| Of all the dog breeds one of the fluffiest | | | | Around the neck and chest the coat is much |
| and cutest is the American Eskimo puppy. It | | | | thicker and forms a ruff similar to a loins. |
| is from the Spitz family and considered a | | | | This trait is more pronounced on a male than |
| Nordic breed. When brought to America its | | | | on the females. The breech look, which is |
| name was changed to the American Eskimo dog. | | | | characteristic of the breed, is formed around |
| It was originally related to the white German | | | | the back legs to the hocks and is covered in |
| Spitz. They originally changed the name | | | | very thick hair also. The tail is loosely |
| because after World War I there were | | | | carried on its back and is very plum. The |
| widespread anti-German sentiments. They are | | | | color of the American Eskimo dog should be |
| now considered to be two separate breeds but | | | | pure white, though white and biscuit cream is |
| the two a very closely related. | | | | also allowed. |
| | | | |
| Evidence shows that the "White Spitz" was | | | | As a puppy the American Eskimo is a little on |
| also brought to America by German immigrants. | | | | the conservative side but is generally |
| The studbook was closed by the North American | | | | friendly. They are very intelligent and |
| Eskimo dog Association in 1969. To gain | | | | highly alert. If being shown they can be |
| acceptance into the AKC, The American Eskimo | | | | penalized for either aggressive behavior or |
| Dog Club of America was formed in 1985. | | | | being overly shy. If you want a watchdog this |
| | | | is a good breed, due to its alertness they |
| On July 1, 1995 the American Eskimo dog was | | | | will bark when someone is approaching. They |
| accepted in to the AKC in the Non-Sporting | | | | do not general threaten to bite or attack |
| Group. There are three sizes of the breed, | | | | people, but they are protective of their area |
| the standard, miniature, and of course, the | | | | and family. It is quick and eager to learn |
| toy. The standard size will reach a height of | | | | new tricks. |
| 15 to 19 inches, and will weigh between 18 | | | | |
| and 35 pounds. A miniature will be 12-15 | | | | Though this breed is generally healthy there |
| inches tall and weigh 10-20 pounds. A toy dog | | | | are a few things it is susceptible to. Owners |
| will be 9-12 inches high and weigh six to ten | | | | should pay close attention to any changes in |
| pounds. | | | | the tear ducts or eyes. Progressive retinal |
| | | | astrophy and hip displaysia also run in this |
| Being a small to medium size dog the American | | | | breed. To avoid dermatitis keep the coat free |
| Eskimo dog is a well-balanced, compact Nordic | | | | of fleas and clean. |
| type dog. When it walks or run you will see a | | | | |
| smooth gait. The dog is also very alert. | | | | This dog is very active and is best suited |
| There are very distinctive black points on | | | | for living in an area with a yard where it |
| the dogs face. They are around the eye rims, | | | | can run and play. It can become overweight |
| lips and on the nose. The ears also have the | | | | very easily so regular exercise is a must. It |
| black points and are triangular shaped and | | | | would be okay in an apartment as long as you |
| stand erect. | | | | had a place to exercise them. You should |
| | | | brush the dog at least twice a week. Remember |
| The coat is two fold. The under coat consist | | | | it has a thick coat so you will need a comb |
| of short dense hair. The outer coat grows | | | | or brush with bristles that are firm. The |
| through the undercoat with long guard hair. | | | | breed is not really a heavy shedder, but when |
| This gives the dog a double coat. The hair | | | | it does shed its coat increase the brushing |
| should lay flat with no waves or curls. | | | | frequency to daily. Wash only when needed. |