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American Eskimo Dog
Overview
Overview of American Eskimo Dogs
The American Eskimo dog (also fondly referred to as an Eskie) is a bit of a misnomer: they are neither American nor Eskimo! German farmers seeking opportunities in America brought over their traditional ways to the upper midwest in the 1800s. Along with Lutheranism, the brewing industry and a love of German-style foods, these farmers also brought over the German Spitz to their corner of the New World as all-purpose farm dogs. When travelling circuses and vaudeville troupes were a big hit in dustbowl-era America, the German Spitz, thanks to their cleverness, agility, and good looks, became some of the best dog trick performers around. Pierre - an Eskie tightrope walker with Barnum and Bailey Circus, was perhaps the most famous performer in the 1930s. These pups were even sold as pets after circus shows! When America entered WWI in 1917, the growing anti-German sentiment made these pooches drop their German name and instead renamed them the American Eskimo after the spitz kennel in Ohio. With a rich and intriguing history, these pups have been around for a long time, yet the AKC only registered their first American Eskimo Dog in 1995. They come in three sizes—standard, miniature, and toy—standing as tall as 19 inches at the shoulder or as short as 9 inches. Their black lips, nose and eyes stand out against their sparkly white coat and overarching plumed tail. Eskies come in either white or the delicious-sounding biscuit cream.
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for American Eskimo
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease:
Is a condition in which the head of the femur (the ‘ball’ in the ball-and-socket joint that forms the hip) spontaneously begins to deteriorate and can cause the collapse of the hip, leading to arthritis.
Recommendations for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in American Eskimo Dogs:
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for American Eskimo
Eye Issues:
Eskies may be susceptible to eye infections and degenerative eye conditions like cataracts.
Recommendations for Eye Issues in American Eskimo Dogs:
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for American Eskimo
Allergies:
These power pooches may be prone to seasonal environmental allergies and skin allergies (dermatitis). Excessive tear staining around the eyes may be caused by allergies.
Recommendations for Allergies in American Eskimo Dogs:
Personality
Despite their working ancestry, American Eskimo Dogs were bred as companion dogs that are among the most trainable of breeds - they practically invented the phrase "eager to please." Eskies require a lot of exercise so if you live in a small apartment, daily sprints around the park will keep them happy and healthy. Pay special attention to their skin and coat care: daily brushing is a must and they are prone to tear staining (dark patches that form around their eyes due to moisture and yeast). Because Eskies are extremely social, they may develop behavioral problems if neglected or undertrained so start teaching them good manners from a young age. The American Eskimo dog may be your perfect pet if you want a highly trainable, versatile, and fun-loving companion!
