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American Eskimo and American Eskimo pictures
The American Eskimo Dog is intelligent, alert, and friendly, although
slightly conservative. It is never overly shy nor aggressive. 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. The
Eskimo must be trained, and that training must be done with kindness
and consistency. The breed is unforgiving of harsh methods and may
turn into a shrinking violet or a troublemaker if not treated fairly
and firmly. |
American Eskimo
Life expectancy: 12 - 15 years
Color: white, white with biscuit cream, or cream
Eyes: rounded in a slightly oval-shape, with rims that are black
to dark brown
Coat type: The American Eskimo has a soft, thick, white double coat.
The body is covered with a soft, thick, short undercoat. Longer
guard hair grows through the undercoat to form the outer coat. The
guard hair is free of any curl or wave.
Size: Three Types: Toy, 9-12 inches; Miniature, 12-15 inches; and
Standard, 15-19 inches
Health issues: The Eskimo is a long-lived breed with few identified
problems, but since breeders do little genetic testing, the incidence
of inherited diseases may be higher than currently suspected. Although
the breed is small to medium in size, the breeding stock should
be x-rayed for hip dysplasia. Urinary tract stones can be a problem,
as can flea allergies. |
American Eskimo Dogs are a comparatively healthy breed, but like
most other large dog breeds, they are prone to hip dysplasia. Some
eye and tear duct problems are also common in this breed. American
Eskimo Dogs have a thick coat that should be kept clean to prevent
the onset of fleas and dermatitis. They are a very long-lived breed. |
The American Eskimo is thought to have descended from the German
Spitz, which was brought into the Americas by immigrants. The breed's
name likely changed during World War I because of anti-German sentiment.
The American Eskimo became highly popular in the 1920s and 1930s
as traveling circuses showcased their performance talent. Adept
at walking a tightrope, these little dogs became a big hit for the
likes of Barnum & Bailey.
The Eskie breed was first fully recognized by the American Kennel
Club in 1995, but the American Eskimo Dog Club of America had been
in existence since the 1980s.
Although they gained renowned as performers, most American Eskimos
are kept simply as pets. They do tend to place very well in shows,
however, and are quite good with obedience trails.
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