Breeds

American Eskimo

Breed Facts Size: Standard, miniature and toy Height: 23 - 30cm (9 - 12 in) Miniature: 33 - 38cm (12 - 15in) Weight: Toy - 2.4 - 4.5kg (6 - 10lb) Life Span: 14 years Grooming: Average - Demanding Exercise: Average Feeding: Reasonable Temperament: Affectionate and intelligent Country of Origin: USA AKC Group: Non-Sporting Other Names: Eskie

Temperament
The American Eskimo Dog is affectionate, obedient, intelligent, eager and protective. American Eskimo Dogs are eager to please and very outgoing. They get along well with children and love human companionship. Their intelligence allows them to learn quickly and are easily trained. American Eskimo Dogs are naturally untrusting of strangers and make excellent watch dogs, without threatening to attack or bite people. American Eskimo Dogs are known to be noisy and will sound warning barks when strangers arrive.

Grooming
American Eskimo Dogs should be brushed twice weekly to prevent their thick coats from becoming tangled. A pin brush (with blunt pins) is suitable for regular brushing and keep in mind that these dogs shed heavily at least once a year.

Exercise
The American Eskimo Dog loves games and being outdoors. They are an active breed and shouldn't be denied regular exercise and inclusion in family activities. If they isolated or unoccupied they can become destructive or display undesirable behaviors. American Eskimo Dogs are known to excel in dog obedience trials.

History
This breed's name is misleading as they haven't descended from the working Eskimo sled dogs (unlike the Canadian Eskimo Dog). The American Eskimo Dog was specifically bred as a companion dog and is a descendant from the German Spitz. Around 100 years ago they were a popular breed for American circus dog trainers. American Eskimo Dogs were first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1994.

Physical Characteristics

General Appearance
Brilliant white, cuddly and charming.

Color
White or white with biscuit cream.

Coat
Stand-off double coat. The outer coat is long, harsh and grows up through the dense under coat. There should be no curl or wave.

Tail
Heavily plumed and carried curled over the back.

Ears
Set high, triangular, pricked and blending softly with the head.

Body
The body is slightly longer than it is tall with a level topline. The chest is deep and broad with well-sprung ribs. There is a slight tuck-up of the belly just behind the ribs and the loin is strong and well-muscled. The back is straight, broad, level and muscular.

Additional Comments

• American Eskimo Dogs should be trained at an early age to keep their barking to a minimum or they can become nuisance barkers.
• The American Eskimo Dog is commonly referred to as "Eskie".
• There is a pronounced ruff of hair around the neck that is more noticeable in males than females.
• Like most white-coated breeds the American Eskimo Dog has a tendency to develop reddish-colored tear stains below the eyes.