American Eskimo Dog Breed Information

Group

Non-sporting

Weight

8-15 kg

Height

38-48 cm

Lifespan

13-15 years

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About the American Eskimo Dog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

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.

What is an American Eskimo Dog Breed?

An American Eskimo dog is part of the Spitz family. Dogs part of the Spitz family are characterised by small pricked ears, profuse coats, and foxlike faces, and they carry their tails over their backs.

They are one of the Nordic breeds, along with the large Samoyed and the little Pomeranian; this breed has a great variety of sizes. All of them are just as loveable and cuddly!

Who is an American Eskimo Dog 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.

American Eskimo Dog Grooming & Shedding

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 Dogs bark a lot?

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!

What is the average weight & height of an 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 48cm tall. Females are usually about 35-45cm 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 5-9.5kg, and a female around 4.5-8.6kg. You can also get a toy American Eskimo dog. The males weigh about 3.5-5kgs, and the females about 2.2-4kg.

Are American Eskimo Dogs easy to train?

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 house training, 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.

How do American Eskimo Dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the American Eskimo Dog have any common health issues?

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 an 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 does an American Eskimo Dog need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for an 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.

American Eskimo FAQs

How long can an American Eskimo Dog be left alone?

American Eskimo dogs love being around their owners and people, but they are also fine when left alone. You can leave your American Eskimo dog alone for about 5-8 hours.

Do not leave them for too long as they may become a bit bored and destructive. This breed also tends to bark a lot and will do so if left alone for too long.

Are American Eskimo dogs easy to train?

Yes, they are. They are very energetic and intelligent dogs that are very easy to train. They love having a job to do and are very obedient, so you will not struggle to train them. Make sure to train them early on, though, as they may be able to outsmart you.