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Purpose of Breed: Companionship
Country of Origin: Originally from European Spitz or Nordic breeds, they arrived in America with their immigrated European owners during the 19th century and developed into the "American Spitz" and were later renamed "American Eskimo Dog."
Average Size: The breed is separated into three distinct sizes. Toy (9 to 12 inches at withers, 6-10 lbs.), Miniature (over 12 and up to 15 inches at the withers, 10-20 lbs.) and Standard (over 15 and up to 19 inches-18-35 lbs.)
Color(s): The coat is always white or white with biscuit cream markings.
Coat Type: A thick double coat consisting of a dense undercoat and a longer, straight outer coat.
Grooming: This breed sheds an average amount and its thick coat should be brushed several time per week-daily when shedding. This breed requires standard care for eyes, ears pads and nails.
Exercise Needs: The American Eskimo Dog lives well in an apartment and loves to take walks on a leash.
Temperament: This breed is highly intelligent and very trainable, but needs firm handling and should be thoroughly socialized when young. They are loyal and energetic dogs, and have a tendency to bark and be wary of strangers until introduced.
Common Ailments: Generally healthy, but attention should be paid to tear ducts and the coat should be maintained to prevent fleas and dermatitis.
Life Expectancy: Averages 15 years
Trivia: In the late 1800s, the American Eskimo Dog was popularly used as a trick-dog in traveling circuses throughout the United States.
More Information: American Eskimo Dog Club of America
Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.
Are miniature American Eskimo dogs good with children?
By neil from UK
Contact www.akc.org for good iinformation on any breed. They will give you information also about their temperaments. Also this is another good site for information on the breed: http://en.wikip rican_Eskimo_Dog
Just remember that no matter what breed, each dog is an individual and has it's own temperament. These sites can only give a general idea of what to expect.
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Dakota likes to do many many tricks and always shows off. He loves to play at the park and run really fast.
Sparky was born July 31, 2006. He is a Miniature American Eskimo dog. We got our puppy from an ad in a paper, and brought him home Oct. 1st.
Our little guy is very active, runs, jumps, chews and tastes everything in sight. Good at digging too! A busy little guy, he has lots to explore in this wonderfull world!
He loves to sleep with his big Teddy bear during the day. We put him in his crate for night. He usually puts himself to bed at night & sleep through.
By Betty from Cowichan Bay, BC
Isis is a 5 year old Malamute. Belle is 3 and an American Eskimo mix. I got Isis in 2002 when she was a pup. My uncle's dog had pups and I got her from him. Belle we rescued from a no-kill shelter in 2004.
They love to go places, take walks, They both like the beach but only Isis really likes water. They are wonderful dogs and I would be lost without them in my life. Having a husband in the Navy, they have been there for me when he is deployed and I would have been very lonely without them.
By Mythi from Silverdale, WA
Editor's Note: Here is a previous post about Isis and Belle:
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
I went to my local shelter recently and I found a beautiful dog. He is a white American Eskimo. If anybody owns one or knows a bit about this breed please post some advice or comments.
Here's a picture:
I had one when I was a kid and they are terrific dogs, loyal and intelligent. They need to be brushed frequently, but you've probably figured that out already. I remember that we also washed our Eskimo's eyes often with a washcloth and clear water, as they are prone to gunk up. Also, they tend to be runners, at least ours was, so you may need to be prepared for that. They are great watchdogs. Ours wouldn't let anyone in the house without our permission and they are very gentle with children.
If it's going to be alone for long periods of time during the day you might want to kennel it, or at least make sure it has plenty of toys to play with, they get lonely easily and need entertainment. Hurray for you. You are going to adore this dog. (08/27/2005)
They are among the most trainable of dog breeds, so you'll see them in a lot of stage shows and such. I've never owned an American Eskimo dog myself, though.
There are three different size categories recognized for this breed.
Check out the AKC website at this link for more info:
Best of luck with your beautiful dog.
By Patty Zion
First off I would just like to say you own a beautiful dog. Like everyone has said they are a very protective breed, but also very affectionate. My family just lost ours about a year ago, but had her for 15 years. She was my sidekick.
As someone also mentioned they are runners, so watch out when opening the door, if Snowball got out it took us forever to chase her down, they are very quick. But I must say she was a fabulous dog, loved kids. When trying to get them used to new people we found treats to work the best, as they don't take easily to new people.
Hope this has helped you. Enjoy your new dog, this is one fabulous breed. I would gladly own another American Eskimo. (03/04/2007)
Beautiful, smart, a bit willful (knows what you want and may or may not respond), amazingly self cleaning. Everyone thinks we are always washing her, but we are not. Many people take these adorable pups into their homes and get frustrated when they seemingly ignore you and they end up in shelters; however if you are willing to be persistent and loving, they are great family dogs.
They are very loyal, funny, and always beautiful. I have had 2, neither were runners. They do shed, but who cares. Need to give them a cool place, because they are often hot because of their coat. These are house dogs, not outdoor living. (04/05/2007)
I have an American Eskimo her name is Hunnybun and I love her to death. She is very loyal and protective, but a big time barker. I know this message is old, but you got lucky. Great dog. (04/13/2007)
I had a Eskimo dog as well, named Snowball, my parents bought him before I was born. He was the best dog ever and protected me no matter what, even when my mom would try to spank me he would start growling at her. These dogs are truly the best family dogs. I am 20 now and went to adopt a dog, I was hoping to find one just like Snowball, but was out of luck. Instead I got a Collie pup, I hope he will protect my family as much as snowball did. (04/15/2007)
I have had two Eskies and they are gentle, sweet, and extremely loyal companions. They are wonderful with other animals and very good with kids. The best thing is they are not yappers either and very intelligent. You will be very happy with this dog. Good luck. (04/29/2007)