Australian Eskimo -- American Eskimo Dog X Australian Shepherd

		Australian Eskimo
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			U.S.A. -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Australian Eskimo

The Australian Eskimo is a cross between an American Eskimo Dog and an Australian Shepherd Dog. They are generally white with brown or black markings that are often speckled or spotted. Their coats are quite wavy and a little rough, so they need regular grooming to stay neat, and they are moderate excretors. The Australian Eskimo has good breeding instincts on the side of the Australian Shepherd, but they are more like pets who are very affectionate and like to play. They're not known for barking at intruders, so they're not necessarily the best guard dogs, but they're good with children and very affectionate towards their owners. They can be trained, but owners may need a little patience to see results. They are not sensitive to the weather, so thrive in warm or cold climates.

History of the Australian Eskimo

The name comes from the parent breeds, Australian Shepherd and American Eskimo Dog, but details of their origins are fairly limited.

	A little of the American Eskimo Dog
	American Eskimo Dogs originated in Germany and are part of the Spitz family. They were known as American Spitz until 1917, but the name was then changed to American Eskimo Dog. It is thought that the name change was an attempt to distance the breed in America from its German origins. They were very popular for doing tricks in circuses and are called the handsome dog by some for their good looks. They gained popularity for dancing to music and interacting with clowns at the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Also known as Eskies, they come in Toy, Miniature and Standard sizes but are known for their big-dog attitude. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1995. They were originally bred as farm working dogs and are very agile with excellent breeding instincts. Some are used as guard dogs and for drug detection.

	Presentation of the American Eskimo Dog
	A little of the Australian Shepherd
	Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was bred in the USA in the 1840s as a herding and cattle dog and is still a working dog. They are highly intelligent, loyal dogs whose ancestors were Spanish sheepdogs brought to America by Basque shepherds when they emigrated in the 19th century. Many are registered with the Australian Shepherd Club of America. They are known as Aussies or Little Blue Dogs and were bred to be working dogs. They are prized for their good temperament.

	Standard of the Australian Shepherd

Appearance of the Australian Eskimo

The Australian Eskimo is a fairly large dog, with males weighing up to 27 kilos and standing up to 48 centimeters tall. Their coats are quite hard and generally wavy, and they often have a variety of markings that may be speckled. Your pet is likely to adopt many of the characteristics of the parent breeds. Australian Shepherds have bright, expressive, almond-shaped eyes that are either brown or amber, although some may have blue eyes. Their ears are medium-sized, triangular and slightly rounded at the tips. They have strong white teeth and a muzzle that tapers slightly towards the rounded tip. Their paws are oval-shaped and the tail is straight or can be docked. The medium-length coat is available in blue or red merle, red tricolor or black, all with white and/or tan markings. American Eskimo Dogs have a straight, fluffy white double coat, slightly oval black eyes and erect triangular ears. They often have tear spots under their eyes, which are medium to dark brown. American Eskimo Dogs are known for their alert, lively and brilliant expression. The muzzle is broad and the jaw strong with well-fitting teeth. Their paws are oval and their tails run up their backs.

Temperament of the Australian Eskimo

Australian Eskimos are intelligent, loyal dogs. They are full of energy, very playful and known to be affectionate towards their owners. They are not considered the best watchdogs, as they don't necessarily bark at strangers. Because of their Australian Shepherd ancestry, they have a herding instinct, but are more fun and good pets. As with any new dog entering a family, it will be a good idea to take them into training to help them develop good socialization skills with other animals. Australian Eskimos are considered moderate when it comes to training, but if owners persevere, they will be rewarded. As the Australian Eskimo is a combination of an Australian Shepherd and an American Eskimo Dog, their temperament will be quite similar. Australian Shepherds thrive on human companionship and love to please, while American Eskimo Dogs are good with other dogs, cats and new owners. They are also very good with children.

Needs and activities of the Australian Eskimo

Your Australian Eskimo will need plenty of exercise and playtime to keep fit and happy in all weathers and climates. They are full of energy and are very playful dogs, so daily walks are a must. They would do best in a house with a fenced yard, but could be kept in an apartment provided they are taken out daily for exercise. Children can keep your dog busy. Both parent breeds need plenty of exercise, with the American Eskimo Dog needing sufficient activity to prevent boredom from setting in and the potential for destructive behavior. The Australian Shepherd's love games, such as Frisbee or fetch, also benefit from mental stimulation.

Maintenance of the Australian Eskimo

Australian Eskimos are fairly easy to care for, but require regular brushing to maintain their appearance. Try to brush them at least twice a week. It's a good idea to trim the fur in summer, and make sure the dog's tick and flea medication is up to date so he doesn't scratch himself, as he's prone to allergies. None of its parent breeds is hypoallergenic, nor is the Australian Eskimo. All dogs need good dental care, so it's important to brush their teeth every day from an early age so that it becomes a habit. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming should be an integral part of your Australian Eskimo's maintenance.

Details: Written by: Francis Vandersteen; Also available:; Last Updated: 03 March 2024; Hits: 480

Australian Eskimo -- American Eskimo Dog X Australian Shepherd