The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

The Purebred American Eskimo Dog

Information and Pictures

The front right side of a white American Eskimo that is standing in a parking lot.

Chloe the full-grown American Eskimo

Other Names
  • American Eskimo Spitz
  • American Spitz
  • Eskie
  • Miniature Eskimo Dog
  • Spitz
  • Standard Eskimo Dog
  • Toy Eskimo Dog
Pronunciation

uh-MAIR-ih-kuhn ES-kuh-moh dawgspeaker

Description

The American Eskimo is a beautiful, small to medium-size Nordic-type dog that looks like a miniature Samoyed. There are three varieties: toy, miniature and standard. That means there is an Eskie for all interests and house sizes. The American Eskimo has a wedge-shaped head with muzzle and skull about the same length. It has erect, triangular-shaped ears, and a heavily plumed tail curled over the back. Its neck is well carried and the topline good and level. Good legs and feet allow the Eskie to trot with bold, energetic action. The profuse coat is always white, or white with biscuit or cream markings. Its skin is pink or gray. Black is the preferred color of its eyelids, gums, nose and pads. The coat is heavy around the neck, creating a ruff or mane, especially in males. The breed is slightly longer than it is tall. The coat of the American Eskimo should not curl or wave; the undercoat should be thick and plush with the harsher outer coat growing up through it. No colors other than those described above are allowed. The eyes must not be blue and no Eskie may be shown if it is under 9 inches (23 cm) or over 19 inches (48 cm).

Temperament

The American Eskimo is an affectionate, loving dog. Hardy and playful, they are excellent with children. Charming and alert. Because of the dog's high intelligence and its willingness to please, it is easy to train and often ranks among the top scorers in obedience trials. American Eskimos like to work. They are naturally wary of strangers, but once introduced they become instant friends. Eskimos need to be part of the family with a firm, consistent, confident pack leader. If you allow the dog to believe he is the ruler of your home, many varying degrees of behavior issues will arise, Including but not limited to, separation anxiety, obsessive barking, dog aggressiveness, willfulness and guarding. Without enough mental and physical exercise, they can become hyperactive and high strung, spinning in circles. Small dogs have a higher tendency to become the pack leader over humans, because they are small and cute, and oftentimes the humans are oblivious as to what has happened. Read Small Dog Syndrome to find out more.

Height, Weight

Toy: 9 - 12 inches (23 – 30 cm) 6 - 10 pounds (2.4 - 4.5 kg)

Miniature: over 12 (30 cm) up to 15 inches (38 cm) 10 - 20 pounds (4.5 – 9 kg)

Standard: over 15 inches (38 cm) up to 19 inches (48 cm) 18 - 35 pounds (8kg - 16kg)

Health Problems

Prone 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.

Living Conditions

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.

Exercise

The American Eskimo needs to be taken on a long daily walk. It will enjoy a safely enclosed yard where it can run free, however it will still need to be taken out for a pack walk to satisfy its migration instinct.

Life Expectancy

About 15 or more years

Litter Size

Average of 5 puppies

Grooming

The thick, snowy white coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush twice a week. It should be brushed daily when it is shedding. This breed is an average shedder.

Origin

The American Eskimo is one of the Spitz families of Nordic breeds. It is closely related to the white German Spitz. German Spitzes were eventually brought to America, where the name changed to American Eskimo Dog due to the widespread anti-German feelings during World War I. Today they are known as a separate breed, but are closely related to the German Spitz. The Samoyed, the white Keeshond the white Pomeranian and the white Italian Spitz are also said to be related to the American Eskimo Dog. Evidence suggests that "White Spitz" dogs were first brought to the United States by German settlers and despite the name, have nothing to do with the Eskimo culture. The name came about in 1913 when Mr. and Mrs. F.M. Hall first registered the breed with the UKC (United Kennel Club). Their kennel name was "American Eskimo," which became the name of the breed. In 1969 the National American Eskimo Dog Association was formed and the studbooks were closed. The American Eskimo Dog Club of America was formed in 1985 for the purpose of achieving AKC recognition. The AKC recognized the American Eskimo Dog on July 1, 1995. The American Eskimo was originally bred to be a multi-purpose working dog of the farm. It is an intelligent dog that is agile, has a strong desire to please, is a thinking breed and has excellent herding instincts. Some of the American Eskimo's talents are herding, watchdog, guarding, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks.

Group

Northern, AKC Non-Sporting

Recognition
  • ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
  • ACR = American Canine Registry
  • AKC = American Kennel Club
  • APRI = America's Pet Registry, Inc.
  • CKC = Continental Kennel Club
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc
  • NKC = National Kennel Club
  • UKC = United Kennel Club
The left side of a white American Eskimo that is standing on a rolled up tarp on a front porch.

Buddy the American Eskimo puppy at 5 months old

See more examples of the American Eskimo Dog