American Eskimo Dog

Though it belongs in the same category with the Alaskan Malamute and other Arctic dogs, the American Eskimo Dog has a very different background. For instance, it was once used in the circus during performances. History This breed of dog was once called the Standard German Spitz, and it is a member of the Spitz family. Its ancestors include the white Pomeranian, the white German Spitz, the white Keeshond, the Volpino Italiano, and the white Italian Spitz. All of these dogs are European, contrary to the American Eskimo Dog's name, and were brought to America in the 1900's with the immigrants. Also, the name is a misnomer in that this dog has nothing to do with Eskimos in any way. The dog is name after the Eskimos simply because of the texture of its fur and its appearance, which is reminiscent of the true Nordic dogs. The breed made its circus debut in 1917 with the Cooper Brother's Railroad Circus. It was used in trick acts and agility feats. One famous American Eskimo Dog even walked the tightrope in the Barnum and Bailey Circus show. Now its made its way into the home as a house pet. Appearance This medium-sized dog has either pure white fur or a cream colored coat, but is never any other color. In fact, the only non-white areas on this dog are the nose, rims around the eyes, and the lips. The coat itself has two layers a thick undercoat and long outer coat. These two coats combined give the dog a fluffy appearance; they also serve to keep the dog warm in cold weather and protect it from water and ice. The fur is longest in the ruff on the neck and on the tail; the tail curls up over on the back. Under the fur, the body is compact and strong. Sizes vary depending on which division the dog is in. Toy American Eskimo Dogs can be between 9 and 12 inches tall at the shoulders. Miniature American Eskimo Dogs can be between 12 and 15 inches tall. Standard American Eskimo Dogs are over 15 inches tall and can be up to 19 inches at the shoulders. The expression on its face usually reflects the dogs temperament. They usually look very intelligent and alert, an expression made more evident by their erect ears and dark yet bright eyes. Temperament The American Eskimo Dog can be very protective of its family, so it serves well as a guard dog. For an Eskimo Dog, protection usually involves barking and growling; this dog rarely bites or attacks. It is very affectionate and friendly to its family and other familiar people. Alert and intelligent, this breed learns quickly and is eager to please its masters. These dogs are often high-energy pets, so they love to play and interact with the people around them. It is rare to find a shy Eskie. However, one behavioral problem is the tendency for Eskies to have separation anxiety when their family leaves them alone for extended periods of time. Health Issues The average lifespan of the American Eskimo Dog is well over 10 years, as with most smaller dogs. The breed is generally healthy, with only minor hereditary problems. Some Eskies suffer from hip dysplasia, which causes arthritis and pain when walking. Other problems include luxating patella, which is a problem with the knee joint, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which affects the dog's vision. Allergies are also common. Pet Care Because of their intelligence, these dogs thrive when challenged. Owners may want to begin obedience training early on; they will find that their Eskie is eager to please the family and thus will master commands rapidly. Regular exercise from walking and playing is necessary due to the high energy level. The coat requires a lot of upkeep. Regular brushing and bathing will reduce shedding on the furniture and carpets. Most owners invest in an undercoat rake, which helps remove old hairs from the second coat, not just the over coat. What Owners Have to Say Owners who are interested in entering their dogs in agility competitions also praise this dog. It's light gait, high energy level, and keen intelligence make it perfect for agility contests. They are also cherished family dogs, as they are bred to be companions. Is this the right dog for you? If you are looking for a dog that looks like a Husky without being quite so large, then you've started searching in the right place. American Eskimo Dogs are much like miniature sled dogs. Plus, because there are three different sizes available, you can pick the one that best suits your needs and living situation. The American Eskimo Dog will love to interact and play with you, and they almost always have the energy to pick up a toy and grab your attention. They also learn a lot of tricks, which can be fun for both you and your pet. Agility contests are a great option for these dogs, so if you are the type of owner that loves competition, you may be a perfect match for this pooch. However, this energy and intelligence is both a positive and negative attribute. An Eskie may jump up and down a lot or be overly enthusiastic at times. They also bark frequently, so you may want to consider a different breed if you don't like noisy dogs. However, this noise level means that Eskies are great watchdogs because they will alert you when anyone or anything approaches. Their heavy shedding requires a lot of upkeep, and not all pet owners have the time to brush their dogs regularly. Also, this breed experiences separation anxiety, which can make owners anxious as well. Think about all of the pros and cons before choosing a purebred American Eskimo Dog as your pet.

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