General Information

Dog NameAmerican Eskimo Dog
Other NamesGerman Spitz
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeSpitz
GroupNon-Sporting
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginGermany

Physical And Size

Min Life Span13
Max Life Span15
Min Ideal Weight for male6
Max Ideal Weight for male11
Min Ideal Weight for female4
Max Ideal Weight for male11

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentIndependent, Alert, Energetic
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyMedium
Apartment FriendlyHigh
Senior Citizens FriendlyHigh
Service DogHigh
Search and Rescue DogHigh
Biting PotentialMedium
Country of OriginGermany
Nicknames and Other NamesEskie, German Spitz, Eskimo Spitz,
American Spitz
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeSpitz
GroupNon-sporting
Bred ForGuarding and Watchdog
SizeToy, Miniature, and Standard
Recognized ByCKC, AKC, UKC
Life Span13-15 years
Ideal Weight6-10 pounds (toy)
10-20 pounds (miniature)
25-35 pounds (standard)
Ideal Height9-12 inches (toy)
12-15 inches (miniature)
15-19 inches (Standard)
Fur TypeDouble-coated and dense
Common ColorsWhite & Biscuit, White
MarkingsNon
AvailabilityYes
AchievementsThe first breed to walk on a tightrope
Suitable for ApartmentsYes
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToSamoyed

The American Eskimo dog, nicknamed as Eskie is the total package of beauty with brain. They are extremely good looking with a white fluffy coat, lion-like ruff, black eyes and sweet expression with a combination of a quick and clever mind.

The Eskie is a companion dog who is a devoted family member who thrives in family activities. They are always ready for an adventure and looks up at you with a keen, alert expression.

Origin and History

American Eskimo Dog was originated in Germany. They are a member of the Spitz family. Eskie was originally bred to guard people and their property, so they are naturally a watchdog.

Eskies were created from various Nordic breeds: white German Spitz, the white Pomeranian, and the Volpino Italiano. They were popular in the circus and other forms of entertainment in the late 19th century and early 20th century. They become popular among family after they fell in love with them at the circus. The Eskies are still as beautiful and smart as they were in the early 20th century.

Is The American Eskimo Child-Friendly?

The Eskies are not very child-friendly dogs, therefore, they prefer older children more than younger. If you are keeping Eskie with younger children, supervision is necessary as they are very energetic and can be overwhelming to young children.

American Eskimo Laying With a Child

Behavior, Temperament and Personality

The Eskies are very Intelligent and loyal dogs who want to be around their owners. Therefore, leaving them alone for a long time is not a very good idea. They can face separation anxiety if left for a long period of time.

They are a great watchdog but are prone to excessive barking. Their barking habit can be minimized with proper training. Eskies are friendly, always happy, extremely active and sweet. Therefore, you cannot ignore his sweet, smiling face even if you want to.

Trainability

American Eskimos can be stubborn sometimes and training them can be a tough task to do. With a little patient, this breed can be trained easily as they are highly talented and are quick at learning new things. Start training as soon as you bring your puppy home because they are capable of soaking things even at 8 weeks old.

American Eskimo Rolling Over Again and Again

The Eskies are naturally suspicious of strangers, so a proper introduction is needed if some guests are coming over your house. There is no need to train them for a watchdog as they are naturally protective of their territory.

Facts

  • The American Eskimo is not from America but is originally from Germany. They were known as ‘White German Spitz’ before World War I.
  • Eskies was the first dog ever to walk a tightrope.
  • Eskies come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy with all having the same personality.
  • The American Eskimo do great in sports and competition that test agility.
  • They shed a lot and needs to be brushed two, three times a week.

Health Issues

GeneralHealthHealthy
Common HealthIssuesDiabetes, Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation,
HypoallergenicNo
VaccinationRequiredRabies, Canine Distemper, Leptospirosis,
Canine Parvovirus,
Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough,
Canine Coronavirus
SheddingHigh Shedding
DroolingLow
GroomingEasy and average grooming required
Weight GainPotentialAverage to Height
SeparationAnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesNo
Diets andSupplementsProtein- 18% for adult and 22% puppy
Fat- 5% for adult and 8% for puppy
Omega-6 fatty acid

The average lifespan of the American Eskimo is about 12-14 years, likely to face minor health problems like canine hip dysplasia, diabetes, progressive retinal atrophy, and obesity. To prevent getting any of these diseases, take your dog to your veterinarian for time to time check-up. Regular exercise, proper diet, and nutrition help a lot to keep your dog fit and healthy.

Colors

The American Eskimo comes in two different colors –

  • white,
  • white and biscuit

Puppies

The American Eskimo puppies are very cute and adorable. Eskies can give birth to 5 puppies at a time and are a quick learner. In fact, they can learn tricks just by looking at other dog’s behavior.

American Eskimo Puppy Playing with His Mother
Image Source: minepuppy

Cost

The average cost of the American Eskimo puppy is about $1000-$3000 depending on their breeding. If you want to adopt, they cost around $300 in order to cover the expenses for the dog before adopting it.

Size

The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They measure 9-12 inches (toy), 12-15 inches (miniature) and 15-19 inches (standard). The weight is 6-10 pounds (toy), 10-20 (miniature) and 25-35 (standard).

Other Dogs Similar to American Eskimo Dog

There are some other breeds of dogs that are similar to American Eskimo. You might want to search –

Visit Doglime for more dog breed information and their behavior.

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