A little look at life together.
Getting to know the American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is a white-coated spitz companion offered in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. Confirm the individual dog's expected size and plan regular double-coat brushing and opportunities to learn.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
American Eskimo Dog questions
Do American Eskimo Dogs shed a lot?
Yes. Eskies shed almost constantly, so brush thoroughly two or three times a week to lift out dead hair and prevent mats. The undercoat usually comes out about twice a year, so expect heavier stretches.
How big does a full-grown American Eskimo Dog get?
It depends on which of the three sizes you have. Toys stand 9 to 12 inches and weigh 6 to 10 pounds, miniatures stand 12 to 15 inches and weigh 10 to 20 pounds, and standards stand 15 to 19 inches and weigh 25 to 35 pounds. Dogs under 9 inches or over 19 inches fall outside all three sizes, so ask which size a puppy's parents are.
Why is it called an American Eskimo Dog if it is not from the Arctic?
The name is a misnomer. The breed traces to German Spitz farm dogs that German immigrants brought to the Midwest, with no link to Arctic peoples. The dogs were first registered as Spitz, renamed during a wave of anti-German feeling, and took the new name from a kennel called American Eskimo.
How long do American Eskimo Dogs live?
American Eskimo Dogs typically live 13 to 15 years, and many live into their middle to late teens. Both are breed-wide observations, not a prediction for one dog.
Are American Eskimo Dogs good family dogs?
Often, yes. Eskies are very affectionate with family, good with young children, and insist on being part of family life. An Eskie left alone too often can develop problem behaviors. As with any dog, supervise time with small children.
Do American Eskimo Dogs bark a lot?
Eskies bark a moderate amount. They are alert, protective of family and good watchdogs, and like other spitz dogs they are quick to warn of an approaching stranger, so expect an Eskie to announce visitors. Early training helps keep that habit in proportion.
Are American Eskimo Dogs easy to train, and were they really circus dogs?
Eskies are among the most trainable breeds, quick to learn and eager to please, and the dogs were regulars in traveling circus acts. They were never developed as circus dogs, though. The breed began as an all-purpose farm dog.
Can an American Eskimo Dog live in an apartment?
It can, with effort. The breed is a good pick for apartment dwellers and is an indoor dog that bonds closely with its people. It is also an active, curious dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental challenge, and it can turn destructive when bored or left alone.
