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