American Eskimo Dog

They make a fantastic addition to any family because they are incredibly devoted to their owners and are easy to train. The American Eskimo dog is a charming companion if you're looking for someone energetic and intelligent.

Eskies earned popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s, particularly as part of traveling circus acts where their skill and agility dazzled crowds. These playful and loving canines are the ideal companions for people who want an active and entertaining pet because they enjoy being the center of attention and thrive in busy homes.

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American Eskimo Dog Appearance

American Eskimo dogs, or Eskies, come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Standard Eskies can weigh up to 35 pounds, while toy Eskies can weigh as little as 6 pounds. Although they share characteristics with Samoyeds, Eskies are significantly smaller in stature and weight. Their lustrous, thick white coats make them look happy and radiant.

Eskimos' renowned fluffy double coats consist of a longer outer coat that requires frequent brushing to prevent shedding and a dense undercoat. Their white fur contrasts sharply with their black noses, lips, and eyes, giving them an amiable and approachable appearance. Their ruff, formed by the fur around their shoulders and chest, can give them an adorable little lion-like appearance.

Although their markings are almost always cream, eskimos are always bright white. Their firm, muscular, compact, and agile bodies give them a self-assured and optimistic gait.

American Eskimo Dog Personality

The American Eskimo dog is an innately devoted and kind friend. They are vocal beings who tell you when someone is at the door. They are easy to train because of their intelligence and desire to please. When socialized from an early age, Eskies get along well with children and other dogs and enjoy spending time with their families.

Expect a curious and playful personality for the first few years of their lives, as these dogs have an extended puppy phase. Even in social situations, they usually settle down and become more at ease when they are two or three years old.

However, American Eskimos dislike being left alone for extended periods. Having someone stay home with your dog while you're at work is crucial so they can keep you company until you return. These energetic dogs enjoy the limelight but are content to share it with kids. They make excellent friends for children, teenagers, and adults as well.

American Eskimo Dog Living Needs

Since Eskies are highly devoted to their families, they are great indoor dogs and dislike being left alone. This indicates they can adjust to apartment living quite well if they get regular walks.
Your dog will thrive in a busy, energetic home like yours! Since their constant activity helps them burn off energy, their high energy levels make them an excellent fit for homes with active children. 

Because of their double coats, Eskimos enjoy living in cold climates. In snowstorms, they even hide their faces with their fluffy tails. Their white fur helps relax them by reflecting the sun in warmer climates. They'll be comfortable with access to plenty of water and shade.

American Eskimo Dog Care

With consistent grooming, Eskies can maintain a relatively clean appearance even with their thick double coat. Bathing them frequently can dry out their skin, so only washing them every few months is necessary. A thorough brushing usually removes any dirt that may accumulate on them.

Since Eskies shed a lot, brushing them twice or thrice a week will help prevent matting and remove dead hair. They also require routine tooth brushing, ear examinations, and nail trimmings to maintain their health.

American Eskimo Dogs follow a diet similar to other small- to mid-size breeds. Breeders often recommend a combination of dry and moist food when the dogs are puppies. Some Eskies have sensitive stomachs and may be allergic to certain ingredients, like salmon. Still, other Eskies can handle a wide range of foods. Giving them rawhide chews is also discouraged by many veterinarians.

American Eskimo Dog Health

American Eskimo dogs have a long lifespan and good health. They can live up to 15 years without significant health problems if they receive good veterinary care and eat a balanced diet. On the other hand, owners should be aware that Eskies can inherit some genetic health issues. Two common problems have been emphasized by the American Eskimo Dog Club of America: progressive retinal atrophy, which causes the retina to deteriorate gradually, and hip dysplasia, where the thigh bone can't fit perfectly into the hip joint.

There's no reason to be concerned if your senior dog isn't acting as playful as they once were. Eskies generally become calmer and less active as they get older. Additionally, monitoring their weight is critical because American Eskimo dogs, particularly as they age, are prone to obesity. For their lives, ensure they receive regular veterinary examinations and closely monitor their food intake.

American Eskimo Dog Exercise Requirements

Your American Eskimo will be energetic and eager to work out every morning. To stay happy and healthy, especially if they spend most of their time indoors, they require regular walks, playtime, and opportunities for roughhousing.

American Eskimo Dog Training

Eskimos are one of the easiest dog breeds to train. They were even a common feature in traveling circuses' trained canine acts. When you bring your American Eskimo puppy home, you should begin teaching them. The Eskies require early socialization and puppy training sessions.  
Like all dogs, Eskies react best to lots of praise, treats, or their preferred toy as favorable reinforcement. It's also critical to train them early to walk on a leash. It will take a little while for your Eskie to become confident enough to perform for the family whenever you ask them to because they are so eager to please.

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American Eskimo Dog History 

Small, white Spitz-type dogs were popular among German immigrant communities in the United States during the 19th century. These dogs were descended from large white Pomeranians imported from Europe or from white German Spitz or white Keeshonden. The breed, once known as the American Spitz, became well-known for its abilities as a farm worker and guard dog. Even though the breed had no connection to Eskimo culture, its name was changed to the American Eskimo Dog in 1917.

American Eskimo Dogs became popular in traveling circuses in the late 19th century thanks to their eye-catching white coats, intelligence, trainability, and agility. Their performances soon made them a cherished family pet, winning nationwide hearts.

American Eskimo Dog Fun Facts

A dog named Pierre, who dazzled audiences as a tightrope walker with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, was among the most well-known Eskies to perform in shows. Alignment, ah!
American Eskimo dogs are not sled dogs, despite their name. They truly started with the German Spitz, which was employed for hunting, herding, and securing livestock.

American Eskimo dogs from the romantic comedy The Proposal (2009) may be familiar to you. The comically named Kevin was portrayed by four different Eskies, including the iconic scene in which Sandra Bullock's character tries to feed Kevin to an eagle who stole her cell phone. Fear not—no Eskies were hurt during the production filming!