The American Eskimo Dog - In Focus

The American Eskimo Dog is a spitz-like breed that has an all-white double coat with short and thick ears. Because of these features, she can fare well in cold climates. This breed has been recognized by the American Kennel club (AKC) since 1994. The American Eskimo Dog comes in toy, miniature and standard versions. Her sweetness and adorability make her a very good family dog.

A Brief History Of The American Eskimo Dog

This breed -- also known as the Eskie --descended from the Keeshond, the Pomeranian, the Volpino Italiano, and one variety of the Spitz breed that originated from Germany. This mix of breeds attributed to the very spitz-like appearance of the Eskie. In fact, she is usually mistaken as a spitz breed.

The Eskie's popularity grew very slowly while the other aforementioned breeds became very prominent. That's why in the 1900s, there were a lot of white spitz-like dogs -- American Eskimo Dogs -- that were homeless. It is believed that European workers adopted these dogs and brought them to the United States. This breed was then registered in the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1913. These white spitz-like dogs were then named the American Spitz by the 1920s. They were usually seen in circus shows and dog shows. Her name was changed to the American Eskimo Dog after World War I and the breed was then recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1994.

Taking Care Of An American Eskimo Dog

Like any other dog, the American Eskimo Dog needs a significant amount of exercise every day; but in her case, her exercise requirement depends whether she is the toy type, the miniature or the standard size. The miniature and toy versions require only a very small amount of exercise daily. They can get by with just a short walk around the block or just a bit of running inside the house. On the other hand, the standard-sized Eskie may require a lot more time for exercise. She needs a good workout every day along with several walks around the neighborhood. In general, American Eskimo dogs love to run around and play a lot, especially in cold weathers.

This dog breed is no stranger to very cold climates. She can tolerate cold temperature very well. In fact, they were not meant to live in warm places. However, she still makes a very good house pet and watchdog as long as she is kept indoors most of the time. You may also need to brush her thick coat at least twice a week to keep it looking great.

The American Eskimo Dog's Health Concerns

A good thing about the American Eskimo Dog is that she isn't prone to any major health problems. However, minor health concerns may arise, such as CHD, patellar luxation and PRA. She can also acquire diabetes -- but only rarely. Vets recommend that you take your Eskie to the clinic to be tested for possible eye, hip and knee problems. This breed's average life span is between 12 to 14 years.