Appearance of the American Eskimo Dog
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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
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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
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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
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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. |