American Eskimo
Description
The American Eskimo is also known as the Eskimo Spitz and the Eskie The American Eskimo is a descendant from the German Spitz. The American Eskimo’s face, coat and lush tail are Spitz-type. American Eskimos have a pointed muzzle and straight ears The American Eskimo has been bred to be a house dog, companion dog and watch dog. The American Eskimo is wonderful with his human family including children, up to the extent that as long as it is near its family it will be content. The American Eskimo prefers cold to warm weather. The American Eskimo are also known to clean their faces like cats and they are much easier to maintain then you may think as their coat easily repels dirt, they have no dog odour and they are generally very clean dogs
Toy
Size of Male: Height: 9-12 inches Weight: 6-10 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 9-12 inches Weight: 6-10 pounds
Miniature
Size of Male: Height: 12-15 inches Weight: 10-20 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 12-15 inches Weight: 10-20 pounds
Standard
Size of Male: Height: 15-19 inches Weight: 18-35 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 15-19 inches Weight: 18-35 pounds
Temperament
The American Eskimo is a charming, affectionate and loving dog. Hardy and playful, American Eskimos are excellent with children. The American Eskimo are highly intelligent and willing to please their owners. They are alert and easy to train. The American Eskimo often ranks among the top scorers in obedience trials. Although some individuals have a willful streak, but most of them like to work. Dogs whose ancestry displays nervousness, hyperactivity or viciousness should not be bred to prevent accidents that might occur due to their natural wariness of strangers. They are naturally wary of strangers, but once introduced, they become instant friends. Some have been known to not let a stranger enter the home until the owner says it is ok. Eskimos need to be part of the family and engage in nuisance activities when isolated. Handle them gently, but firmly. This breed requires more attention and loves to bark. American Eskimo should be thoroughly socialized when young to avoid potential aggression-related accidents.
Living Conditions
The American Eskimo will do fine in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised like other dogs not exercising them enough tend to cause misbehavior and it is important to allow enough exercise each day to prevent such misbehavior out of boredom. American Eskimo are very active indoors and a small yard for them to play in will be sufficient.
Upkeep
The American Eskimo is energetic and needs a good workout every day. The extent of the workout generally depends on the size of the dog, with the larger American Eskimos needing a good jog or long walk and the smaller ones needing only a vigorous game in the yard or short walk each day. The larger American Eskimos can live outdoors in temperate or cool climates, but this breed is so attuned to its family that it does better indoors as a family dog. While it is tempting to just relax on the couch with your dog, be sure to bring him out for exercise especially if you do not have a yard it can exercise in. The double coat needs brushing and combing about twice weekly and more often when shedding.
Health
Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: Patellar luxation, Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy
Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years