Australian Shepherd American Eskimo Mix: A Comprehensive Owner's Guide

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Posted Oct 5, 2024

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Australian Shepherd on Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Australian Shepherd on Grass

The Australian Shepherd American Eskimo Mix is a unique and lovable breed that can make a wonderful companion for active families. They are a cross between an Australian Shepherd and an American Eskimo Dog.

Their medium size, typically weighing between 30-50 pounds, makes them a great fit for families with smaller living spaces or for those who enjoy outdoor activities with their dogs. They have a thick double coat that sheds moderately, requiring regular grooming.

These dogs are highly intelligent and thrive on mental and physical stimulation, requiring at least 30 minutes of exercise and playtime per day. Their high energy levels also make them prone to destructive behavior if left unattended for too long.

Pet Care

If you're considering bringing home an Australian Shepherd American Eskimo Mix, be prepared for a furry friend that sheds a lot. You'll want to invest in a good vacuum to keep your floors clean.

They need extremely long walks and hikes to keep their high energy level down. This will prevent destructive behavior and keep them happy.

Credit: youtube.com, Taz the American Eskimo & Australian Shepherd Mix

Training this intelligent dog requires a firm, strong hand to show them their place. Break training sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher.

Positive reinforcement is key when training this mix. Praise them when they do well, and they'll thrive on the physical and mental challenges.

Socialization is crucial for this breed, so take them to the park and doggy daycare to get them around many people and dogs.

Health and Wellness

As the parent breeds of your Australian Shepherd American Eskimo mix, both American Eskimo Dogs and Australian Shepherds can be prone to certain health issues.

Genetic health problems can affect any dog, and it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who offers health guarantees and is transparent about potential health issues in the breed.

A reputable breeder will have health clearances for their dogs, which prove they've been tested and cleared of specific conditions.

Your Australian Shepherd American Eskimo mix might be susceptible to allergies, cataracts, urinary stones, and hypothyroidism.

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Australian kestrel in flight
Credit: pexels.com, Australian kestrel in flight

The Australian Eskimo, a mix between an Australian Shepherd and an American Eskimo, can weigh between 30 and 60 pounds. This range is quite significant, and it's essential to consider the potential size of your new furry friend.

Daily brushing is a must for this breed, as their coats require regular maintenance. I've seen owners struggle with matting and tangling, so it's crucial to establish a consistent grooming routine.

Dog Health

When you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, it's essential to think about their health. All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, but with the right breeder or rescue, you can minimize the risk.

A reputable breeder should offer a health guarantee on puppies and be honest about the potential health issues in the breed. If they won't do this, it's best to look elsewhere.

The American Eskimo Dog mixed with the Australian Shepherd might be prone to allergies. This is a common problem in both breeds.

Cataracts and urinary stones are also potential health issues in this mix. Hypothyroidism and pyoderma are other conditions to watch out for.

Health clearances are a must when buying from a breeder. They prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

Grooming

Credit: youtube.com, How to complete a scissor cut on an American Eskimo/Husky dog breed, dog grooming from home

The Australian Shepherd American Eskimo Mix has a beautiful, thick coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

They need to be brushed at least two times a week to keep their excess fur under control, but this can increase to five times a week during shedding season.

Brushing their coat regularly will also help prevent professional cleaning, which can be a hassle and expensive.

Their coat can be prone to mats if not brushed properly, so it's essential to get into a regular routine.

They are not high shedders, but neglecting their coat can lead to problems down the line.

A trim in the summer can help keep their fur healthy and prevent ticks and flea treatments from not working properly.

Bathing them too often can strip their fur of its natural oils, so it's best to bathe them on an as-needed basis.

If you do need to bathe them, use a gentle canine shampoo to avoid irritating their skin, which can be prone to allergies.

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Credit: youtube.com, The Best Way to De-Shed Your Dog's Hair

Their nails should be trimmed every three to five weeks, depending on their activity level.

If you can hear their nails on the floor, it's time for a pedicure.

Their ears should be checked every few days for signs of irritation, redness, excess wax, and mites.

Gently wiping down their inner ear with a canine ear wash solution once a week can help prevent issues.

Daily brushing can be tough, but brushing their teeth as often as possible is essential to reduce tartar and plaque build-up.

Exercise

They need to stretch their legs via a walk twice a day for at least 30 minutes. They will also need some additional fun time in the backyard or dog park. Generally, the Aussie Eskimo will do the best in a house with a fenced-in yard.

A house with a yard is ideal, but they can thrive in an apartment or condo setting with the right owner. Someone who is home often and enjoys a lot of activity is crucial for their well-being.

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Credit: youtube.com, How to Train New Australian Shepherd! | First Lesson Amazing Results! | Obedience Training Aussie

They are comfortable in all temperatures whether cold or hot. This means you can take them out for a walk or playtime regardless of the weather.

Boredom and inactivity are not good for this hybrid. They can become destructive and depressed, leading to unwanted behaviors like chewing on furniture, digging, or barking.

Personality and Compatibility

They're a social breed that gets along well with other animals and pets in the home, making them a great addition to families with multiple pets.

You'll find they quickly make friends with other canines at the dog park and share toys and games with other dogs in your home. This is especially true if they receive proper early socialization training.

They do well with smaller animals like cats, but you may notice them chasing squirrels in the yard or even birds due to their strong prey drive. This isn't necessarily aggression, but rather a desire to herd and run.

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Credit: youtube.com, Aussie - 1 year old australian shepherd/eskimo mix

As long as they're socialized properly, they're unlikely to bite, be aggressive towards other people or animals, or even bark. However, if they're not introduced to people and other animals at a young age, they might not be as well-adjusted.

This breed is great with children of all ages, and they'll happily chase after them all day. In fact, keeping up with the kids is a great way to keep them happy, as they need a lot of exercise.

As with any big dog, it's essential to teach your kids how to interact with the dog correctly to avoid accidents. Monitoring very young children is also recommended when interacting with the dog.

Final Thoughts

The Australian Shepherd American Eskimo mix is a unique and fascinating breed, but it's essential to remember that they require a lot of mental stimulation and physical exercise.

If you're considering adopting one of these amazing hybrids, be prepared to commit to providing them with ample amounts of mental stimulation and physical exercise, especially if they're mixed with other herding breeds.

They may not be the dog for everyone, but if you're active, devoted, and responsible, you might just earn a place in one of these amazing Aussie hybrids' hearts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a American Eskimo mix get?

American Eskimo mixes typically weigh between 10-40 pounds, depending on the size of the parent breeds. Their size can vary, but they often fall within the medium-sized dog range.

Marguerite Schmidt

Writer

Marguerite Schmidt is a passionate and dedicated writer with a keen interest in the world of dogs. Her articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as the American Bully breed, providing readers with in-depth information and insights into the breed's history, temperament, and characteristics. With a focus on pet care and wellness, Marguerite has also written extensively on dog nutrition, offering practical advice and expert guidance on feeding and caring for our furry friends.

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