The Complete Guide to Owning an Eskapoo

Owning an Eskapoo can be a dream come true for many dog lovers. They are a cross between an Eskimo dog and a Poodle, making them a unique and intelligent breed.

Their high intelligence means they thrive on mental stimulation and need regular training to keep them happy and healthy. With proper training, they can learn a wide range of commands and tricks.

Eskapoos are generally low shedders, making them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer a low-maintenance coat. However, they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Their small size and gentle nature make them a great fit for families with small children or for people living in apartments.

The Eskapoo is not a purebred dog, but a cross between the American Eskimo Dog and the Poodle.

To understand the temperament of an Eskapoo, you need to look up the characteristics of both breeds in the cross.

It's possible to get any combination of the characteristics found in either breed, making each Eskapoo unique.

Not all Eskapoo breeders breed dogs that are 50% purebred to 50% purebred.

The Eskapoo is a unique and lovable breed, and here are some key facts to get you started.

The Eskapoo is a mixed breed, not recognized by major kennel clubs, so it's a bit harder to predict what they'll look like. They can weigh between 15-20 pounds and stand 9-15 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their coat is one of their most distinctive features, and it can vary depending on their parent breed influence. They may have a thick, double-coated coat or a curly, wavy one that requires regular brushing to prevent matting.

Eskapoos are known for their lively and outgoing personalities, making them a great fit for families and individuals alike. They're also highly intelligent and quick learners, which makes them excel in obedience training and interactive games.

In terms of exercise needs, Eskapoos require moderate activity, which can be met with daily walks and playtime. They're adaptable to different living environments, whether it's a spacious home with a yard or a cozy apartment.

Here are some common characteristics of the Eskapoo breed:

Their lifespan is typically 10-17 years, and they're prone to some health issues, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, cataracts, and allergies. With proper care and attention, however, they can make wonderful and loving companions.

The Eskapoo's personality is a unique blend of traits from their parent breeds. They're often good-natured and loving with those they know well, but can be shy or wary with strangers.

Socialization from an early age is crucial to prevent reactivity to people or other dogs. This can limit their ability to participate in activities like visiting dog-friendly restaurants or dog parks.

They're intelligent and need activities for both their mind and body to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Barking and chewing may become a problem if they're not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation.

Eskapoos can be rambunctious and stubborn at times, but they also have an "air of distinction" and can be very goofy and playful. They love to play and need ample exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their playful attitude makes them fun to be around, and their social personality makes it easy to introduce them to strangers. They're alert and vocal, making them excellent watchdogs at home.

While they can be loyal and loving, Eskapoos often prefer to play over cuddling on the couch. They're best suited for active families who can keep up with their energy levels and provide regular exercise and mental stimulation.

With proper training, Eskapoos can be well-behaved and calm, but they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior. They're not ideal for families who work long hours or prefer to leave their dog alone for extended periods.

The Eskapoo's health and care requirements are crucial to ensure they live a happy and healthy life. The breed is prone to certain genetic conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy, which can affect their joints, vision, and overall quality of life.

Regular exercise is essential to keep your Eskapoo happy and content. Aim for at least a 40-minute walk daily, and consider indoor or outdoor play like fetch or tug-of-war to mentally stimulate them. A backyard is a must-have for this energetic breed.

To maintain your Eskapoo's overall health, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet and ensure they receive regular check-ups. They can help monitor for potential health issues, such as dental problems, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation, which can be managed with proper care and attention.

Some common health issues to be aware of in Eskapoos include:

As an Eskapoo owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Hip dysplasia, a common skeletal condition, can lead to instability and degeneration of the joint, causing pain, lameness, and arthritis.

Hip dysplasia is not the only skeletal issue to worry about, as elbow dysplasia is also a concern. This condition affects the elbow joint, causing joint laxity, pain, and potential osteoarthritis.

Ear infections are another health issue that can affect Eskapoos, causing discomfort, itching, odor, discharge, and pain. These infections are often caused by bacteria, yeast, or ear mites.

Glaucoma is a serious condition that can lead to damage to the optic nerve and potentially vision loss. Symptoms include redness, pain, cloudiness of the eye, and vision changes.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is a condition where the head of the femur bone in the hip joint deteriorates due to insufficient blood supply, leading to pain, lameness, and muscle atrophy.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic condition that causes degeneration of the retina, leading to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness.

Cataracts can also affect Eskapoos, involving clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to impaired vision or blindness.

Some common health issues that can affect Eskapoos include:

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify any potential health issues early on. X-Rays, CT scans, eye examinations, and physical examinations can be used to diagnose these conditions.

To keep your Eskipoo happy and healthy, daily exercise is a must. A forty minute walk daily is a great place to start, and you can also engage their playful side with indoor or outdoor play like fetch or tug-of-war.

They love to run around and play, which is why a backyard is a must-have for this breed. However, they're not suited for apartment living due to their high energy levels and tendency to be loud.

To keep your Eskipoo's mind active and engaged, try using food motivated tasks like snuffle mats or filled toys. They're also motivated by harder puzzle toys, which can help keep them stimulated.

To maintain their thick coat, salmon oil is a great addition to their diet. And, as with any dog, it's best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your Eskipoo's specific needs.

Here are some potential health concerns to be aware of:

The Eskapoo is an excellent family dog, just like their parent breeds. They get along well with children of all ages, though they don't put up with tail and ear tugging, so they should be supervised while spending time around toddlers.

These dogs will spend hours playing in the yard with older kids, and teens should have no trouble training and managing them. They're also loving and easygoing with kids, making them a great addition to any family.

However, it's essential to remember that they're fragile, so young children need supervision to avoid accidentally hurting them. With proper introduction, these pups are often willing to be friends with almost any other dog.

Their hunting natures and high prey drives mean they're not a good fit for small animals like hamsters. But they can get along just fine with cats and larger pets like ferrets, especially if introduced from a young age.

The Eskapoo requires regular grooming to prevent matting and shedding. This can be achieved through daily brushing with a pin brush and occasional use of a deshedding tool.

Their coat type will determine the frequency of grooming, with curly and Poodle-like coats requiring more frequent clipping, every six weeks. Otherwise, a daily brushing will suffice.

Bathing is only necessary when your Eskapoo gets into a dirty situation, as neither parent breed has a doggy odor. However, be cautious when bathing as the American Eskimo parent has sensitive skin.

To keep your Eskapoo healthy and happy, it's essential to provide them with regular exercise and mental stimulation. Aim for at least an hour of strenuous exercise per day, which can include long walks, playtime, or training for canine sports.

Here's a breakdown of the recommended exercise needs:

Remember, Eskapoos are people-oriented dogs and require attention and interaction to prevent destructive behaviors like digging and chewing.

Eskapoos require daily exercise to keep their bodies lean and their minds challenged, so plan on taking them on a long walk every day.

They need a job to do, so if you're an active family, they'll thrive with you. They can adapt well to apartments, but they'll still need regular exercise.

Eskapoos are intelligent dogs that are easy to train, but they can become destructive and hard to manage if they don't receive obedience training.

They need mental stimulation, so interactive toys are a great idea for rainy days or when they can't go outside.

Exercise should be at least an hour a day, which can be a long walk, job, or playtime.

The Eskapoo's grooming needs are a top priority, and it's essential to understand their specific requirements to keep them looking and feeling their best. Regular brushing is a must to prevent matting and tangling, especially if your Eskapoo inherits the curly coat from their Poodle parent.

Brushing your Eskapoo 3-4 times a week should be enough to keep their coat under control, but if you're short on time, consider routine grooming visits for regular clipping. Their ears are particularly prone to buildups of dirt and wax, so be sure to check them regularly.

Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary, as this can strip their skin and coat of natural oils. And don't forget to trim their nails every few weeks to prevent overgrowth.

Here's a quick rundown of the Eskapoo's grooming needs:

If your Eskapoo inherits the shedding coat from their American Eskimo parent, you can expect them to shed frequently, and daily brushing or combing will be necessary to prevent matting.

The Eskipoo breed has a fascinating history, but it's not a purebred breed, so it doesn't have a distinct history of its own.

The American Eskimo Dog, one of the parent breeds, is a member of the Spitz family and originated from small, white Spitz-type dogs that were common in German immigrant communities in the United States.

These dogs were likely descended from the white German Spitz, white Keeshonden, or large Pomeranians that came to America with their German families.

The American Eskimo Dog was once known as the American Spitz and was renamed in 1917, although the reason for this change is unclear.

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1995.

The Poodle, the other parent breed, is a very old breed with uncertain ancestry, but it's believed to be a mixture of European water dogs, the North African Barbet, and Asian herding dogs.

The Poodle was originally bred and developed for hunting waterfowl and was once a popular breed in the United States, but it became rare after the second World War.

The Eskipoo inherits traits from both of its parents, which means that each dog can be unique and unpredictable.

This unpredictability can make the Eskipoo a fun and interesting breed to own, but it also means that owners should be prepared for a range of possible characteristics and behaviors.

For more insights, see: Cockapoo Red and White

If you're considering bringing an Eskapoo into your family, you might be wondering what to do if you need to rehome one. Unfortunately, there aren't dedicated rescue groups specifically for the Eskapoo breed, but you can start your search with rescues dedicated to their parent breeds.

You can find Eskapoos and other wonderful American Eskimo Dog and Poodle mixes available at these rescues. Here are a few to get you started:

If you're looking for breeds similar to the Eskapoo, you might want to consider the Pinny-Poo, Rottle, Silkshire Terrier, Cocker Westie, or Silkchon, as they share a high level of similarity with the Eskapoo.

If you're considering bringing an Eskipoo into your life, you might be wondering about rescue groups. There are no dedicated Eskipoo rescue groups, as they're a designer breed.

However, there are many wonderful dogs from the Eskipoo's parent breeds waiting for forever homes. You can start your search with rescues dedicated to American Eskimo Dogs and Poodles.

Carolina Poodle Rescue, Poodle Club of America, Standard Poodle Rescue, and Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue are all great places to look for Eskipoo mixes.

If you're looking for breeds similar in size to the Eskapoo, you're in luck. There are several breeds that share a similar size profile.

The Mudi, for example, is a breed that is 92% similar in size to the Eskapoo. This Hungarian herding dog is a great companion for active families.

The Xoloitzcuintle, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is another breed that is 92% similar in size to the Eskapoo. This rare breed is known for its unique appearance and loyal nature.

The Basenji, an ancient breed from Africa, is 90% similar in size to the Eskapoo. This breed is known for its short coat and unique yodeling howl.

The Cirneco Dell'etna, a Sicilian hunting dog, is also 90% similar in size to the Eskapoo. This breed is known for its athletic build and strong prey drive.

Lastly, the Shiba Inu, a Japanese breed, is 90% similar in size to the Eskapoo. This breed is known for its fox-like appearance and independent nature.

Here's a list of similarly sized breeds to the Eskapoo: