American Eskimo

also known as Eskimo Spitz, German Spitz, American Spitz, Eskie

Pros History


The American Eskimo is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in the United States. This breed is known for its striking white coat, lively personality, and intelligence. The American Eskimo has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century.

The origins of the American Eskimo can be traced back to the German Spitz, a breed that was brought to the United States by German immigrants. The German Spitz was used for a variety of tasks, including hunting, herding, and as a watchdog. Over time, these dogs were interbred with other breeds, such as the Samoyed, the Keeshond, and the Pomeranian, to create the American Eskimo.

The American Eskimo Dog Club of America was formed in 1913, and the first breed standard was written the following year. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995.

In the early 20th century, the American Eskimo became a popular performer in circuses and vaudeville shows, known for their agility and trainability. They were also used as a watchdog and companion dog.

During World War II, the American Eskimo's popularity decreased, and their numbers lowered. However, in the 1960s, the breed began to regain popularity as a companion dog. Today, the American Eskimo is well-liked as a family pet, known for its loyalty, intelligence, and playful nature.

Breed Information


Type

Is American Eskimo a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were American Eskimos originally used for?

farming, guarding

Lifespan

How Long Do American Eskimos Live? What is average life expectancy for an American Eskimo? How long can American Eskimos live?

12-15 years

The average American Eskimo lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

American Eskimo Height & Weight


How big is a full grown American Eskimo?

What is the average height of an American Eskimo? How big is an Purebred American Eskimo height? American Eskimo dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 15-19 inches (38.1 - 48.3 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm)
Female 15-19 inches (38.1 - 48.3 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm)
What is the average weight of an American Eskimo? How much should American Eskimos weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 20-40 pounds (9 - 18 kg) 14.5 pounds (7 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg)
Female 20-40 pounds (9 - 18 kg) 14.5 pounds (7 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do American Eskimos get fat easily?

The American Eskimo is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are American Eskimos Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the American Eskimo is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an American Eskimo personality? What are American Eskimo dogs best known for?

Alert
Friendly
Intelligent
Energetic
Independent
Protective

Shedding Level

Are American Eskimos heavy shedders? How Much Does an American Eskimo Shed?

American Eskimo dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your American Eskimo.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an American Eskimo dog?

American Eskimos are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the American Eskimo is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do American Eskimos come from?

Germany

Ancestry

What are American Eskimos descended from?

northern spitz

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the American Eskimo breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
National Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were American Eskimos first bred? How old is the American Eskimo breed?

early 1900s

American Eskimo Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are American Eskimo eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can American Eskimo nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can American Eskimo coat be naturally?

Fawn
White

Coat Length

How long is an American Eskimos coat?

The coat of an American Eskimo is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The American Eskimo Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an American Eskimo?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an American Eskimo have in a litter? How many puppies can an American Eskimo have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

An American Eskimo can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

American Eskimo dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

American Eskimo Health Issues


Health Issues

Do American Eskimos have a lot of health problems?

The American Eskimo is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an American Eskimo?

Retinal Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to American Eskimos?

Patellar Luxation

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for American Eskimo breed?

Eye
Blood
Knee
Hip X-Rays

American Eskimo Needs and Activities


Energy

Do American Eskimos have a lot of energy?

American Eskimos are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do American Eskimos need socialization? How social are American Eskimos?

American Eskimo have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should American Eskimos get?

The American Eskimo dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an American Eskimo have? Do American Eskimos sleep a lot?

American Eskimos are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does an American Eskimo drool a lot?

The American Eskimo is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

American Eskimo dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do American Eskimos exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

American Eskimo dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are American Eskimos mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an American Eskimo running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do American Eskimo dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do American Eskimos enjoy doing? How do I keep my American Eskimo busy?

Sniffing, Walk, Play, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Run, Walking fast, Jumping, Shake, Eating Snacks, Nap, Walking, Playing, Barking, Trekking

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an American Eskimo? How much energy does an American Eskimo have?

Medium

American Eskimos are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an American Eskimo walk each week? How many miles should an American Eskimo walk every week?

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For American Eskimo, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an American Eskimo should exercise a day? How much activity does an American Eskimo need?

60 minutes

In general most American Eskimos usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an American Eskimo?

The American Eskimo is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an American Eskimo?

Daily

Ideally, American Eskimo should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for American Eskimos?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an American Eskimo eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 20-40 pound (9 - 18 kg) American Eskimo feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an American Eskimo Cost Daily?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an American Eskimo is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an American Eskimo Cost Per Month?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an American Eskimo is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

American Eskimo Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an American Eskimo?

The American Eskimo have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where American Eskimos lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an American Eskimo dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are American Eskimo dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do American Eskimo do well in apartments? Are American Eskimos good indoor dogs?

American Eskimos are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are American Eskimos good with kids? Are American Eskimos good around children?

American Eskimos are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are American Eskimos good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are American Eskimos good with cats? How friendly American Eskimos are toward cats?

American Eskimos are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do American Eskimo dogs get along with other dogs? Are American Eskimos OK with other dogs?

American Eskimos are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do American Eskimo dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are American Eskimos friendly with strangers?

American Eskimos are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most American Eskimos are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some American Eskimos will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do American Eskimos like to play? Are American Eskimos playful?

American Eskimos are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older American Eskimo for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are American Eskimo easily trained?

American Eskimo dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent
    Easy to train, suitable for obedience and agility training
  • Family friendly
    Good with children and other pets, making them a great family pet
  • Compact size
    Making them suitable for small homes or apartments
  • Watchdog
    Alert and protective nature, making them good watchdogs

Cons

  • Shedding
    American Eskimo dogs are prone to shedding more than most breeds.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    American Eskimos may find an office setting too stressful.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    If you have allergies, you may want to avoid American Eskimos, as they have been known to cause allergic reactions.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    The American Eskimo's weight can become an issue if not kept in check.
  • Barking
    A distinctive trait of the American Eskimo breed is their loudness.