such as the white Keeshound, German Spitz, Pomeranian, Volpino Italiano, and perhaps even some Japanese Spitz, following World War II. Commonly found with German immigrants, there were numerous small white dogs that strongly resembled the Spitz breed; grouping them together, these little white canines came to be known as the American Spitz.

The American Spitz dog was not known simply as a companion animal to immigrants, however. Late in the 19th century, these intelligent little dogs made a name for themselves in various traveling circuses, where they became extremely popular in various trick-dog routines. Highly intelligent, quick and adaptable, they thrived in this role and the circuses helped in making the breed more popular, introducing them to the general public.

The reasoning for this is unknown and highly debated, but in 1917, the name "American Spitz" was changed to "American Eskimo Dog." It wasn’t until 1986 that the American Eskimo Dog, affectionately known as the "Eskie," would be given his own club, and it wouldn’t be until 1995 that he was given full recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

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American Eskimo Dog Dog Appearance

The American Eskimo Dog is most easily recognized for his snowy white coat - he is always white or can be white with just a hint of cream accent. Any other color is considered a disqualification. In addition to this, the Eskie must also possess black points (his nose, lips and rims around the eyes), making his features all the more prominent, striking and beautiful.

Covered in a thick double coat of fur, the American Eskimo has a very short, dense undercoat with longer, harsh guard hairs growing through to create the dog’s outer coat. Thicker around the neck and chest of the dog, his ruff is often said to resemble a thick lion's mane and the American Eskimo’s tail is carried in a proud and relaxed position, loosely draped over his back. Also characteristic of the breed are the large tufts of fur covering the dog's hindquarters and backs of his legs, making him appear as if he was wearing fluffy breeches.

Classified in three different sizes, the American Eskimo Dog can range in size from 9-19 inches tall at the shoulder, and can weigh anything from 6-35 pounds. There is no size preference between the three categories and the dogs all seem to possess a very intelligent and easy-going nature.

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American Eskimo Dog Grooming

The American Eskimo Dog is relatively simple to groom and maintain. To prevent risk of mats, he should be brushed a couple of times a week with either a wire slicker brush or a comb, paying special attention not to scratch his skin. Be forewarned that the American Eskimo does shed and they are known to "blow their coat" a couple of times per year. Blowing the coat refers to periods when the dogs shed profusely (mainly in the Spring and Fall). The hair will come out in clumps during this time, discouraging many from shedding breeds such as this. To the Eskie lover, however, this shedding is all part of the joy of owning one of these wonderful little dogs.

An American Eskimo Dog shouldn’t need to be bathed too often; once or twice a month is usually a good bet, unless you have an individual who really enjoys getting dirty. Aside from this, the only other major grooming needs that an Eskie requires are keeping his nails clipped, his ears clean and, if he will let you, his teeth brushed. Should tooth-brushing be an issue, however, there are a variety of toys and treats now available, which help to reduce tartar build up and tooth decay.

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American Eskimo Dog Exercise Needs

The American Eskimo puppy is a very active and energetic individual though they do tend to calm somewhat, once they mature. Even as adults, however, most Eskies enjoy rousing, romping games of fetch, chase, and do quite well in obstacle courses and events. Additionally, the American Eskimo Dog enjoys learning new tricks and thrives on praise; encouraged to keep going, he loves to perform and will do so until his heart's content.

While the American Eskimo does best with access to his own back yard, where he can frolic and play, they can adapt well to apartment living, provided they are taken out for daily walks or are allowed the liberty of a run in the dog park. If started early, the American Eskimo Dog does well in a social setting and will learn to enjoy the company of other canines.

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American Eskimo Dog Temperament

"Personality-plus" is a term that best suits these adorable little dogs. Very friendly and loyal to their family, they make excellent companion animals and are good, both with children and with other animals. The American Eskimo Dog is a willing friend and enjoys learning new tasks and tricks, showing a very outgoing and eager-to-please nature. They can, however, be somewhat protective of their family and their possessions, showing a bit of territorial streak. While this makes them excellent watchdogs, who will eagerly sound the alarm if they sense anything strange, it does mean that they should be supervised closely when new pets or family members are introduced to the home - while quick to adapt, it's best to adjust them slowly and make it a positive experience for all.

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American Eskimo Dog Training

The American Eskimo Dog is a keenly intelligent breed and one that desires to please his owner. For these reasons, he is generally very easy to train and receptive to the praises that he receives for good behavior. Obedience classes are highly recommended, if you are inexperienced with training dogs - not only does it teach your dog basic commands and obedience, but it also teaches you how better to understand your new puppy, and what methods he bests responds to. Positive reinforcement and consistency of routine usually work best.

American Eskimo Dog Health

Being an ancient breed, the American Eskimo doesn't suffer from many health problems as a rule. However, it's always important to choose your breeder carefully - you want a breeder who thoroughly screens her dogs before breeding to ensure they do not have any health conditions that could be passed on to their puppies. This is not a 100% guarantee against a puppy developing a canine disorder, but certainly will greatly improve your chances of acquiring a healthy, happy and long lived puppy.

American Eskimo dogs can be susceptible to the following genetic disorder:

*Progressive Retinal Atrophy

A responsible Eskie breeder will have her dogs CERF tested and certified prior to breeding to help ensure this disorder does not occur in her puppies.

Other things that can affect your Eskie puppy include:

Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Cataracts
Legg Calve Perthes disease
Epilepsy
Flea allergies

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Is the American Eskimo Dog Right For You?

The American Eskimo Dog is a very friendly, attentive, and outgoing individual. Possessing a very high intelligence and fast learning rate, he is quick to learn the basics and excels at various tricks and challenges. There is also a bonus in that they come in a wide variety of sizes, guaranteeing that there is an Eskie to fit every size requirement. If you don’t mind a shedding down with long white hair and you don’t mind his sometimes protective personality, the wonderful American Eskimo Dog may very well be the perfect breed for you.

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American Eskimo Dog Prices

Average American Eskimo Dog Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy American Eskimo Dog dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great American Eskimo Dog puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a American Eskimo Dog dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your American Eskimo Dog puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable American Eskimo Dog breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

American Eskimo Dog prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality American Eskimo Dog puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding American Eskimo Dog Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable American Eskimo Dog puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of American Eskimo Dog Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable American Eskimo Dog breeders. We actively screen American Eskimo Dog breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible American Eskimo Dog breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your American Eskimo Dog puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect American Eskimo Dog puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of American Eskimo Dog dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional American Eskimo Dog Resources:

• American Eskimo Dog Wikipedia Profile
• AKC American Eskimo Dog Breed Profile
• American Eskimo Dog Pictures
• American Eskimo Dog Videos

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