The All-White American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog or Eskie is a breed of dog that is of Spitz type and which has been developed originally in the United States. It belongs to the Nordic line of dog breeds and is very popular as a sledding dog across North America. This breed is also often mistaken for a German Spitz but the two have been differently developed for over 100 years.
There are three varieties of an Eskie and they are toy, miniature and standard. The toy variety stands 9 to 12 inches, the miniature 12 to 15 inches, and the standard 15 to 19 inches in height. However, an Eskie that falls below 9 inches or exceeds above 19 inches of height is considered disqualified according to the breed standard.
The Eskie’s body is of compact build and is slightly longer than it is tall. It has a double coat that is both water and weather resistant. The ears are small and erect and are cold resistant as well, while the neck is heavy with dense coat all over creating a look that is like a lion.
Its hind legs and rump are also covered with dense and lush coat while its tail is plume and sways freely on the back. White or white with biscuit cream are the only acceptable colors for this breed although reap stains are not considered as faults. Grooming for this dog requires brushing and combing twice daily but during its seasonal shedding, it’s going to need more than just twice a week of grooming.
In the US and Canada, the Eskie is being considered as a superb house companion and a family pet. It is observed as very protective dog and it feigns to become a part of its human family. Since it barks as a signal that a stranger is approaching, the Eskie also makes a good watchdog.
The Eskie is also noted for being a very intelligent, highly trainable, very active, moderately independent and eager to please kind of dog. Without proper socialization, however, it may come out shy or aloof that’s why it is good to train him in socialization as early as possible. Some of the activities that are good for the Eskie’s socialization skill are agility competitions, flyball, and dancing.
Because this dog is highly energetic, it means that it has excessive energy that needs to be utilized in order to keep him healthy mentally and physically. He must be brought out for daily exercise and the intensity should depend on its size. Although active and protective, the Eskie, won’t attack or bite on impulse unless it is being provoked.
Today’s Eskie has developed from breeds such as the larger German Spitz, Italian Spitz, Volpino Italiano and many more. These parent breeds came to the US in the early 1900s together with their European immigrant masters. In 1919, this breed was first recorded to be the American Eskimo dog in the American United Kennel Club; in 1995, the American Kennel Club officially acknowledged it as a member.
