American Eskimo Dog

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

Origin
U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as
Eskie
Miniature Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Spitz

A brief presentation of the American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog, also known as the Eskie, is a small to medium-sized Nordic-type dog bred in three sizes: Toy, Miniature and Standard. The Eskie has a glossy white coat, distinctive black facial features on the nose, lips and eyes, and triangle-shaped ears that stand upright. The Eskie breed has a double coat consisting of a short undercoat and a long outer coat that stays away from the body and requires brushing twice a week to prevent matting. Like other Spitz breeds, the American Eskimo Dog loves to run and requires daily exercise, but is calm and well-behaved indoors.

History of the American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog, often called "the beautiful dog" because of its long, soft coat, is descended from an ancient line of dogs that dates back to the Stone Age, 6,000 years ago. However ancient the lineage, this beautiful dog is a close relative of the German Spitz, whose character was first recorded in Central Europe in 1450 as a valiant defender of homes and fields. Before the First World War, the American Eskimo Dog was known as the American Spitz, a close relative of the German Spitz. However, growing anti-German sentiment in the first half of the twentieth century made it necessary to change the dog's name to American Eskimo Dog, even though it has no cultural or genetic links with American or Inuit culture. Many believe that the name of the kennel in which these dogs were raised contributed to the name change. The close relative Eskie, the German Spitz, was originally created as a guard dog for farmers. The Spitz was not chosen for its aggressiveness, but for its voice and ability to alert people to potential threats. American Eskimo Dogs, like their German cousin, are vocal and capable watchdogs, but they were bred for entertainment. Many American Eskimo Dogs first captured the hearts of Americans and Europeans with their tricks and skills. They were featured in many traveling circuses as carriage dogs. The American Eskimo Dog is considered a small white Spitz-type dog descended from the German Spitz, the white Keeshond or, possibly, the white Pomeranian that emigrated with the Europeans in the 19th century. The breed further distinguished itself from its cousins in 1917, taking the name American Eskimo Dog. It was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club as its own breed in 1994 as a non-sporting dog.

Appearance of the American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a companion dog that embodies strength and agility as well as vivacity and beauty, thus representing its nickname, "the beautiful dog". Overall, the American Eskimo Dog is a compact, well-balanced dog with a gentle gait. They have a Nordic face with black spots and triangular ears. Eskies have a lively, intelligent expression in their eyes, which are slightly oval. The preferred upholstery color is pure white, although cream-colored Eskies are accepted. The Eskie coat consists of long, soft guard hairs that grow through a dense undercoat to form the coat. The American Eskimo Dog is recognized in three sizes: toy, measuring 23 to 30.5 centimeters; miniature, 30.5 to 38 centimeters; and standard, 38 to 48 centimeters. All classes have a ruff (mane), although this is more pronounced in males, and all classes have a tail that curls around the buttocks.

Temperament of the American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a very active dog, requiring daily exercise. The dog was bred as a guard dog for colder climates and does very well outdoors, although its size makes it ideal for small spaces. The American Eskimo Dog is a versatile dog capable of living in all climates and spaces as long as it can exercise and socialize daily. The American Eskimo Dog's diet is much the same as that of other small and medium-sized breeds, but take into account your dog's reaction to all foods. American Eskimo Dogs can be allergic to certain foods, such as salmon, and some vets have advised against chewing on raw skin.

Needs and activities of the American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs are among the most affectionate and intelligent of dogs. These dogs have been bred to be outgoing and non-aggressive. They will vocalize to announce a stranger, but will rarely bite or bark at anyone. They are eager to please and love to run, however, they are more affordable than most of their Spitz cousins. Although the breed has a lot of energy to burn outdoors, it has good indoor manners and is suitable for children and cats, but can chase smaller pets, such as birds, hamsters or gerbils. Their puppy behavior phase lasts two years, almost a year longer than most breeds, but these dogs are very trainable and outgoing. The American Eskimo Dog is a companion dog and requires more positive attention than other breeds. Long periods of separation can lead to anxiety, and your Eskie may bark excessively or develop inappropriate chewing behavior. All in all, the American Eskimo Dog is a beautiful, intelligent and active dog, suitable for any loving home.

Maintenance of the American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs need to be brushed frequently, as they have white, fluffy fur that sheds a lot. It's best to brush your American Eskimo Dog two to three times a week to avoid staining and keep the fur well-groomed. The American Eskimo Dog's fur contains oil that prevents dirt from sticking to it. Frequent brushing will also help keep your dog clean. The skin of American Eskimo Dogs is very sensitive, and bathing can irritate the skin. Baths should only be given once every two months, depending on how dirty the dog is. However, since American Eskimo Dogs are prone to eye problems and tear stains, you should clean their eyes often. When grooming, always check your dog's ears for dirt and possible infection. On your vet's recommendation, you can use a pH-balanced ear cleaner to help keep your American Eskimo Dog's ears healthy.

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