Origin
United States
Lifespan
13–15 years
Weight
3–16 kg
Height
23–48 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
White · White and Biscuit
American Eskimo Dog
About This Breed
The American Eskimo Dog is a beautiful white Spitz-type breed that comes in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. Once famous as circus trick dogs, they are highly intelligent, eager to please, and excel in obedience training.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a American Eskimo Dog
Origin
| Origin | United States |
| Group | Non-sporting |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 3–16 kg |
| Lifespan | 13–15 years |
| Height | 23–48 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | White · White and Biscuit |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Intelligent · Alert · Friendly · Protective |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Can shed a lot. Regular brushing can help manage loose hair.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The American Eskimo Dog, or Eskie for short, is recognizable by his striking white or cream double coat. This breed, once known as the American Spitz, comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Despite his name, the American Eskimo Dog is in no way related to the North American Inuit peoples. Rather, the dog is descended from the German Spitz dog breed. Before being brought to the United States by German immigrants, the American Eskimo Dog worked to herd and guard livestock. The American Eskimo Dog became popular as a circus performing breed in the late 1800s, according to the American Eskimo Dog Club of America (AEDCA), before they became primarily family pets.
Care Guide
The American Eskimo Dog is an “intelligent, alert, and friendly” dog, according to the breed standard. Perky and eager to please, Eskies can make wonderful pets for active families and single pet parents alike. They require a fair amount of combing and brushing at home, but most Eskies don’t need extensive professional grooming. American Eskimo Dogs also require lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and out of trouble. There are three American Eskimo Dog sizes: