by Lynn-Nore Chittom

Created on: July 11, 2010

Hybrid dogs are mixed breeds with a specific purebred lineage contributing to the traits of the hybrid.  American Eagle Dogs are a hybrid blend of the purebred American Eskimo and Beagle breeds. 

Like all hybrid dogs, American Eagles share some traits with each of their parent breeds and some are unique to the blending of the two breeds.

Physical Appearance

American Eagle Dogs generally grow to a height of between 15 and 19 inches and weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.  Their coats are typically white or white with light cream markings.  Their skin is pink or gray and their eyelids, gums, nose and paw pads are black.

American Eagle Dogs have thick double coats which are easy to keep clean.  They are average shedders for the exception of times when they are losing their undercoating.  Then they shed heavily for a few days.

Temperament and Care

This hybrid breed is very intelligent and easy to train.  They are friendly and typically socialize easily with both humans and other dogs.  Due to their relative small size and temperament they are easy to keep in an apartment or home.  American Eagle Dogs can be very active and do appreciate a yard or place to play.

American Eagle Dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.  It is important to take special care of their eyes and tear ducts.

American Eagle Dogs as Hybrid Dogs

Cross bred dogs are designed to bring out the best characteristics from each contributing breed.  Breeders often accomplish this through multi-generational crosses.  Multi-generational crosses are done when two hybrid dogs each demonstrating the desired traits of the hybrid mix are mated.  They are bred together with the intention of creating a litter of pups which bear the desired qualities of the hybrid blend. The pups are then raised and bred with quality hybrids from other litters to continue to represent the desired hybrid breed.

Although this method is used to design a hybrid breed, many first generation hybrids do not demonstrate the best qualities of each breed.  Size, coloring, or temperament may lean towards the less favorable qualities from one of the purebred breeds.  Even in multi-general crosses, some pups can represent the recessive genes of negative traits.  This tendancy toward variation in one litter is the reason why hybrids are not recognized by national kennel clubs in the same way as purebred breeds.   This is also why it is very important to learn the traits and characteristics of your particular American Eagle dog to determine which Beagle traits and which American Eskimo  traits your dog demonstrates.

Learn more about this author, Lynn-Nore Chittom.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.