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American Eskimo Dog Information

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The American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog, also affectionately known as "Eskies" by many of their owners, is a breed of companion dog originating in the USA in the twentieth century. The breed was formerly called an "American Eskimo Spitz". It is a member of the Spitz family of dogs. It achieved a high degree of popularity in the 1930's and 1940's in the U.S. as a circus performer. The United Kennel Club (UKC) has recognized the American Eskimo Dog since the early part of the 20th century.

Realizing that an American Eskimo can live an average of 15 years (or more,) it is evident that you must make your choice carefully. If you simply want to stick the dog in your yard and forget him, this breed is not for you. The ancestors of the Eskie were dogs who lived, ate, slept with and served their masters. The distinctive factor which sets the American Eskimo apart from the rest is that he wants to be "people." His understanding of human tone and words is outstanding. He is alert and quick to please. If trained correctly from the beginning, a firm "NO" may be all that is necessary.

Because he is protective, his first concern is his master and his master's property. He makes an excellent watchdog because he is incorruptible, but to his family, he is ever loyal and affectionate. The tendency to stray is minimized because of the importance he feels for his master and his master's house and property. However, he will make the neighborhood his territory if he is not taught his boundaries or confined to a space in the yard. He gets pleasure out of performing guard duty and sounding a barking alarm; but he can get carried away with his vocalization and become a nuisance if left to his own devices. The Eskie is a very active type of dog whose sense of curiosity and adventure make them comparable to a toddling child in white dog fur.  Eskies like to work and are happiest when they have a "job" to do; the attention and praise they receive is their reward. Most Eskies are eager to please their Master, but can sometimes be a little strong willed or stubborn. Eskies quickly master tasks and tricks, and do very well in obedience work.  Their intelligence and intellect are superb, but if they are not allowed to integrate and become an active part of the family with rewarding "jobs" to do, boredom will set in, and his creative mind can turn to unwelcome mischief.

Eskies are fun loving dogs that enjoy running and playing. They are gentle and playful with children, make excellent companions, and will bark to announce anything amiss or someone they feel is an intruder. As a breed, they are remarkably alert, lively, pleasing in their demeanor towards people. Eskies always adapt to the personalities of each household member, however, he is usually reserved and mistrustful of strangers in the master's home.

Grooming the American Eskimo is not as difficult as one might expect. Their coat sheds dirt because of a natural oil which repels soiling. Also, being white, they don't have a noticeable "doggy odor", except when wet. Males shed or "blow" their coat once every 12 to 18 months; females will shed coat twice a year, about 2 months after each heat season. Regular brushing will help reduce the effects of shedding. No special trimming or clipping is mandatory with the American Eskimo. They are a completely natural dog.

As a breed, the American Eskimo enjoys excellent health. Cases of hip dysphasia are rare, and various diseases and defects that affect many other breeds are not prominent. The most common complaints are hyperactivity, tear stains, and snow-nose. Hyperactivity stems from a poor breeding program, tear staining is more prevalent in miniatures and toys and is dependent on the adequacy of the tear ducts, as well as muzzle shape. Fading nose color is predominant in all light coated breeds and is dependent on the amount of melanin in the skin pigment. (The more melanin, the darker the pigment.)

The American Eskimo Dog  is an affectionate, loving companion dog. Lively and alert, they are known to be "watchdogs" of great detail, sounding a warning bark at sounds and sights that are out of order.  Well trained though, Eskies are a devoted, faithful companion. Not surprisingly, the Eskie has garnered the nickname "The Dog Beautiful" over the years...one look at a fine Eskie and you'll know why. However...the true beauty of Eskies, according to many Eskie owners, is the beauty "within" in their caring, devoted, friendly, and even playful nature.