American Eskimo Dog Breed Guide

  • Breed Group
    Breed Group

    Companion dog

  • Breed Height
    Height

    38-48 cm

  • Breed Weight
    Weight

    2-15 kg

  • Breed Lifespan
    Lifespan

    12-15 years

About the American Eskimo Dog

If you're looking for a four-legged friend whose affectionate, active and a bit of a jokester - then an American Eskimo dog is the breed for you! There's no doubt that you'll find a fur-ever friend with this ball of fluff around.

Our guide tells you all you need to know about this beautiful breed. By the end of this, you'll know if the American Eskimo dog is the one for you or not!

What is the history & origin of the American Eskimo Dog?

Spitz-type dogs came from German immigrants in the US and are likely descendants of the white Keeshonden, large white Pomeranians, or the white german spitz. They were initially known as American Spitz dogs.

During the 19th century, they travelled with circuses and were great entertainers due to their ability to perform tricks and their beautiful white coats. The breed became increasingly popular due to this.

They were named the American Eskimo dog in 1917; nobody knows why, but the name stuck, and that's how we know them today. They founded the American Eskimo dog club in 1985, and they were recognised as a breed by the American kennel club in 1995.

Who are American Eskimo Dog dogs best for?

American Eskimo dogs are the best companion dogs. They are affectionate with kids, other pets, and adults; this makes them the perfect family dog. However, they have high energy levels, which may be a bit much for young children, so always keep an eye on the little ones.

They are an excellent choice for new pet owners; they are easy to train and compassionate animals. However, they are also very social and enjoy being around humans, so they are best for people who can spend a lot of time with their pets.

American Eskimo dogs are also for people with small yards. These dogs are little but still love exercise and running around.

How much grooming does a American Eskimo Dog need?

American Eskimo dogs have a white double coat and are very fluffy. However, the coat is relatively easy to keep clean.

These little fluff balls do shed just about all the time, so it is best to give them a thorough brush at least two to three times a week. Brushing them will prevent matting and will remove any dead hairs.

You should bathe them occasionally, perhaps once every few months. If you wash them too often, it can cause their skin to get irritated and dry. Their nails should also be trimmed regularly.

You should also give their coats a spot trim each month by their paws, ears, and faces.

Do American Eskimo Dog bark much?

These dogs were also originally bred to be guard dogs of people and property. So they will bark to alert you of anything. If left alone for too long or not adequately trained, they can quickly become problem barkers.

They do love to talk through barks, mumbles, and yowls - these little guys seem to have a lot to say!

Do American Eskimo Dog bite?

Like most other dog breeds, American Eskimos tend to bite, especially when they are being playful. Biting is a natural instinct when they are puppies. You just need to redirect their bite and train them.

It is essential to teach your new puppy good biting manners. Make sure that they know that humans are a big no and that they should instead bite on toys. These dogs are easy to train, so your puppy should understand this in no time.

Be gentle when training. Teaching them that biting is wrong is the best way to avoid any serious accidents when your puppy grows up.

If your dog is biting excessively or shows highly aggressive behaviour, then it is best to take them to a trainer.

What is the temperament & personality of a American Eskimo Dog?

American Eskimo dogs are incredibly loyal. They are family dogs and love being around their humans. They can be very stubborn but are also extremely intelligent. They are excellent guard dogs, but they do love a good bark ( a lot of it).

These dogs are affectionate, cheerful, sometimes rowdy, energetic, curious, and independent. They thrive in activities that stimulate their brains, such as agility, obedience training, tricks, and sports. They are incredibly obedient dogs.

These dogs have the ability to outsmart you, so train them from a young age! They are also very defensive of their families and homes, but they are not aggressive.

What is the weight & size of a American Eskimo Dog?

This dog comes in three different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Standard American Eskimo dogs are medium-sized dogs and are generally about 38 to 48cms tall. Females are usually about 35-45cms tall. And they typically weigh about 8-15kgs.

The weight and size will vary as each dog is unique, but these are the general measurements.

You can also find mini American Eskimo dogs, and these tend to be quite a lot smaller. A male mini weighs around 5-9.5kgs, and a female around 4.5-8.6kgs. You can also get a toy American Eskimo dog. The males weigh about 3.5-5kgs, and the females about 2.2-4kgs.

How much training does a American Eskimo Dog need?

These dogs are very easy to train, and they are incredibly fast learners. Training is an excellent way to bond with your four-legged friend and is a great way to exercise their minds - they'll love learning and showing off their new tricks.

It is best to focus on household manners and housetraining, give them praise, and use positive reinforcement. Puppy preschool is always an excellent idea. This way, your puppy can be introduced to various objects, people, sounds, and animals.

What are some of the most common health issues for a American Eskimo Dog?

These dogs are prone to health issues, not all of them will suffer from any of them, but it is possible. They can get hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Diabetes, and Juvenile Cataracts.

Ask the breeder if the parents had any health issues and ask for proof of a health clearance - this way, you can be sure that you are getting a puppy that will likely remain healthy and has not inherited any diseases or health issues.

What is the lifespan of a American Eskimo Dog?

The average lifespan of an American Eskimo dog is about 13 to 15 years. If your dog suffers from health issues, it is likely it won't live for as long. So ensure that your dog is healthy and well kept.

Their lifespan is also affected by their lifestyle, diet, and activity levels. So it is best to make sure that your dog eats a healthy diet and gets loads of exercise and time to play and run around.

How much should you feed a American Eskimo Dog?

Your American Eskimo dog will be happy with top-quality commercial dog food. Take their age, life stage, and activity level into consideration when choosing the right food for your fur baby. They should eat a good combination of moist and dry food.

Make sure that you do not overfeed the dog, as something as little as an extra pound can cause terrible health issues for such a small dog. They should eat around 1/2 to 1.5 cups of food daily, split between two meals.

What is the price of a American Eskimo Dog in Australia?

The price of the puppy will vary depending on the breeder and the quality of the particular dog. In general, a purebred American Eskimo puppy will cost you around $1,000. You may find them for slightly less as well.

Buying these dogs from breeders does make them relatively expensive.

Pros

  • Alert and active
  • Great watchdog abilities
  • Excels at learning tricks

Cons

  • Excessive barking
  • Heavy shedding
  • High energy level