[ Video ] Profile : American Eskimo Dog | Dog Breed | American Eskimo
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The Breed History
The Spitz family (Nordic type) of dogs includes the American Eskimo Dog, and also the white Keeshond, German Spitz, white Pomeranian, Japanese Spitz, and white Italian Spitz. Some of these other breeds may have contributed to the gene pool of the American Eskimo Dog breed. Early on in America, the breed was referred to as American Spitz. It was in 1995 that the AKC accepted the breed into the registry. The name change to "Eskimo" was done to reflect the Northern origins of the dogs.
Breeding for Function
In the late 19th century in North America they were popular as circus trick dogs. Currently, their primary purpose is as a companion dog.
Physical Characteristics
Toy
Height at Withers: 9-12" (23-30.5 cm)
Weight: 6-10 pounds (2.4-4.5kg)
Miniature
Height at Withers: 12-15" (30.5-38 cm)
Weight: 10-20 pounds (4.5-9kg)
Standard
Height at Withers: 15-19" (38-48 cm)
Weight: 18-35 pounds (8kg-16kg)
UKC recognizes 2 size categories Miniature (males 12-15", females 11-14") Standard (males 15-19", females 14-18")
Coat: Their lip margins, palpebral margins and nose are always black and the double, dense coat is always white or white with biscuit cream tones. The undercoat is dense, short and wooly, the outer coat guard hairs grow straight out through the undercoat and are hard and straight. Breeches and a well-developed ruff are present, particularly in the males. The muzzle hair is short, and the backs of the legs are well feathered.
Longevity: 11-15 years
Points of Conformation: Alert, smooth and quick in action, they possess a compact build; their excellent balance and agility has been carefully selected for. They possess a typical Spitz head with alert, pricked small triangular ears with blunt tips, and ears are thickly covered in fur. The tail is carried over the back and has a well-developed plume. The stop is well defined, the skull is fairly flat and the muzzle is only slightly tapering. The neck is medium in length, and the head is carried high. The topline is level, the thorax is deep with well-sprung ribs, and there is a mild abdominal tuck up. The tail may be dropped off the back at rest in which case it reaches to the level of the tarsus. Dewclaw removal is optional. Feet are compact, toes are well arched, and they have thick hair growth around the toes. The nails are white. Limbs are straight boned with moderate muscling. The eyes are oval and wide-set; a dark brown color is preferred. Note that some tear staining is normal for many dogs.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed characteristics include: Agile, very high trainability, affectionate and they like to please. A good alarm barker with high barking tendency, some have tendency to excessive barking. They need close human contact. Early socialization is important so that they are not overly aloof with strangers. Need mental stimulation or will develop boredom vices. Eskie dogs have moderate exercise needs. They do well with other pets if socialized to them early. They have moderate grooming needs. If nervous, they have a tendency to bite.
Normal Physiologic Variations
None reported
Drug Sensitivities
None reported