by Rabenschwarz

Created on: March 25, 2007   Last Updated: March 15, 2012

The American Eskimo dog is usually known as the Eskimo Dog. The Eskimo Dog is a member of the Spitz family that are sometimes called Nordic breeds. It is very closely related to the German Spitz and some may argue it is the same breed because when they were first introduced in America it was just after WW1 and nobody wanted anything German so they changed the name. Another theory is that the dog came about by breeding Samoyeds, German Spitz and Keeshonden. The Eskimo dog is a very popular dog for use in the circus and other preforming dog acts. They also make good watchdogs, police dogs, agility and obedience competitors.

Description

The American Eskimo Dog comes in three different sizes, Toy, Miniature and Standard but the size is the only thing that separates them in appearance. In the physical appearance it looks very much like a miniature Samoyed. The head is wedge shaped and the skull should be of equal length with the muzzle. The ears are triangle in shape and should always be erect. The skin around the eyes, lips and nose should always be black. The eyes should be dark brown, blue eyes are a disqualification. The top line should be level and the dog should trot with an energetic gate. The tail is like that of a Spitz, very fluffy and carried over the back. The coat should be heavy and the males especially should have the appearance of a lion's mane. The coat should not be wavy or curly and the outer coat is more course than the undercoat. The coat should always be white, though white with cream or biscuit markings are also allowed. For the show ring the dogs must be larger than 9 inches tall but no more than 19 inches tall. Toys should stand 9-12 inches tall and weigh 6-10 pounds. Miniatures should stand between 12 and 15 inches tall and weigh 10-20 pounds. The Standard should stand 15-19 inches tall and weigh 18-35 pounds.

Temperament

The American Eskimo Dog is a very vibrant and energetic breed that has gained a great deal of popularity with their hi-jinks. The Eskie, as it is sometimes called by fanciers of the breed, is a very friendly, charming and affectionate dog. It's loving nature and playful tendencies make it an ideal companion for children. A bonus is that the dog is very hardy and won't be easily harmed during play. Eskies are highly intelligent and love to please their owners. They are relatively easy to train and usually do well in learning tricks and competing in obedience competitions. They require firm but not harsh training and guidance.

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