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