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American Eskimo Dog Facts
- Group
- Non Sporting
- Affiliations
- UKC, CKC, AKC
- Height
- Toy: 9" - 12" (22.8 - 30.5cm)
Miniature: 12+" - 15" (30.5 - 38.1cm)
Standard: 15+" - 19" (38.1 - 4 - Weight
- In proportion to height. (No standard available).
- Lifespan
- 14 years | Add yours
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Grooming Requirement
- Colors
- Breed Characteristics
Alternate Names
The American Eskimo Dog is also know as American Eskimo, Eskie, German Spitz, or American Spitz.
Origin
The American Eskimo originated in Germany.
Date Of Origin
The American Eskimo breed originated in the late 1800's.
History
The American Eskimo dogs is a descendant of several European spitz-type dogs including the white Pomeranian, white Italian spitz, white German Spitz, and white Keeshound. In a display of patriotism in the era around World War I, dog owners began referring to their pets as American Spitz rather than German Spitz.
After World War I, the small Spitz dogs came to the attention of the American public when the dogs became popular entertainers in the Cooper Brother's Railroad Circus, in 1917. A dog named Stout's Pal Pierre was famous for walking a tightrope with the Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1930s. Due to the popularity of the circus dogs, many of today's American Eskimo Dogs can trace their lineage back to these entertainer dogs. In addition to being a circus performer, this breed has a history of companion and watchdog.
The American Eskimo dog was recognized by the UKC in 1913 and by the AKC in 1994.
Description
The American Eskimo Dog is known for its thick bright white double coat (they may also have some cream coloring), jet black points (lips, nose and eye rims). The American Eskimo is square with a strong compact body. Its head is wedge shaped with erect, triangular ears. It has a pronounced ruff around the neck, a plumed tail carried over the back, and longer hair on the rump and hind legs. It comes in three variations: toy, miniature, and standard.
Temperament
The American Eskimo is intelligent, alert, energetic, loyal, outgoing, and eager to please friends and family, but is cautious with strangers. The American Eskimo makes an excellent watchdog, and trespassers will be met with a flurry of barking. This breed is clever and can be mischievous, but gets along with both children and other animals.
American Eskimo dogs should attend puppy kindergarten class to socialize with other puppies and meet a variety of people. Training will give the breed a standard for acceptable behavior.
The American Eskimo needs vigorous daily exercise, and daily walks alone may not be enough for the younger dogs. A brisk jog, fetch, flyball, or agility training will keep them exercised and satisfied.
Uses
Over the years the American Eskimo dog has been used as a companion, watchdog, and circus performer. Today it is most widely used as a companion, and enjoys dog sports such as agility.
Health Concerns
Potential health concerns for the American Eskimo include elbow and knee degeneration, hip dysplasia, PRA, seizures.
Additional Information
The lush coat of the American Eskimo dog requires brushing at least twice per week. Although they are not prone to matting, the dense undercoat will shed. The heaviest shedding is usually in the spring and fall. Some shedding is to be expected year round, but the coat requires no trimming.
The American Eskimo dog can thrive in a country setting or an apartment as long as he receives ample exercise.
Sources
The All Breed Dog Grooming Guide
Publisher: Aaronco, 2002
Website: http://www.aaroncopet.com
Author: Sam Kohl
Dog Bible
Publisher: BowTie Press, 2005
Website: http://www.bowtiepress.com/bowtie/
Authors: Kristin Meuh-Roe, Jarelle S. Stein
The Howell Book Of Dogs
Publisher: Wiley Publishing Inc, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Author: Liz Palika
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