The American Eskimo Pomeranian is a unique and captivating breed that has gained popularity in recent years. This cross between an American Eskimo Dog and a Pomeranian is a small but mighty companion.
Their small size, typically weighing between 7-12 pounds, makes them an ideal pet for city dwellers or those with limited space. They are also known for their thick, double coats that require regular grooming.
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them great with families and children, but they can be wary of strangers, so early socialization is key.
Physical Characteristics
The American Eskimo Pomeranian is a compact dog, and its size varies depending on the specific type.
The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.
Here's a breakdown of the different sizes:
- Toys stand 9 to 12 inches and weigh about 10 pounds.
- Miniatures stand 12 to 15 inches and weigh about 20 pounds.
- Standards stand 15 inches to 19 inches and weigh about 30 pounds.
Size
The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Each size has its own unique characteristics.
Toys stand 9 to 12 inches tall, which is quite small. This makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers or those with limited space.
Miniatures stand 12 to 15 inches tall and weigh about 20 pounds, making them a great compromise between size and energy level.
Standards stand 15 inches to 19 inches tall and weigh about 30 pounds, which is still relatively small compared to other breeds.
Here's a quick rundown of the sizes:
- Toy: 9-12 inches, 10 pounds
- Miniature: 12-15 inches, 20 pounds
- Standard: 15-19 inches, 30 pounds
Coat Color and Grooming
The American Eskimo Dog's coat is a beautiful sight to behold. The fluffy white coat is a result of its double coat, consisting of a dense undercoat and a longer outer coat.
Their hair is straight with no curl or wave, and they often have a pronounced ruff around the neck. The front and rear legs are well feathered, and the fur on their tail is profuse.
Eskies are most often pure white or white and cream in color. They shed a lot, which means they require frequent brushing to prevent matting, especially behind the ears.
A thorough brushing two or three times a week is advised to cut down on the amount of fur left around the house. This will also help prevent matting.
Their fur contains oil, which prevents dirt from adhering to it. This makes them amazingly easy to keep clean.
Eskies should only be bathed once every couple of months, depending on how dirty they get. Bathing them too often can cause skin problems.
Their ears should be checked once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection.
Health and Nutrition
The American Eskimo Pomeranian is a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, it's prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a common problem, where the hip sockets form abnormally, and can lead to arthritis as the dog ages.
To avoid this, look for a breeder who has had the parents' health tested for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, and have a score of fair or better. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your puppy is less likely to develop this condition.
Diet and nutrition also play a crucial role in maintaining your American Eskimo Pomeranian's health. They can easily gain weight, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they're getting high-quality dog food. A recommended daily amount is 1/2 to 1.5 cups of dry food divided into two meals, depending on their size, age, and activity level.
Here's a quick guide to the potential health issues you should be aware of:
- Hip dysplasia: Abnormal hip sockets that can lead to arthritis
- Luxating patella: Kneecap dislocation from its normal position
- Diabetes: Metabolism disorder that affects glucose-insulin connection
By being aware of these potential health issues and taking steps to prevent them, you can help your American Eskimo Pomeranian live a long and healthy life.
Common Health Problems
The American Eskimo dog is a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, it's not immune to certain health problems. Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the dog's hip sockets form abnormally.
Hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis and mobility issues as the dog ages. This is why it's essential to find a good breeder who has done health testing on their parent dogs.
Some health problems are more common in American Eskimo dogs than others. For example, hip dysplasia and Luxating patella (a condition in which the kneecap dislocates from its normal position) are relatively common issues.
Diabetes is another health problem that can affect American Eskimo dogs. It's a metabolism disorder in which the glucose-insulin connection doesn't work properly.
While there's a genetic component to diabetes, it's also influenced by diet and lifestyle. Free-feeding and high-fat diets can contribute to diabetes, even if your dog isn't overweight.
Here are some key health problems to watch out for in American Eskimo dogs:
- Hip dysplasia: a condition in which the dog's hip sockets form abnormally
- Luxating patella: a condition in which the kneecap dislocates from its normal position
- Diabetes: a metabolism disorder in which the glucose-insulin connection doesn't work properly
To minimize the risk of these health problems, it's essential to find a reputable breeder who has done extensive health testing on their parent dogs. This includes genetic testing and medical imaging to rule out genetic issues.
Nutrition
The American Eskimo dog is a naturally athletic breed that gains weight easily, so it's essential to monitor their food intake carefully. Using your hands to rub your dog along the ribs can help you feel for its true size.
High-quality, well-balanced dog food is crucial for the American Eskimo's overall health. A diet of ½–2 cups of premium dry food divided into two meals per day is recommended.
Puzzle feeders can help slow your dog down and burn off energy, making them a great tool for this breed. They can also help your dog enjoy its high-quality dog food more.
Avoid high-fat food with the American Eskimo, as it may increase their already elevated risk for diabetes. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference – the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog.
Care and Maintenance
Regular grooming sessions are essential for the overall health and well-being of your American Eskimo Pomeranian. Grooming can improve your dog's long-term health by allowing you to detect early signs of issues that may require a trip to the veterinarian.
Bathing is an essential part of grooming, and it's recommended to bathe your American Eskimo Pomeranian regularly to keep them clean and comfortable. Regular bathing can also help reduce shedding and prevent skin problems.
A fresh viewpoint: Pomeranian Dog Bathing
Brushing is another crucial aspect of grooming, and it's recommended to brush your American Eskimo Pomeranian daily to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. Brushing can also help distribute skin oils, keeping their coat healthy and shiny.
By incorporating regular grooming sessions into your routine, you can strengthen your bond with your American Eskimo Pomeranian and ensure they stay in good condition. Regular grooming sessions can also help you detect early signs of issues that may require a trip to the veterinarian.
A different take: American Eskimo Grooming
Choosing the Right Breed
If you're looking for a small, lovable companion, the American Eskimo and Pomeranian are excellent choices.
Both breeds are friendly, outgoing, and intelligent, making them perfect for families with kids. They're suited to apartment living and have moderate exercise needs.
The American Eskimo is a bit smarter than the Pomeranian, which is important to consider if you're looking for a breed that can keep up with mentally stimulating activities.
The Pomeranian may require more work and training, especially when it comes to house-training.
Both breeds will bring you years of joy as long as they're well cared for, trained, and loved.
A Pomeranian can make an ideal therapy dog, and they'll love to spend their days curled up in your lap.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pomeranian American Eskimo mix called?
A Pomeranian American Eskimo mix is commonly known as a Pomimo, Eskiranian, or Eskipom. This unique hybrid breed combines the characteristics of both parent breeds.
How long do Pomeranian American Eskimo live?
American Eskimo Dogs typically live for 12 to 17 years, with some individuals living longer with proper care. However, they can be prone to certain health issues that may affect their lifespan.
Are American Eskimos related to Pomeranians?
Yes, American Eskimo Dogs share ancestry with Pomeranians, as both breeds were influenced by the same European spitz breeds. This shared heritage is one of the reasons why American Eskimos and Pomeranians share some physical and temperamental similarities.
How much does an American Eskimo Dog cost?
The cost of an American Eskimo Dog can range from $600 to $2,000, depending on the puppy's bloodline. Learn more about this breed and its estimated lifetime costs.
Sources
- American Eskimo Dog (petkeen.com)
- American Eskimo Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
- Heart Bandits, the American Eskimo Dog Rescue (heartbandits.com)
- The American Eskimo Dog Club of America (aedca.org)
- The American Eskimo Dog Club of America (aedca.org)
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/pomeranian (petmd.com)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pomeranian/ (akc.org)
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_american_eskimo_dog (petmd.com)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-eskimo-dog/ (akc.org)
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