Breed History
The American Eskimo is a member of the ancient and wide ranging Spitz family of dogs. One 18th century German historian claimed that the Spitz was the ancestor of all domestic breeds. White Spitzes were popular in Pomerania and in the coastal regions of Germany. Sailors traded the white dogs throughout Europe. When Queen Charlotte of England acquired several white Spitzes, the dogs became fashionable among British aristocrats. White Spitzes appear in several Gainsborough paintings.
German immigrants probably brought the white Spitz dogs to the United States, where they served as watchdogs, family pets, and circus dogs. Known as the German Spitz in its homeland, the breed was renamed the American Eskimo in 1917. This was probably a reaction to the unpopularity during World War I of anything associated with Germany. It achieved a high degree of popularity in the 1930s and 1940s in the U.S. as a circus performer.
Nearly 50 years ago, circus trainer Caleb Thompson toured the US and Canada with two animal acts featuring all white horses and small white dogs. He bred, raised, and trained the animals on his White Horse Ranch in Nebraska, and established a school to teach horsemanship and animal training there. The breed of dogs featured in his trick animal acts was the American Eskimo, a spitz dog with a convoluted and colorful history. Typically northern-dog in appearance, the American Eskimo's bright, appealing temperament, skill, and snowy coat made him a favorite with circus audiences whether he rode in a cart pulled by other dogs, pulled a small cart himself, rode horseback, or accomplished a variety of other feats. Circuses have gone by the wayside for the most part, but the Eskie still plies his trade in living rooms all over the country as he delights owners and friends with his pranks and abilities.
The breed has many admirers and it has withstood the test of time.
Temperament
American Eskimos were bred to be companion dogs, not just the family dog to put outside when they bother their owners. They thrive on being a part of their human family. Eskies love their families, and a well-socialized dog is more of a pleasure to own. Eskies are easily trained and very intelligent. At home, Eskies make excellent watchdogs, barking to announce the presence of strangers. The Eskie can be protective of its home and family, but it shouldn't threaten to attack or bite a person.
Many people find the puppies of American Eskimo Dogs to be very cute and purchase this breed as a puppy without doing sufficient research, such as discovering the longevity and needs of this breed. This breed can take longer to mature than other breeds, and Eskies can behave more like puppies than like adults for up to two years, when they finally start to mature and grow their adult coats. They are also an extremely intelligent dog and need to be stimulated. When their intelligence is not stimulated or they are ignored, they can develop behavior issues. Owners can avoid this problem by socializing their Eskie through obedience training or participating in dog sports, such as dog agility, flyball, or dancing. The American Eskimo is a charming, affectionate and loving dog. Hardy and playful, they are excellent with children. Highly intelligent and willing to please. Alert and easy to train, the American Eskimo often ranks among the top scorers in obedience trials. Some individuals have a willful streak, but most like to work. They are naturally wary of strangers, but once introduced, they become instant friends. Some have been known to not let a stranger enter the home until the owner says it is okay. Eskimos need to be part of the family and engage in nuisance activities when isolated. Handle them gently, but firmly. This breed needs attention. Eskies should be thoroughly socialized when young.
Breed standard
The American Eskimo Dog is registered with the United Kennel Club and on July 1st, 1995 was accepted into the non-sporting group of the American Kennel Club becoming the AKC's 138th breed. There are two national clubs for the breed, the National American Eskimo Dog Association and the American Eskimo Dogs of America. The standards for the breed differ in words but not in description of the breed. The major difference is that UKC recognizes only the standard and miniature sizes and the AKC will add the toy size. The American Eskimo was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1913.
The American Eskimo Dog has a typical northern dog appearance: well-proportioned body, double coat, pointed muzzle, small eyes, triangular ears with rounded tips, curled tail, and smooth, steady gait. Although bred mainly as a companion, the Eskie looks like a sled dog and is at home in snow, ice, and cold temperatures.
White is the preferred color, although biscuit or cream markings are acceptable. The dog's body should be strong and compact, with well-sprung ribs, a deep chest, and a straight, muscular back and loin. As with other Nordic dogs, the feet should be tight with tough pads. The tail is plumed with long hair and is carried over the dog's back; a tight curl or double curl, which is often seen in Akitas, is a fault in Eskies. The coat is more lavish on males than females. It is thickest in a mane around the neck and is completely free of waves or curls. The undercoat is very thick and soft, and when shedding, sends tufts of white wafting through the air, scurrying along the floor, and scooting under furniture. The top coat is longer and stiffer and forms a layer of protection from the weather.
Standard-size male Eskies are 15-19 inches, and females are 14-18 inches. Miniature males are 12-15 inches tall, and miniature females are 11-14 inches tall. In puppy classes, miniatures have a minimum height of 11 inches for males and 10 inches for females. The AKC sizes are nine-to-12 inches, toys; 12-15 inches , miniatures; and 15-19 inches for standards with no differential for males and females.
Breed disqualifications include blue eyes; deafness can be a problem in blue-eyed, white dogs.
Living Conditions
The American Eskimo will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.
The American Eskimo loves to walk and should be well exercised either on a leash or in a safely enclosed yard.
Grooming
Eskies have a long, dense coat and need regular grooming. This means brushing them once a week, or more often if necessary. They shed, but it can be maintained with regular brushing. They "blow" their coats twice a year, once in May or June to shed their winter undercoat and once in November or December to shed their summer coat. Many Eskie owners use an undercoat rake, a tool available at most pet stores, for grooming.
Eskies have drier skin than most other dogs and do not usually smell doggy. Because of their dry skin, they need to be bathed only every two or three months, unless they soil their coat with large amounts of dirt or substances with strong odors. Regular brushing maintains a clean coat in most cases. Eskies are very clean about themselves and constantly groom themselves.
All dogs' teeth should be brushed once a week. Pet stores carry a variety of dog toothbrushes, from fingertop to electric.