Welcome to DogsOnWings

American Eskimo

American Eskimo are those cute dogs you see and fall in love with right away. With their white fur and amazing personality, they are friendly, intelligent, and love being close to family. Despite their name, they come from Germany and are popular in many countries as companion pets.

They are active, full of energy, and great for playing and learning commands. However, because they have a lot of fur, they require regular grooming to stay looking and feeling their best. They’re perfect for anyone looking for a loyal and fun dog for daily life.

If you’re thinking about having an American Eskimo as part of your life or want to learn more about this fascinating breed, get ready to discover fun facts, essential care tips, and valuable advice. Keep reading and find out if they’re the perfect fit for your lifestyle!

Official Name: American Eskimo Dog
Other Names: Eskie and American Spitz
Origins: Germany
american eskimo dog
Drooling Tendency:
Level of hair loss:
Care needs:
Tendencies to bark:
Compatibility with other pets:
Energy level:
Suitable for living in apartments:
Can it be alone:
Family pet:
Sociable with other animals:
Cold weather:
Hot weather:

Male

Height:
12-15 inches (Toy), 15-19 inches (Miniature), 19-20 inches (Standard)
Weight:
6-10 pounds (Toy), 10-20 pounds (Miniature), 25-35 pounds (Standard)
Puppy age:
0 to 6 Months
Adulthood:
1-7 Years
Elderly age
10+ Years
Baby age:
Birth to 8 Weeks

Female

Height:
12-15 inches (Toy), 15-19 inches (Miniature), 19-20 inches (Standard)
Weight:
6-10 pounds (Toy), 10-20 pounds (Miniature), 25-35 pounds (Standard)
Mature age:
7-10 Years
Coat:
Dense Coat, Long Coat With Undercoat
Size:
Very Small / Toy, Small, Medium
Life expectancy:
12-15 Years
american-eskimo-colors

Everything you need to know about the breed

The American Eskimo Dog is a small to medium-sized breed known for its dazzling white coat and delightful personality. Bred from the German Spitz, this breed serves as an excellent companion known for its intelligence and agility.

American Eskimo Dogs are highly trainable, making them great performers in obedience and agility competitions. They require regular grooming due to their thick double coat, which tends to shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes.

They thrive on mental and physical activities and make great watchdogs due to their alertness and propensity to bark at strangers. Despite their small size, they have a high energy level and enjoy outdoor activities. Eskies are affectionate with their families, including children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs.

Facts About This Breed

The American Eskimo is a breed full of personality and unique traits that make them a great choice for many families. Here are some interesting facts and curiosities about these adorable dogs:
  • They come in three different sizes: The American Eskimo is available in three size variations – Toy, Miniature, and Standard. This allows you to choose the perfect size to fit your living space and lifestyle.
  • Excellent at training: Eskies are very intelligent and perform exceptionally well in obedience and agility competitions. They love learning new commands and taking on challenges!
  • Great alert dogs: While friendly, these dogs have a habit of barking to signal any unusual movement. This makes them excellent watchdogs for homes.
  • Their coat requires attention: With their thick, white fur, they need regular grooming, including frequent brushing, especially during seasonal changes.
  • They love being close to family: American Eskimos are very affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners. They dislike being alone for long periods and prefer to stay close by.
american-eskimo-characteristics

History of the Breed

The American Eskimo traces its roots back to the German Spitz, a breed that came from Germany in the late 19th century. Despite its name, it has no connection to Alaska or Eskimos; the name was adopted to avoid German associations during World War I.

Originally, these dogs became popular in the U.S. as companion animals and circus performers due to their agility and talent for tricks. They stood out for their intelligence and trainability, which made them highly sought-after for public performances.

The American Eskimo was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1995. Since then, they have become even more popular as excellent companion dogs due to their loyalty, good temperament, and charming appearance.
american-eskimo-care

Canine Anatomy

Ears:

Erect, triangular
Head:

Clean-cut and slightly rounded
Body:

Compact and balanced
Coat:

Dense double coat, straight with a thick undercoat
Tail:

Plumed and carried over the back
american-eskimo-breed

Things to Take Into Consideration

Before bringing an American Eskimo into your life, it’s important to be prepared to meet the needs and characteristics of this charming breed. They are wonderful companions but require attention to certain details that can make all the difference in daily life. Here are the key points to consider before making this decision:

1. Personality and Companionship

American Eskimos are affectionate dogs that bond closely with their owners. They love being around their family and can become anxious if left alone for too long. If your schedule requires you to be away from home for many hours, think about how this could affect the well-being of your future companion.

2. Compatibility with Other Pets

Although friendly, American Eskimos may face challenges when interacting with other animals. Proper socialization from an early age is essential to ensure they get along well with other dogs and pets in the home. Without this care, conflicts or adjustment problems could arise.

3. Not Suitable for Extremely Hot Climates

American Eskimos have a thick coat that makes them better suited for colder climates, but they are not ideal for living in extremely hot weather. If you live in areas with high temperatures, extra care will be needed to keep them comfortable and protected from excessive heat.

4. Need for Emotional and Environmental Stimulation

This breed is very attached to its owner and loves to be involved in daily home activities. That’s why it’s important to provide emotional and environmental stimulation to ensure they remain happy and healthy. They can become bored or lonely if they lack sufficient activities or companionship to pass the time in a positive way.

Care for Your dog

Cleaning, Training, and Exercise Tips

American Eskimos have a thick, fluffy coat that requires regular attention to stay healthy and clean. Brushing their fur a few times a week helps prevent mats and removes loose hair. Bathing should be done as needed, but overbathing can dry out their skin, so be mindful of how often you groom them.
These dogs are active and energetic, so they need daily physical activity to stay fit and happy. Regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to help them burn off energy. While they aren’t extreme athletes, keeping them active ensures they maintain a healthy body and a happy mind.
American Eskimos are intelligent dogs that enjoy learning, making training a rewarding experience. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training. Early socialization and teaching basic commands will strengthen your bond while ensuring they behave well at home and in public spaces.

Recommendations

Other Related Breeds

Basenji
Newfoundland
Alaskan Malamute
Weimaraner
Bichon Frisé
Samoyed
Dalmatian
Chihuahua