Everything You Need to Know About Toy American Eskimos

Toy American Eskimos are a delight to have as pets. They are a small breed of dog, weighing between 8-15 pounds.

Their compact size makes them perfect for apartment living. They require minimal exercise, but regular playtime is still essential to keep them happy and healthy.

Toy American Eskimos are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are highly social dogs that thrive on interaction with their human family.

Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

The American Eskimo Dog has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 1900s when European immigrants brought their Spitz pets to the United States. These dogs were descended from larger German Spitz, Keeshonds, and Pomeranians.

In the US, white was the preferred color, and dog owners often referred to their pets as American Spitz rather than German Spitz as a show of patriotism. The small Spitz dogs gained popularity as entertainers in the American circus, with some even walking tightropes and performing tricks.

The breed was first officially recognized as the "American Eskimo" by the American United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1919, and the first written record and history of the breed was printed in 1958 by the UKC.

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The American Eskimo Dog has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s in Northern Europe, where smaller Spitz breeds were developed into various German Spitz breeds.

These Spitz pets were brought to the United States by European immigrants, particularly in New York, and were initially referred to as German Spitz. They were mostly descended from larger German Spitz, Keeshond, white Pomeranian, and Italian Spitz breeds.

After World War I, small Spitz dogs gained popularity in the American circus, with many becoming famous entertainers and contributing to the breed's popularity.

The Cooper Brothers' Railroad Circus featured Spitz dogs in 1917, and a dog named Stout's Pal Pierre even walked a tightrope with the Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1930s, selling puppies after the show.

The breed was first officially recognized as the "American Eskimo" by the American United Kennel Club (UKC) as early as 1919, but it wasn't until 1958 that the first written record and history of the breed was printed by the UKC.

The breed was initially recognized without an official breed standard, and dogs were accepted for registration based on appearance alone.

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The American Eskimo Dog is a breed that's hard to resist, with its white fluffy coat and jaunty personality. They're primarily companion dogs, thriving in the middle of family activities.

Their intelligence is one of their most notable traits - they're thought to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. This means they excel in activities that require mental stimulation, such as obedience training and agility.

As independent thinkers, Eskies need early obedience training to teach them proper canine manners and respect for their pack leader. Without it, they might outsmart their owners.

Eskies are excellent watchdogs, announcing the comings and goings of strangers with barking. They can become problem barkers if left alone too long, but they'll warm up to strangers over time.

Their small size belies their big personality - they're vocal dogs, engaging in barks, yowls, and even mumbles. Many owners swear their Eskies "talk" to them.

To keep them happy and healthy, Eskies need a constant supply of chew toys to prevent them from munching on household items.

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American Eskimo Dogs are usually white, though white and biscuit is also accepted by the AKC.

Their coats are double-coated, with thick straight fur that's perfect for colder climates.

A ruff around the neck and shoulders is a distinctive feature of this breed.

Their tails are heavily furred and often curl over their back, adding to their adorable charm.

The American Eskimo Dog is a spunky and clever breed that requires regular opportunities to vent its energy and use its busy mind. They love vigorous exercise and can become rambunctious and bored if left without enough physical and mental stimulation.

Eskies make excellent watchdogs due to their natural suspiciousness of strangers, but this also means they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. A bored Eskie can wreak havoc on your home and yard, so it's essential to provide them with plenty of exercise, playtime, and training.

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To keep your Eskie happy and healthy, make sure to socialize them early on, as they are patient with children who are taught how to interact with them. They are also friendly and attentive, especially towards their pet parents.

Here are some key traits to look out for in an American Eskimo Dog:

If you're thinking of bringing an American Eskimo Dog into your family, be aware that they need a confident owner who can take charge in teaching and leading them. With the right care and attention, they can thrive and become a loving and loyal companion.

The American Eskimo Dog is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. They typically live 13-15 years on average.

Hip dysplasia is a common inherited condition that can cause arthritis as the dog ages. You should ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems.

Regular exercise is essential for American Eskimo Dogs, especially for toy Eskies. They can become destructive if they don't get regular exercise.

Here are some sizes of American Eskimo Dogs:

Proper care and early socialization can help prevent separation anxiety in American Eskimo Dogs.

American Eskimo Dogs are generally healthy and live 13-15 years on average. But like all dogs, they are susceptible to a handful of health conditions.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in American Eskimo Dogs, where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint, potentially leading to arthritis as the dog ages. This condition is inherited, so it's essential to ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is another condition that affects the hip joint, where the blood supply to the head of the femur is decreased, causing the head of the femur to disintegrate. This condition can often be corrected with surgery, resulting in a pain-free puppy.

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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina, leading to night-blindness and eventually loss of sight during the day. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same.

Juvenile Cataracts can be a problem for some relatively young American Eskimo Dogs, thought to be hereditary. When buying a puppy, be sure to ask the breeder if her stock is certified by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation, and ask to see the certificates.

Here are some health clearances you should expect to see from a reputable breeder:

The American Eskimo Dog is a wonderful breed, but they do require some special care to stay happy and healthy. They need a lot of exercise, which is great for active families who can keep up with their high energy level.

To keep your Eskie entertained and exercised, take them on long walks, play fetch, or even try water play - most Eskies love playing in the snow and water. Regular exercise is essential to prevent destructive behavior.

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The good news is that Eskies don't need extensive professional grooming, but they do require regular at-home brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. This is a great opportunity to bond with your dog and keep their coat looking its best.

American Eskimo Dogs come in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Here are the height and weight ranges for each size:

If you're considering bringing an Eskie into your family, remember that they thrive on attention and interaction. They can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so try to spend as much time with them as possible.

Grooming is a breeze for toy American Eskimo dogs. They have a double coat with a dense undercoat and a longer outer coat, which sheds a lot, so frequent brushing is essential to prevent matting and reduce the amount of fur around the house.

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A thorough brushing two or three times a week is advised to keep their coat looking its best. They also have a pronounced ruff around the neck, well-feathered front and rear legs, and a profuse tail, which all require regular grooming.

They don't need extensive professional grooming, but regular at-home brushing is a must. Toy American Eskimo dogs should have their ears checked once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor, and their toenails need trimming at least once a month.

In terms of nutrition, toy American Eskimo dogs require a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to stay healthy and lean. They also benefit from the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in skin and joint supplements, fish oil, or specially formulated dog foods.

Here's a quick rundown of their nutritional needs:

American Eskimo Dogs require a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to stay healthy and lean.

Feeding your Eskie a commercial kibble or wet food that's compliant with AAFCO recommendations is a good way to ensure they receive a complete and balanced diet.

Eskies may benefit from the addition of omega-3 fatty acids into their diet, which can be found in skin and joint supplements, fish oil, and some specially formulated dog foods.

Recommended daily amount for adult Eskies is 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Puppies should eat three to four small meals per day on a regular schedule to help maintain stable blood sugar.

The quality of dog food you buy makes a difference – the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food, so be sure to adjust your Eskie's portion size based on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

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The American Eskimo Dog's grooming needs are relatively straightforward. They have a medium-length double coat that sheds a lot, so regular brushing is a must.

To keep their coat in good condition, brush your Eskie at least twice a week, with more frequent brushing during shedding seasons. This will help reduce the amount of fur on your floors.

Their fur contains oil, which prevents dirt from adhering to it, making them easy to keep clean. However, they should only be bathed occasionally, every couple of months, as over-bathing can cause skin problems.

In addition to regular brushing, check their ears weekly for dirt, redness, or a bad odor, and wipe them clean with a cotton ball and gentle ear cleaner. Trim their toenails at least once a month to prevent overgrowth.

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

By following these simple grooming tips, you'll be able to keep your American Eskimo Dog's coat looking its best and prevent any potential health issues.