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American Eskimo Dog

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American Eskimo Dog (Face, Muzzle)
Face, Muzzle

Breed Information

Popularity

2022: #123

2021: #122

2020: #119

2019: #120

2018: #122

2017: #118

2016: #122

2015: #118

Name American Eskimo Dog (Toy, Miniature, Standard)
Other names Eskimo Spitz, American Spitz, German Spitz, Eskie
Origin

United States

Germany

Breed Group

Non Sporting (AKC:1994)

Northern Breeds (UKC)

Size Small, Small to Medium
Type Purebred
Life span 12-15 years
Temperament

Alert

Energetic

Friendly

Independent

Intelligent

Protective

Height

Toy: 9-12 inches (22-30 cm)

Miniature: 12-15 inches (30-40 cm)

Standard: 15-20 inches (49-50 cm)

Weight

Toy: 6-10 pounds (3-5 kg)

Miniature: 10-17 pounds (5-8 kg)

Standard: 18-35 pounds (8-16 kg)

Colors

White

White & Biscuit

Litter Size 4-6 puppies
Puppy Prices

Average $1000 - $2000 USD

These playful and perky dogs are sweethearts of many American dog lovers, and their adaptability to the cold environment makes them especially sought after in the Northern United States. Puppies of this breed can go for anywhere between 1000 to 2000 USD.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

5 stars

Apartment Friendly

3 stars

The American Eskimo will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.

Barking Tendencies

5 stars

Frequent

Cat Friendly

3 stars

Child Friendly

4 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.

Dog Friendly

4 stars

Exercise Needs

4 stars

The American Eskimo Dog (Toy) requires less exercise than the standard breed, but should be given the occasional workout or walk. Provide plenty of water and shade during exercise to avoid overheating from the heavy coat.

The American Eskimo Dog (Miniature) requires less exercise than the standard breed, but should be given the occasional workout or walk. Provide plenty of water and shade during exercise to avoid overheating from the heavy coat.

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) needs a good workout every day and should be taken for a long jog or walk. Provide plenty of water and shade during exercise to avoid overheating from the heavy coat. Eskies enjoy dog sports. Without interaction they may become bored and destructive.

Grooming

3 stars

Moderate Maintenance: With a dense undercoat and a longer outer coat of guard hairs they are heavy shedders. Weekly brushing is recommended to control shedding and keep the Eksie’s coat neat and free of mats. Trim nails on a regular basis to keep their feet in good condition. Check their prick ears regularly for any accumulated dirt, wax or debris that make get stuck in their thick hair that covers the ears. Teeth should be brushed regularly.

Health Issues

3 stars

Hypoallergenic: NoProne to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Pay close attention to the eyes and tear ducts. Some are allergic to fleas. This breed can gain weight easily if it does not get enough exercise and/or is overfed.

Intelligence

2 stars

Ranking: # Full Ranking List

Playfulness

4 stars

Shedding Level

5 stars

Constant Shedding: Expect this dog to shed frequently. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner.

Stranger Friendly

2 stars

Trainability

3 stars

Moderately Easy Training: American Eskimo Dogs learn quickly and are eager to please. Harsh training techniques are not appropriate. American Eskimo Dogs should be trained early in life. Obedience training is recommended.

Watchdog Ability

4 stars

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American Eskimo Dog Puppy (Face, Lying)
Face, Lying

American Eskimo Dog Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names
01 Cooper Lola
02 Buddy Molly
03 Jack Lucy
04 Oliver Stella
05 Bear Luna
06 Ace Coco
07 Lucky Bailey
08 Joey Roxy
09 Cody Gracie
10 Bandit Chloe
100 Cute Puppy Names ›

Overview

The Eskie is built along classic Nordic lines, a form that has proved effective at pulling heavy loads through snow and ice. It is compactly built, slightly longer than tall. The stand-off, double coat resists soaking and provides insulation against the cold. The small thick ears are also cold-resistant. The breed's smaller size has moved it from the realm of sled dog, but it remains a sled dog in miniature. Its trot is agile and bold. The expression is keen and alert.

The American Eskimo is bright, eager to please, lively and fun-loving — in short, an enjoyable and generally obedient companion. True to its spitz heritage, it is independent and tenacious and loves to run, especially in cold weather. But it is among the most biddable of spitz breeds, and it is calm and well-mannered inside. It is good with children, other dogs, and pets and is generally outgoing to everyone.

History

The American Eskimo Dog (affectionately called ‘Eskie’ or by the German name ‘spitz’) actually descends from several German breeds such as the Pomeranian and Keeshond. It is not a close relative of the Alaskan Husky. The American Eskimo Dog was brought to America by German settlers in the early 20th century and became a popular circus performer. One Eskie named ‘Stout’s Pal Pierre’ became famous by walking the tightrope. Circuses popularized the breed by selling Eskie puppies after the show. The American Eskimo Dog was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1994.

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