ABOUT THE AMERICAN ESKIMO

Description: The American Eskimo is a beautiful, white dog. It looks like a miniature Samoyed. There are three sizes: the toy, miniature, and standard. They are a small to a medium size Nordic type dog. The American Eskimo has a wedge-shaped head with muzzle and skull about the same length. It has erect triangular-shaped ears, and a heavily plumed tail curled over the back. Its neck is well carried and the top line good and level. Their coat is always white or white with biscuit or cream markings. The coat is thicker and longer around the neck and chest forming a lion-like ruff which is more noticeable on dogs than bitches. Their skin is gray or pink. Black is the preferred color of their eyelids, nose, and pads.

The American Eskimo is charming, affectionate and a loving dog. They are good with children. They are highly intelligent and willing to please. American Eskimos are easy to train and they are often ranked among the top scorers in obedience trials. There are some eskies that have a willful streak, but most like to work.

Size: There are three separate sizes of the American Eskimo. (All measurements are heights at withers):

Toy: 9in to including 12in (23-30cm) and weighing anywhere from 6-10 pounds (2.4-4.5kg)

Miniature: Over 12in and including 15in (30cm-38cm) and weighing anywhere from 10-20 pounds. (4.5-9kg)

Standard: Over 15in to and including 19in (38-48cm) and weighing 18-35 pounds. (8-16kg).

If you are showing your American Eskimo, they are disqualified if they are under 9 in or over 19 in.

Proportion: Length of back from point of shoulder to point of buttocks is slightly greater than height at withers, an approximate 1.1 to 1 ratio.

Substance: The American Eskimo Dog is strong and compactly built with adequate bone.

Head: Expression is keen, intelligent, and alert. Eyes are not fully round, but slightly oval. They should be set well apart, and not slanted, prominent or bulging. Tear stain, unless severe, is not to be faulted. Presence of tear stain should not outweigh consideration of type, structure, or temperament. Dark to medium brown is the preferred eye color. Eye rims are black to dark brown. Eyelashes are white. Faults: amber eye color or pink eye rims. Disqualification: blue eyes. Ears should conform to head size and be triangular, slightly blunt-tipped, held erect, set on high yet well apart, and blend softly with the head. Skull is slightly crowned and softly wedge-shaped, with widest breadth between the ears. The stop is well defined, although not abrupt. The muzzle is broad, with length not exceeding the length of the skull, although it may be slightly shorter. Nose pigment is black to dark brown. Lips are thin and tight, black to dark brown in color. Faults: pink nose pigment or pink lip pigment. The jaw should be strong with a full complement of close fitting teeth. The bite is scissors, or pincer.

Temperament: The American Eskimo Dog is intelligent, alert, and friendly, although slightly conservative. It is never overly shy nor aggressive, and such dogs are to be severely penalized in the show ring. At home it is an excellent watchdog, sounding a warning bark to announce the arrival of any stranger. It is protective of its home and family, although it does not threaten to bite or attack people. The American Eskimo Dog learns new tasks quickly and is eager to please.

They are naturally wary of strangers. However, once you introduce them, they can become instant friends. The American Eskimo needs to be part of the family. They need to be handled gently, but firmly. The American Eskimo loves to bark. They should be socialized when young to avoid potential aggression-related accidents.

Health Problems: The American Eskimo is a healthy breed. You should pay close attention to the its eyes and tear ducts. Their double coat should be kept clean and free of fleas that can cause dermatitis.

Exercise: The American Eskimo loves to walk. They should be exercised either on a leash or in an enclosed yard.

Life Expectancy: Approximately 12 years or more

Grooming: The American Eskimo Dog has a stand-off, double coat consisting of a dense undercoat and a longer coat of guard hair growing through it to form the outer coat. It is straight with no curl or wave. There is a pronounced ruff around the neck which is more noticeable on dogs than bitches. Outer part of the ear should be well covered with short, smooth hair, with longer tufts of hair growing in front of ear openings. Hair on muzzle should be short and smooth. The backs of the front legs should be well feathered, as are the rear legs down to the hock. The tail is covered profusely with long hair. (IF SHOWING: THERE IS TO BE NO TRIMMING OF THE WHISKERS OR BODY COAT AND SUCH TRIMMING WILL BE SEVERELY PENALIZED.) The only permissible trimming is to neaten the feet and the backs of the rear pasterns.

They should be brushed with a firm bristle brush twice week. If they are shedding, this should be done daily. The American Eskimo is an average shedder.

AKC Information: Date entered into Regular Classes: July 1, 1995

Non-Sporting Group

The American Eskimo was accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club in 1994.

Approved: October 11, 1994

Effective: November 30, 1994

The American Eskimo was a favorite among circus performers in the early 20th century.

The American Eskimo is not descended from the working sled dogs.

Origin: The American Eskimo, nicknamed the "Eskie". Some people believe they were likely descended from several of the spitz dogs of Europe. Such as: the German Spitz, Italian Spitz, White Keeshond, White Pomeranian, and perhaps the Japanese Spitz.

German immigrants, during the 1800's, brought the white dog with them to America. In 1913 the American Eskimo was registered with the UKC. In 1917 the breed was named the American Eskimo.