American Eskimo Dog
Also Called: Eskie American Spitz
| Friendliness | High |
|---|---|
| Kid Friendly | High |
| Pet Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | Easy |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency To Bark | Low |
| Amount Of Shedding | Medium |
The American Eskimo Dog is a smart, confident, and all-around cheerful breed. With a distinct Spitz type head and expressive face, the American Eskimo Dog stands out from the crowd and makes an excellent companion for any family.
Breed Overview
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Life Span: 12-15 years
- Height: Medium
- Weight: Medium
- Coat: Double
- Coat Colors: White
- Litter Size: 3-6
- Family: Spitz / Nordic Breeds
- Hypoallergenic: true
- Recognition: AKC
- Size: Medium
Training and Care
American Eskimo Dogs are easy to train, and respond best to positive, reward-based training. Training should start at an early age to establish good habits. A well-trained American Eskimo Dog is a joy to have in the home. Grooming needs range from daily brushing of the double coat to regular baths and haircuts.
Diet and Nutrition
American Eskimos should be fed a high-quality diet that is formulated for their age and activity level. This breed tends to gain weight easily so it is important to watch their intake of treats and table scraps.
Health Problems
American Eskimos are generally healthy, however, they can be prone to hip dysplasia, diabetes, and eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC.
Breed History
The American Eskimo Dog is a member of the Spitz family, which originated in Germany in the 18th century. This Nordic-type breed was used as a herder and guardian and came to the United States in the early 1900s.
