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American Eskimo Dog Facts

American Eskimo Dog, or Eskie, is not really an American Breed. They originated in Germany and were bred from the German Spitz. They were never bred to be sled dogs.

 



The German Spitz dogs came to the New World with German immigrants, and over time became a seperate breed. The German Spitz was used as a herder and guardian of livestock, sometimes as a hunting dog.

The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes:
Standard {20-35lbs}
Miniature {12-21lbs}
Toy {6-9 lbs}

All Eskies are either completely white, or white with cream color, according to the official breed standard. That means an Eskie should have a mostly white coat with cream or “biscuit” colored fur about the fringe.

They are known as a loyal breed and make great family dogs. Considered highly intelligent and trainable despite being stubborn. They make awesome watchdogs, sometimes prone to excessive barking.



Eye diseases are fairly common in Eskies , cataracts as they age, and progressive retinal atrophy, which generally starts at 2-6 years old and eventually progresses to blindness. Bad joints are also a potential problem in American Eskimo Dogs as they age.