Alt Text
Hill’s Brand Horizon

American Eskimo Dog

dog Breed Profile

American Eskimos dogs come in a variety of sizes.

Attributes

Upright ears (naturally)

Size

Weight

Toy, 8-11lbs. Miniature, 12-21lbs. Standard, 22-40lbs.

Toy, 6-9 lbs. Miniature, 10-19lbs. Standard, 20-35lbs.

Height

Toy, 9-12in. Miniature, 12-14in. Standard, 14-18in.

(at withers)

Toy, 10-12in. Miniature, 12-15in. Standard, 15-19in.

Coat

Length

Medium

Color

White

Care

Exercise

20-40 minutes/day

Energy level

Average

Longevity

12-14 yrs.

Needs

High

Traits

Barking

Moderate

Snoring

Low

Drooling

Low

Digging

Moderate

Grooming Needs

Moderate

Social Needs

High

Club recognition

AKC Class.

Non-Sporting

UKC Class.

Northern Breeds

Prevalence

So-so

The American Eskimo Dog Breed

The American Eskimo dog is capable of amazing escapes if not properly confined.

About the American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimos dogs come in a variety of sizes.

American Eskimo Dog personality

The American Eskimo is a family dog. Eskies are very loyal and need to be around their owners. They are highly intelligent, but can be stubborn. They make good watchdogs, but are prone to excessive barking. They must be socialized with people or they can become overly wary of strangers. With proper socialization along with a proper introduction, Eskies warm up to strangers and accept them good-naturedly.

An Eskie only needs a moderate amount of exercise, but needs plenty of things to do, or it will find something to do. Like all intelligent dogs, they can become bored and may dig or chew in an effort to entertain themselves. These dogs are smart and capable of Houdini-like escapes if not properly confined.

What to expect

American Eskimos dogs need to interact with their owners. They tolerate other dogs and household cats well, if raised with them. As with most breeds, especially Nordic breeds, other pets, such as rodents, birds and reptiles, should be kept away from the Eskie. Eskies make excellent watchdogs and are suspicious of strangers, but their size does not make for a good deterrent. Some Eskies can bark excessively if not properly trained.

The Eskie has a thick coat to withstand harsh winters. But because they prefer to be with their family they should not be made an exclusively outside dog.

Eskies are ideal for people who want a small to medium-sized active dog that does not require a large yard and can be content with walks and games of fetch. Eskies do not do well left alone for long periods. An Eskie typically lives from 10 to 15 years.

History of the American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo dog, or Eskie as the fans of this cheerful, enigmatic dog fondly call him, has a long and ancient history. Although relatively recent to the American Kennel Club, these dogs appeared in the United States in the 19th century. They were often found with German immigrants and were probably descendants of the German spitz, the white Pomeranian, the white Italian spitz, and the white keeshond. These dogs quickly became known as the American spitz.

In the late 19th century and into the early 20th century, these dogs were popular in circuses and other forms of entertainment doing tricks. The beautiful coat, alert expression, and trainability made these dogs crowd-pleasers. These performing dogs increased the breed's popularity as family after family fell in love with them at the circus. Early pedigrees often boasted the particular tricks that each dog in them could perform, and by 1913 the United Kennel Club recognized the breed. The National American Eskimo Dog Association established the official standard of the American Eskimo dog with the United Kennel Club in 1970. In 1985, the American Eskimo Dog Club of America formed to make the Eskie an American Kennel Club breed, and the breed achieved full recognition there in 1995.

The Eskie is as beautiful and smart as it was in the early 20th century. He makes a delightful companion for anyone wanting a sensitive and intelligent dog.

Adopt a pet.
Change a life.

Are you prepared to adopt a pet? Use these tools to make sure you’re ready for the commitment.

 

Need help finding the right food for your dog?

Other breeds you might be interested in