The American Eskimo Dog Black and White is a stunning variation of this beloved breed. They typically weigh between 20-40 pounds.
Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This can be a significant time commitment for owners.
With proper care and attention, American Eskimo Dogs can live up to 12-15 years. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are crucial for their overall health and well-being.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for first-time dog owners, but they do require consistent training and socialization from an early age.
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About the Breed
The American Eskimo Dog is an intelligent breed, known for its versatility and ability to excel in dog sports like obedience and agility.
These dogs are also popular as therapy and service dogs, which speaks to their gentle and affectionate nature.
Their high intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, but they do require consistent and patient instruction.
One of the most interesting things about the American Eskimo Dog is its German origin, despite its name suggesting otherwise.
The breed is descended from the German Spitz, a fact that highlights the breed's European roots.
Intriguing read: German Giant Spitz
Characteristics and Care
American Eskimo Dogs are usually white, though some may have a biscuit tint to their coat. Their double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and shedding.
They have a thick, straight fur with a ruff around the neck and shoulders, and their tail is heavily furred and often curls over their back.
Characteristics
American Eskimo Dogs are usually white, though white and biscuit is also accepted by the AKC.
Their coat is double-layered, making them well-suited for cold climates.
They have thick, straight fur that requires regular grooming.
A ruff around the neck and shoulders adds to their distinctive appearance.
Their heavily furred tail is often curled over their back.
Caring for a Dog
Caring for a dog is a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge, it can be a incredibly rewarding experience. American Eskimo Dogs, in particular, require regular grooming to prevent matting and reduce shedding, which means daily brushing is a must.
Their luxurious coat needs regular attention to stay clean and white, so expect to bathe them every few weeks. Regular health screenings and vet check-ups are also crucial to prevent conditions like hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
Daily exercise, such as walks, play sessions, or agility training, is essential to keep them happy and healthy. Mental stimulation is also key to prevent boredom, so provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them engaged.
Training should start early and be consistent, and American Eskimo Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise. A balanced diet is also crucial, with portion control and regular exercise to prevent obesity.
Here's a breakdown of the annual costs for an American Eskimo Dog:
- Purchase Price: This can vary depending on the breeder and location, but expect to pay a pretty penny for a purebred puppy.
- Initial Supplies: You'll need to stock up on food, toys, and grooming tools, which can add up quickly.
- Food: A high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs can cost around $50-75 per month.
- Grooming: Regular grooming sessions can cost anywhere from $30-90 per session, depending on the frequency and type of grooming.
- Veterinary Care: Regular check-ups and potential health issues can add up to around $500-1000 per year.
- Pet Insurance: This can help cover unexpected medical expenses, but costs vary depending on the provider and policy.
- Miscellaneous Supplies: Toys, treats, and other goodies can cost around $50-100 per month.
- Training: Positive reinforcement training methods can cost around $50-100 per session.
- Emergency Medical Expense: This can be a significant cost, but having a pet insurance policy can help mitigate the financial burden.
- Boarding or Pet Sitting: If you need to travel, expect to pay around $20-50 per day for boarding or pet sitting services.
- License and Microchip: This is a one-time cost, but essential for ensuring your dog's safety and identification.
Size and Structure
American Eskimo dogs come in three size varieties: toy, miniature, and standard. The standard size is the largest, followed by the miniature, and then the toy.
Here are the exact measurements for each size:
In terms of structure, American Eskimo dogs have a distinctive build. They have a wedge-shaped head, triangular ears, and oval eyes that are typically dark to medium brown in color.
Size
American Eskimo Dogs come in three size varieties: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Each size has its own unique characteristics.
The Toy variety is the smallest, measuring 9–12 inches and weighing 5–10 pounds. This size is perfect for city living or for families with small children.
The Miniature variety is slightly larger, measuring 12–15 inches and weighing 10–20 pounds. This size is great for families who want a smaller dog but still want a lot of energy.
The Standard variety is the largest, measuring 15–20 inches and weighing 15–40 pounds. This size is ideal for active families who want a dog that can keep up with their lifestyle.
Here's a breakdown of the different sizes:
Observing the Structure
An American Eskimo's head is like a wedge, slightly crowned with a well-defined stop, and widest at the ears.
The overall expression of an Eskie should be one of intelligence, alertness, and keenness. I've seen dogs with this breed that just seem to be saying, "Hey, I'm smart and I know it!"
Their ears are held erect and high-set, triangular in shape with slightly blunt tips, and blend softly with the head.
Eskies have slightly oval eyes that are typically dark to medium brown in color, well set apart without appearing prominent, bulging, or slanted.
The muzzle is broad with tight, thin lips that range from black to dark brown in color, and the nose shares this color range.
Here's a breakdown of the three sizes of American Eskimos:
Their paws are tightly knit and compact, resembling ovals in shape, with well-padded hair and well-arched toes.
An Eskie's tail is richly plumed, moderately high-set, and loosely carried on the dog's back, dropping to approximately the hock when at rest.
Overall, American Eskimos are well-balanced, agile, and built strongly and compactly, with a broad and deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and a level back.
Health and Costs
American Eskimo Dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to specific health issues. Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and obesity are common concerns.
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to catch any health issues early, and prompt attention to changes in your dog's behavior or appearance is critical.
The cost of caring for an American Eskimo Dog can vary widely, but here are some estimated annual expenses: CategoryEstimated CostPurchase Price$1,000 - $5,000Initial Supplies$100 - $300Food$500 - $1,000Grooming$300 - $600Veterinary Care$500 - $1,000Pet Insurance$200 - $500Miscellaneous Supplies$100 - $300Training$500 - $2,500Emergency Medical Expense$500 - $1,000Boarding or Pet Sitting$500 - $1,000License and Microchip$35 - $70
Total Estimated Annual Cost: $2,695 - $7,710
Suggestion: Japanese Spitz Puppy Cost
Common Health Issues and Recommended Tests
American Eskimo Dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to specific health issues. Being aware of these concerns and undergoing recommended tests can help owners maintain their pet's health.
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to arthritis and pain. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch this issue early.
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another concern, where the retina degenerates, potentially causing blindness. Regular eye exams by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist can screen for PRA and other eye conditions.
Obesity is a common issue in many breeds, and it can exacerbate other health problems like hip dysplasia. Regular check-ups can help monitor weight and prevent obesity.
Dental problems, including periodontal disease, are also common in American Eskimo Dogs. Regular dental examinations and cleanings can prevent these issues.
Luxating patella, where the kneecap slips out of place, can be a concern in smaller breed varieties. A veterinary examination can check for this issue.
Here are some recommended tests to help maintain your American Eskimo Dog's health:
- Hip Evaluation: X-rays or other imaging tests to screen for hip dysplasia
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation: Regular eye exams by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist to screen for PRA and other eye conditions
- Weight Management: Regular check-ups to monitor weight and prevent obesity
- Dental Check-ups: Regular dental examinations and cleanings to prevent periodontal disease
- Patella Evaluation: A veterinary examination to check for luxating patella
Cost of Dog Care
Caring for an American Eskimo Dog can be a costly endeavor. The total estimated annual cost can range from $2695 to $7710.
A purebred American Eskimo Dog puppy from a reputable breeder can be quite expensive. Always consider adopting from a shelter or rescue.
The cost of veterinary care can vary widely depending on your location and other factors. Pet insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind, ensuring that you can afford necessary veterinary care in the event of an emergency.
You'll need to budget for various expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, pet insurance, miscellaneous supplies, training, emergency medical expenses, boarding or pet sitting, and license and microchip fees.
Here's a breakdown of some estimated annual costs:
- Food: varies depending on the level of care you provide
- Grooming: $100 - 300 per year
- Professional training: $500 - 2500 per year
- Emergency medical expenses: can easily reach into the thousands
- Boarding or pet sitting: varies depending on the area you live and the length of stay/frequency of services
- License and microchip: $35 - 70 per year
Regular health screenings and vet check-ups are recommended to prevent or detect conditions like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and obesity.
Coat and Temperament
The American Eskimo dog's coat and temperament are two of its most distinctive features. They have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming, but it's worth it for their adorable black and white coloring.
American Eskimos have a protective nature, which can make them excellent watchdogs, but they're not typically aggressive. They'll bark at potential threats, but they're just trying to do their job.
Their intelligence is one of their best qualities - they're easy to train and can learn a wide range of skills. With regular exercise and mental stimulation, they'll thrive and become loving companions.
Here are some key temperament traits to look for in an American Eskimo:
- Protective: they'll bark at potential threats
- Intelligent: they're easy to train and can learn many things
- Friendliness: they're companionable, playful, and people-oriented
- Watchdog abilities: they're conservative with strangers and can make great watchdogs
Identifying the Coat
Identifying the coat of an American Eskimo dog is a crucial step in determining whether you've found the right furry friend. They have a distinctive double coat, which consists of a dense undercoat and a longer outer coat of guard hair.
Their coat is straight, not curly or wavy, and it's a key characteristic that sets them apart from other breeds. You'll notice a pronounced ruff on the neck, which is more noticeable in males than females.
The backs of their front legs and rear legs should be well-feathered, and their tail is profusely covered in long hair. In contrast, the hair on their muzzle is smooth and short.
The typical coat color of an American Eskimo is pure solid white, but you may also see coats with biscuit cream. Their skin, however, is either grey or pink in color.
To give you a better idea, here's a breakdown of the American Eskimo coat:
- Double coat with a dense undercoat and a longer outer coat of guard hair
- Pronounced ruff on the neck, more noticeable in males than females
- Well-feathered backs of front and rear legs
- Profuse long hair on the tail
- Smooth and short hair on the muzzle and outer parts of the ears
- Pure solid white or white with biscuit cream coat color
- Grey or pink skin color
Looking at Temperament
Looking at Temperament, it's essential to consider the American Eskimo's natural instincts and characteristics. They have a protective nature, which means they'll bark at potential threats, but they're not typically aggressive.
One of the key things to notice is their need for regular exercise. Eskies are a fairly active breed and require vigorous exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They're especially fond of working in the snow, so if you live in a cold climate, this is a great breed for you.
American Eskimos are highly intelligent, making them easier to train than some other breeds. If kept entertained, they have the capacity to learn many things, which is why they were initially used as circus performers in the 19th century.
Their watchdog abilities are another important aspect of their temperament. Along with their protectiveness, Eskies are overall a keen and capable breed, usually conservative with strangers, which can make them excellent watchdogs as long as this doesn't become suspicion.
Here are some key temperament traits to look out for in an American Eskimo:
- Protective nature: They'll bark at potential threats, but are not typically aggressive.
- Need for regular exercise: Vigorous exercise is necessary to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
- High intelligence: They're easy to train and can learn many things if kept entertained.
- Watchdog abilities: They're keen and capable, usually conservative with strangers.
- Friendliness: They're companionable, playful, and people-oriented, making them great pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if a dog is an American Eskimo?
An American Eskimo dog is easily identifiable by its distinctive lion-like ruff and plumed tail, as well as its intelligent and expressive face with a black nose and lips
How rare is an American Eskimo Dog?
The American Eskimo Dog is a rare breed with only about 1,000 registered dogs in the USA, according to the AKC. This scarcity makes them a unique and sought-after companion.
Sources
- standard (akc.org)
- "Official Standard of the American Eskimo Dog" (akc.org)
- Breed History NAEDA (americaneskimo.com)
- American Eskimo Dog Breed (iheartdogs.com)
- American Eskimo Dog Breed Information With Pictures (petsworld.in)
- American Kennel Association (akc.org)
- https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanEskimoDog.pdf (akc.org)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-eskimo-dog/ (akc.org)
- https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-eskimo-dog-temperament/ (dogtemperament.com)
- https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americaneskimodogs.html (yourpurebredpuppy.com)
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