American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog, despite its name, has no connection to Eskimo culture. Instead, its origins lie with the German Spitz breeds that were brought to the United States by German immigrants in the early 20th century. These versatile white dogs were common fixtures on farms, serving as watchdogs, herders of small livestock, and family companions. Known for their intelligence and striking appearance, they were often simply called “American Spitz.”

The breed’s popularity soared in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s, partly due to a performing Eskie named Stout’s Pal Pierre, who was a famous tightrope walker in the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Many American Eskimo Dogs today can trace their lineage back to these circus performers. The name “American Eskimo Dog” was adopted after World War I, possibly to distance the breed from its German heritage during a period of anti-German sentiment, and perhaps also due to a kennel name that used “Eskimo.” The breed comes in three distinct sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard, all sharing the same breed standard apart from height and weight. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the American Eskimo Dog in 1995.

American Eskimo Dogs are renowned for their intelligence, alertness, and friendly, playful nature. They are highly trainable and eager to please their owners, often excelling in obedience, agility, and trick training. Eskies are known for their charming “smile,” created by the contrast of their black lips and gums against their white fur, with the corners of their mouths slightly upturned. They are social dogs that form strong bonds with their families and thrive on being included in household activities.

While generally friendly, they can be reserved or wary of strangers initially, making them good watchdogs that will readily bark to announce visitors or anything unusual. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults and to prevent excessive barking or shyness. They are generally good with children and can get along well with other dogs and pets if raised with them or properly introduced. Their intelligence means they need mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to undesirable behaviors.

The American Eskimo Dog boasts a beautiful, thick double coat, with a dense undercoat and a longer, straight outercoat that stands off from the body, creating a fluffy appearance. This striking white coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy, clean, and to manage shedding.

Eskies are moderate to heavy shedders, especially during seasonal changes when they “blow” their undercoat. Brushing two to three times a week with a pin brush and an undercoat rake is essential to prevent matting and remove loose hair. During heavy shedding periods, daily brushing may be necessary. Their white coat is surprisingly good at repelling dirt, so baths are needed only occasionally (e.g., every few months or when particularly dirty) to avoid stripping the natural oils that protect their skin. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are also important. Tear staining can sometimes be an issue, so keeping the area around the eyes clean is recommended.

American Eskimo Dogs are active and agile dogs that require a good amount of daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. Their exercise needs can vary slightly depending on their size (Toy, Miniature, or Standard), but all varieties benefit from regular activity. Aim for at least one or two brisk daily walks, along with dedicated playtime.

They enjoy activities such as:

• Daily walks or light jogs.
• Playtime in a securely fenced yard, engaging in games like fetch or chasing toys.
• Canine sports: Eskies excel in obedience, agility, rally, and trick training due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
• Interactive puzzle toys to keep their sharp minds busy.

Without sufficient exercise and mental engagement, American Eskimo Dogs can become bored, which may lead to undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking or destructiveness. They enjoy cooler weather and can be sensitive to overheating in hot, humid conditions due to their thick double coats.

American Eskimo Dogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these issues. Potential health concerns include:

• Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap, more common in the Toy and Miniature varieties.
• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint, more common in the Standard size.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An inherited eye condition that can lead to blindness. DNA testing is available.
• Juvenile Cataracts: Can occur in younger dogs.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A hip joint disorder affecting small breeds.
• Diabetes Mellitus: Can occur, especially if the dog becomes overweight.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland.
• Allergies: Skin allergies can sometimes be an issue.
• Tear Staining: Common due to facial structure and coat color, though not a health issue itself, it requires management.

Choosing a reputable breeder who performs relevant health screenings (hips, eyes, patellas, DNA tests for PRA) and providing regular veterinary care, a quality diet, and appropriate exercise are important for an Eskie’s long-term health.

Training an American Eskimo Dog is generally a rewarding experience due to their high intelligence and eagerness to please. They learn quickly and often excel in obedience and various dog sports. However, their intelligence also means they can get bored with overly repetitive tasks and may try to outsmart an inexperienced owner.

Key aspects of training an Eskie include:

• Early Socialization: Crucial for developing a well-rounded and confident dog. Expose them to a wide variety of people, sights, sounds, and other animals from a young age to prevent shyness or excessive barking at strangers.
• Positive Reinforcement: They respond best to reward-based training methods using treats, praise, and play. Harsh methods can damage their sensitive nature.
• Keep it Fun and Varied: Their intelligence means they thrive on mental challenges. Incorporate new tricks, puzzle toys, and games into their routine.
• Consistency: Clear rules and boundaries must be established and consistently enforced by all family members.
• Managing Barking: Eskies can be vocal and may bark to alert, out of excitement, or if bored. Training a “quiet” command is beneficial.

Puppy classes and continued obedience or sports training are highly recommended. Their quick minds and agile bodies make them naturals for activities like agility, rally, and competitive obedience.