American Eskimo

1. Introduction

A small northern European spitz among the white dog breeds is today known as the American Eskimo Dog. It was in the year 1917 when American Eskimo Dog breed history started. During that time, they were referred to as the "White German Spitz" in America. The breed was used mainly for circus tricks by the German Spitz in the late 1860s in the United States. In initial dog acts, the American Eskimo Dog proved to be clever and quickly became a favorite. Although it has been said that the decision to call the breed the White American Eskimo was based on enlisting the support of American audiences who then regarded meals as a special Arctic delicacy, others believe it was the rival's decision. Maybe it was just a respect to the wonderful Land of Ice. No matter how the breed adapted that name, the American Eskimo Dog loves to perform and be famous.

Even though American Eskimo Dogs are smart and easily trained, puppy classes are needed. They can be aggressive towards animals, particularly those that are not their own. These dogs are easily vocal, which makes them outstanding watchdogs. However, if they are not properly disciplined, it can lead to excessive barking at something that catches their fancy. American Eskimos are loyal to their families. It is not uncommon for them to suffer from partner syndrome, where they are unable to warm up to someone once they have earmarked them as an enemy. The American Eskimo loves to please anyone who has a good nature toward him, making him a very loyal and obedient pet. While they are friendlier than some of the smaller breeds of dogs, they do require consistent training.

2. Historical Background of the American Eskimo Dog

A short history of the American Eskimo dog can help you understand its features and personality.

The American Eskimo dog was developed from the white Spitz types brought to the U.S. from Northern and Eastern Europe. This resulted in the German Spitz dog breed. These nomads' small dogs had abundant, thick hair to protect them from the cold weather and lounged in sleds as they moved around their colonies. However, they were also multi-skilled on farms, towing other farm animals' sleds loads and barking warnings when strangers appeared.

Barnum and Bailey's Circus displayed these Spitz dogs as "white German or white spitz" in the late 1800s. The American Eskimo was officially registered as move to the month-old White Spitz in 1917 by the England Kennel Club.

In 1913, the dogs of this heritage were acquired by Gavin Green, an American resident addicted to dog breeding. They became one of the most popular breeds in the late 1920s in the United States. They were famously featured in advertised magazines as a "Foo" puppy, symbolizing any German spitz breed, as the term "German" was unpopular in the United States during WWII.

The German Spitz/white Pomeranians were renamed in American Eskimo in the year 1917 when they were authorized by the UKC. It is widely considered that the UKC combined these two breeds under one name due to the large number of German and Dutch immigrants who worked with Eskimo-originated Dutch colonial and rural markets, where the old Dutch heritage would have interacted with German spirits.

Fuzzy Willow. Said behavior and its adaptability to the type of work of the farmers in the regions of the Old North in which they were placed; either in New England or in the High Lands.

3. Physical Characteristics

American Eskimo dog is a Nordic-type dog that possesses many unique physical characteristics. "Nordic-type," refers to a breed found in Scandinavia or in the northern latitudes. It has pointed, prick ears, a tightly curling tail that lays up over the back, and a fox-like coat that falls straight from the skin over the front and sides of the body. This dog is small to medium in size but has a compact and solid body, with a wedge-shaped head. The remarkable feature of an American Eskimo dog is its stunning stand-off, double, ultra-pure white coat that is always clean and fluffy. The dog's name has been derived, passed through the hands of several earlier American fans of the breed until the dogs turned into 20th-century show dogs. These fans created the dog club and christened their first breed to reflect their background.

The American Eskimo dog has certain physical characteristics. Its males range in height from 15 to 19 inches at the shoulders, whereas females are naturally a bit smaller. In appearance, it doesn't matter, it always looks heavier than it actually is. This dog's solid coat over its trim lines gives it the look of a much heavier dog from a fat person. The American Eskimo dog is a medium-sized dog, weighing from 25 to 35 pounds. Comparable to the extensive bushy coat you often see in a standard-sized cardigan or German sheepdog, the American Eskimo has an attractive mane of fur just touching under its neck that accents the pecs. The thick fur engulfs the back and forms a furred plume that abruptly curls over the back or loaf of the croup of the dog. It extends down to the waist and reaches the upper flank. If your dog has too short hair compared to its tail hair, then the big fluff should always look brushy compared to its normal coat.

3.1. Size and Build

The American Eskimo Dog is a small to medium-sized Spitz breed. It has a compact body and a wedge-shaped head with a slightly domed skull. The eyes are dark brown, while the ears are large and erect. The face is well-framed by the characteristic ruff that gives the breed its unique personality, rounding out the body appearance. The American Eskimo Dog has a double coat and is quite furry, especially around the neck, chest, and rump. The tail is set high and curls over the back. Females are typically finer boned and a bit smaller than males, but both sexes have a very similar body structure.

The American Eskimo Dog is medium in size, with the breed standard set for a male dog that is 19 inches tall at the withers, with a female dog being 9 inches tall at the withers. The ideal weight for a female American Eskimo Dog is between 25 and 35 pounds, while the ideal male size is 30 to 40 pounds. The ideal size and weight of each dog can vary, based on their age, overall health, and activity level. Very fit and working line examples may be at the higher end of the size weight scale, while older dogs, non-working dogs, and pet quality dogs may fall on the low end of this range. Eye shape, ear set, and other body confirmation marks are the same for all dog sizes and sexes within the breed.

3.2. Coat and Color

The American Eskimo Dog is under the "Northern dog breed that is known for its beautiful, double-layer, stand-off coat with the plume tail brought up and over the back." With that brief overview, let's take a closer look at coat and color.

The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes: toy (9 inches to 12 inches tall at the shoulder), miniature (12 inches to 15 inches) and standard (15 inches to 19 inches). The body is compact, sturdy and just off-square. The head is wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded skull and muzzle that tapers to a point. The ears are small, slightly pointed and set high on the head with a back tilt. Alaskan Huskies have brown, blue or one of each colored eyes or one eye is partially one color and brown or blue. The nose is black. The ears are sometimes described as a perfect size for the head. The scissor bite is preferred, but a level bite is allowed. The bushy tail is carried up and over the back when moving and can be down when standing. The breed was not always known as the American Eskimo Dog (AED).

This breed wears a profuse, double-layer stand-off coat with a thick undercoat that is short, soft and dense. The outer coat is made up of a longer, harsh, straight (no curl or wave) fur that is straight and free-standing; it stands off the body. The length is different on different areas of the body: longest at the neck, at the back of the front legs and fore thighs, on the shoulder frills called a ruff and the hind legs from the buttocks to the hocks; shorter elsewhere. A full ruff at the neck, also called a mane, and full britches on the hindquarters are an "in the show ring look." Some coat texture patterns are transferable. Quantity does not guarantee quality but a full coat takes a long time to grow out. Coat color ranges from white to biscuit. White is truly the preferred color. Pure white is stunning. A well-marked dog usually has a half-mask with colored ears, tail and spots on the body just a bit, but not overly or heavily "dirty-patted" with solid patches all over the body. If the patchy dog is all white with some patched markings it’s known as an AED rarity. In general, though, it is best to breed white to white. The biscuit color is a light creamy color with white trim. There is also a lush beaver coat color allowed in the standard size that is transitioning in the minis. This coat color is a light reddish-brown with a pewter-blue undertone that slowly transitions smoothly from the rich red undercoat on the brisket to the pewter undercoat on the hind legs. White AEDs have color pigment. In other words, white AEDs have a black eyerim, made up of the eyelashes and liner around the eyes plus a black nose and black lips. The haw is pigmented with a shade of liver. Wearing any amount of color is allowed, but as of 2000 white over 51% is preferred. White is best because it glistens in the sun and changes the color pigmentation, making it conspicuous. The black nose is preferred. However, "no color," which means all pink nose and haw flesh with no black, is very pretty, too!

4. Temperament and Behavior

When exploring the temperament and behavior of the American Eskimo Dog, a person can get a better sense of how this breed normally acts, responds to stress and change, and behaves in a wide range of situations. A dog's temperament can be caused both by heredity as well as through research. A dog's behavior, however, is directly related to the way she was raised and trained.

American Eskimo Dogs are generally known as smart, quick learners. However, if a person starts a problem in the American Eskimo dog and encourages the issue, then that dog's problem could become hereditary. For example, numerous incidents of excessive fear in dogs are traced back to one or two events or moments of fear in a dog's early life.

In general, adult American Eskimo Dogs are very hard, especially well-aggressive. They often treat people as friends and engage in assigned duties and activities. Often, their basic temperaments refer to puppies - friendly, intimate, and caring. They tend to bark often and can have long-standing arguments with other dogs if they are not socialized properly. They usually are devoted and loyal to their family, though they often adopt one or two members as their favorites.

Eskies typically have the courage of and to our strangers, but the tendency of a warined Eskie is pretty good. If the dog has not been adequately socialized, he or she may become aggressive. Generally, however, the problem is not with the timid, but with those who have confidence and challenge.

5. Intelligence and Trainability

The American Eskimo Dog is intelligent, alert, and friendly, always eager to please and hardworking. Although their intelligence means that they are easily trained, it can also be a downfall if they are not provided with sufficient mental and physical stimulation, which can manifest as damaging or anxious behavior. American Eskimo Dogs were bred to perform tricks and accompany their families' performances wherever they went. They are less stubborn than some other Spitz breeds. This means that they can adapt to a variety of living situations and are well-suited for apartment living, as long as they receive enough exercise and are not left alone for long periods of time.

This combination of intelligence and desire to please means that the American Eskimo Dog is extremely trainable. They are highly alert animals and are prone to bark if left unattended or are not given adequate companionship. Proper socialization is key for American Eskimo Dogs. They are protective of their family and can be wary of strangers, so it is important to expose them to different experiences and people to ensure that they grow into a well-rounded, confident dog. American Eskimo Dogs can also get along well with other dogs and animals if socialized from an early age. Once again, this need for attention and consistently working in a positive training relationship is why the American Eskimo Dog may not be suitable for a first-time dog owner.

6. Interaction with Other Pets

Eskies typically do well with dogs and cats, though some maintain their Nordic independence. It is vital to remember, though, that this is a highly social and cooperative breed, and that mystery, if present, is usually a matter of human mismanagement. Most breed members are also very flexible and enterprising playmates for children, and they excel at all kinds of active dog sports like agility, flyball, Earthdog, obedience, and many others. They especially love those that involve fetching and retrieving. Always keep in mind, however, that what interests any dog as a puppy may not engage them at the age of five or seven. Individual and social play lasts a lifetime.

Socialization and exposure to other dogs, people, and animals are vital for all puppies. This is especially true of Eskies and other relatively rare breeds that have inherited any degree of suspicion and cautiousness in their genes. Well-socialized puppies will grow up to be human- and animal-friendly, while puppies who are not properly socialized may react to new sights, sounds, and smells with fear or aggression. Because fear is a self-protection reaction, a normally submissive adult can suddenly develop reactivity if overfaced by new experiences. In general, an Eskie that is comfortable living with other family pets when young is likely to remain so. The exception to this rule is often between Eskies of the same sex and conformation dogs or pack members; they often have personality conflicts between the age of one and three. A spayed or neutered dog of the opposite sex of close age often resolves the problem.

7. Health Considerations

The American Eskimo Dog is a sturdy breed, though they do have some health considerations that should be understood. Ones of vital importance for potential owners to be aware of include: - History of the Breed: Today's American Eskimo is the result of breeding between several popular forms of spitz breeds. Their refinement in the 19th century led to the founding of the breed. This variety of bloodlines helped to create a sturdy dog breed that hasn't been overbred. Key health issues for this breed have only appeared in the last 20 years and involve their kneecaps, their eyes, and the possibility of some allergies.

Hip Dysplasia, an abnormal formation in the hip joint, can lead to discomfort as well, and possibly early arthritis in some dogs. This health condition can also make the dog even more skeptical and wary of those around him as he struggles with the pain or discomfort.

The health of the American Eskimo Dog is considered better than some and many people see them as a generally strong breed. However, just like any other breed, there are a number of health issues that the American Eskimo Dog can fall victim to. Many of these health issues cause the dog to be much more aggressive and not so friendly to other dogs or animals if they are not treated properly or caught in time. If the dog is feeling any sort of pain, many of these types of dogs will not have the willingness to interact with anyone else, even someone they are familiar with. It's best to look for these health conditions and address them with holistic remedies like the ones listed above so that you and your American Eskimo Dog can live life to the fullest.

7.1. Common Health Issues

Because the American Eskimo Dog is white, owners need to consider checking sun exposure to the nose and providing plenty of water and shade since the white coat can make dogs vulnerable to sunburn. American Eskimo Dogs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and there are several common health issues in the breed that they may experience in their lifetime. As with all dogs, it’s important for American Eskimo Dog owners to provide regular veterinary visits for overall well-being and wellness.

American Eskimo Dogs may experience various musculoskeletal disorders like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, which is caused by the tearing of the cruciate ligament. Hip dysplasia is a disorder in which the ball and socket of the hip joint don't properly fit together. While more common in larger breeds, small dogs like the Eskie may also have the issue, and there are hereditary aspects of the problem. Luxating patella is a condition seen in certain small- or miniature-sized breeds of dogs where the kneecap (patella) can dislocate. While this is often due to genetics, injury can also be the cause. Luxating patella can cause the dog to limp and have other orthopedic problems which might lead to disability in severe cases. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) is a condition in which the ball and socket of the hip joint don't properly fit together. In severe cases, LCPD can lead to osteoarthritis. American Eskimo Dogs have a predisposition to musculoskeletal issues, especially in their hips and knees, so it's important to keep an eye on their mobility as they age. They are also known to experience erupting bite, heart disorders, allergies, and cataracts.

8. Nutritional Needs

American Eskimo dogs need a balanced diet to grow strong and healthy. As the dog ages, it is necessary to pay attention to their diet. The dog’s diet should be adjusted according to its activity level, age, and other factors. Here are a few nutritional needs of the American Eskimo dog:

• A proper amount of protein is a must in a dog’s diet. Protein is necessary for a dog’s body and helps in its development. • Like protein, a balanced amount of fat is also necessary for a dog. It is present in many edibles and is necessary for proper growth and development. Fats can also cause some disorders if given in excess. • A dog’s diet is incomplete without vitamins. Vitamins are necessary for good immunity and other bodily functions. • Given its small size, it may be necessary to feed up to half or three-quarters of a cup of dog food to American Eskimo dogs. • The dogs do not produce much oil themselves, hence they are prone to dry skin. Foods that help keep their skin moist and shiny are suitable for these dogs.

Proper food and a good quality diet can impact a dog's brain functioning. Not only that, the condition of the coat and skin in a dog can also give a good response to this type of diet. Similarly, some people's dogs need to be given a special raw food diet. At the same time, the diet of the pursuer too is necessary. During all these diets, vitamins, proteins, and fats should be included in the diet.

9. Conclusion

The American Eskimo dog is an appealing breed, highly intelligent and eager to please. However, along with these ever hopeful and joyful qualities comes intense activity and an extreme level of alertness. These dogs are eager to work and are best suited for a dog-experienced family. They are one of the most trainable breeds of dog, which is probably why they make one of the best family pets. Their potential for loyalty makes them ideal for a loving family, but they will be too big of a handful for anyone else.

This breed is not for everyone. The owner must not be turned off by the community's fear or negative views on the breed. They are not an aggressive breed. They do show suspicious activity and can be reserved with strangers. People new to the breed should approach with extreme caution as to not scare the dog. Any dog that is timid, not just an American Eskimo, will bite if they feel cornered. Make sure the dog is comfortable around you and your surroundings before approaching. Taking the time to train them will produce wonderful quality adult dogs and give you great pleasure for all the time you have them in your family. An American Eskimo's personality is something other dog owners will never understand unless they, in fact, own one. They love to be the center of your world even though they will play off not the attention being paid to them. Keep them safe, keep them loved, and you will always have a wonderful companion with the same good spirit.