American Eskimo Dog

In my own words

 

I’m quite the showman. In fact my lineage can be traced back to generations of fine circus dogs. My shiny coat, obedience and agility mean that I’m just made for the stage. But, I’m equally at home relaxing with the family and love to feel like I’m a part of the gang- so please don’t leave me alone for too long as I get bored and lonely very easily. You’ll see that children will love me due to my warm and affectionate nature and, as long as they are considerate of my space, I’ll be the best playmate that they could ask for. While I’m more than happy living in an apartment I do need at least a walk a day to keep me happy. I do have to admit that I can be a little headstrong and am known to try and get my own way. But break through that strong exterior and you’ll find that I’m a harmless and lovable companion.

Information essential about the American Eskimo Dog

 

Kennel Club Group:

Non-sporting

Size:

Height: Toy: 9-12” (23-31 cm); Miniature: 12-15” (23-38 cm); Standard: 15-19” (38-48 cm)

Popularity:

 

In addition to serving as a watchdog and companion, the American Eskimo dog also achieved a high degree of popularity in the 1930s and 1940s United States as a circus performer.

Breed History:

 

Despite its name and appearance, the American Eskimo Dog originated in Germany. A member of the Spitz family, the breed was first named the German Spitz but this was swiftly changed due to anti-German prejudice during the First World War. Descended from a host of white European Sptizes—including the Keeshond, the Pomeranian, the German Spitz and the Italian Spitz—the American Eskimo Dog first cam to the United States in the early 1900s with German immigrants. Popular as a circus dogs due to their shiny coats, trainability and nimbleness, their name was officially changed in 1917. An American Eskimo dog named Stout's Pal Pierre was famous for walking a tightrope with the Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1930s, only further increasing the breed’s popularity. Many of today's American Eskimo Dogs can trace their lineage back to these circus dogs.

There are three size varieties of the American Eskimo breed, the toy, miniature and the standard. They were originally bred to guard people and property and, therefore, are territorial by nature and make valiant watchdogs. While they are not considered to an aggressive breed, American Eskimos are generally quite vocal, barking at any stranger who comes within close proximity to their owners or their owner's territory.

It should be noted that the American Eskimo Dog is not entirely an internationally recognized breed, and since neither of the American kennel clubs are affiliated with the Federation Cynologique International, financiers wishing to participate in certain international dog shows will register their American Eskimo Dogs as the very similar German Spitz. Although the American Eskimo is known as the German Spitz in several countries outside of the United States, the two breeds have actually developed somewhat differently.

Character:

 

Your American Eskimo is quite a strong character and is not recommended for first-time dog owners. They are an intelligent breed, and as well as being very alert, they have a tendency to demonstrate aggressive and dominant behaviour if not well trained and properly socialised. While they may require a firm hand, they make extremely rewarding companions. American Eskimo Dogs are very quick learners and are fantastic at learning tricks. They are very good at adapting their keen intelligence to tasks and projects. Strong-willed and independent, they are also gentle and happy pets, responsive to games and positive play.

 

The American Eskimo Dog requires a large amount of exercise and needs to be walked regularly. They will be perfectly happy in apartments as long as they are kept active. The Toy Eskimo will generally have their exercise needs met through indoor play, while the Miniature and Standard varieties require daily securely leashed walks. The breed is well suited for apartment living provided that they are sufficiently physically exercised and mentally stimulated. They are most comfortable in cooler climates and need to be watched over during summer. American Eskimos are great with children. The species makes friends quickly but is cautious of strangers.

 

Temperament:

 

American Eskimo Dogs have been devoted companion dogs for centuries and love to be around people and be involved in family occasions. Left alone or neglected, their behaviour can become destructive and they tend to bark excessively. The best way to combat this separation anxiety is to insure that your dog is included in all activities. They do best in a home with older children who are considerate of their space. This breed generally does well with other pets provided they are of the same size of larger as they will attempt to dominate smaller pets. The American Eskimo dog is affectionate and excels as companion and guardian.

Conformation:

 

American Eskimo Dogs have beautiful white coats and resemble small Samoyeds. They have solid balanced frames with alert stances and gaits. Their heads should be wedge-shaped with medium-sized muzzles and skulls. Their lips, noses and eyelids are black. Their oval shaped eyes should feature an alert and intelligent expression and their triangle-shaped ears are always erect. The American Eskimo Dog has a thick, straight, double coat that creates a mane around the neck as well as a curled, heavily plumed tail. The outer coat is straight with long guard hair, while the under coat is thick and dense.

Colour:

 

The American Eskimo Dog is white in colour.

Training:

 

Training of the American Eskimo Dog must be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. Early socialisation and obedience is also recommended. The American Eskimo Dog is an intelligent breed that is highly adept at learning tricks. It is important to recognise that the American Eskimo Dog will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods.

Care:

 

The American Eskimo Dog’s thick coat should be brushed several times per week with a firm bristle brush to prevent matting (more during shedding season). Bathing should be done only when necessary using a shampoo formulated for white-coated breeds. Nails should be trimmed.

Health:

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is between 14 and 15 years, yet some live for as long as 16 years. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. However, if your American Eskimo Dog does achieve a good old age, the normal complaints that we all suffer from, such as arthritis and failing eyesight may begin to develop. This breed does tend to become overweight easily, so proper diet and exercise is needed to maintain an overall well being. All responsible breeders should perform health testing and anyone purchasing a puppy should be aware of the genetic problems that have been found in some individuals of the breed, such as progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patella, and hip dysplasia. However, none of these problems are common and the breed is generally very healthy. In addition to the less common problems mentioned, American Eskimo Dogs can have a tendency towards allergies and most commonly, tear-staining. They are also known in some cases to have dental issues. However, if you are careful who you buy from, your Golden Retriever should give you many years of good health, fun and loving companionship.

 

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