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American Eskimo Breed Summary
Playful, Energetic and Smart
Like other Spitz breeds, the American Eskimo loves running around and requires a good dose of daily exercise, but is otherwise calm and well-behaved indoors. They move with an agile and bold gait.
This breed is very social and can therefore develop behaviour problems when neglected or undertrained – they just want to be part of family life! This trainable, clever, child-friendly pooch pretty much invented the phrase ‘eager to please’!
Fun Fact: An Eskie was the first known dog to walk a tightrope!
If there was one dog capable of becoming an acrobat, it would be an American Eskimo dog. Today, Eskies are still known for their ability to perform a variety of tricks.
| Lifespan | 13 – 15 Years |
| Height (at the withers) | Males and Females: 38cm – 48cm |
| Weight | Males and Females: 9kg – 18kg |
| Coat | Long Fluffy Double Coat |
| Colour | White, Fawn |
| Eye colour | Brown, Amber |
| Common health issues | Luxating Patella, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip Dysplasia, Diabetes |
| Other Names | Eskie, Miniature Eskimo Dog, American Eskimo Spitz |
Eskies should get plenty of opportunities to be both physically and mentally stimulated, otherwise they can be rowdy if bored, often leading to barking and chewing. So, make sure your Eskie gets lots of exercise to avoid your shoes being chewed! This pooch learns quickly, so training is fun and highly successful providing you’re a confident owner who can take charge in leading and teaching.
As this dog loves being part of a family, they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. When away from home, it’s wise to leave your Eskie in a crate or kennel with plenty of sturdy chew toys to keep them occupied (and out of trouble) until you return home.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th century, these dogs were popular as entertainment dogs and were a success in circuses. With their beautiful fluffy coats, alert expression and trainability, these dogs were furbulous crowd pleasers! Because of their fame in entertainment, the breed’s popularity grew, and early pedigrees often boasted the particular tricks each dog in them could perform.
By 1913, the United Kennel Club recognised the breed. The National American Association established the official standard of the American Eskimo dog with the United Kennel Club in 1970. In 1985, the American Eskimo Dog Club formed to make the ‘Eskie’ an American Kennel Club breed, and the breed achieved full recognition in 1995.
The Eskie is as beautiful and smart as it was in the early 20th century. They make a delightful companion for anyone wanting a sensitive and intelligent dog.