Alt Names: German Spitz Country of Origin: United States

History: The American Eskimo Dog is a member of the Spitz family of dogs. The Spitz trace their history back to the Peat bog Dog of the Swiss Lakes region, who lived around 4000 B.C.E. Other members of the Spitz family include the Pomeranian, the German Spitz, Akita, Keeshond, and the Chow Chow. The Spitz breed of dog is noted for its prick ears, pointed nose, and a curled tail. The body is slightly longer than the dog is tall at the withers.

Another name for the Spitz family of dogs is "Nordic". To refer to a dog as a "Nordic" breed was a way to avoid the Germanic implication of the name Spitz. This was especially true when anti German sentiment was high during W.W.I and W.W.II. Today's usage is interchangeable.

During the 19th century in the U.S., a small, white, spitz type dog was commonly seen in the communities of German immigrants. These dogs came to be known as the American Spitz. This breed of dog was developed as a "type breed". A "type breed" is, if a dog fits the type description (in this case, a small, white, Nordic dog), than that is what it is - an American Spitz. The U.K.C. (United Kennel Club) started to register this breed in 1913 as an Eskimo, and in 1917 gave it the new name of American Eskimo. This name gave rise to the mistaken belief that this breed was somehow related to the native North American breeds. The American Eskimo Dog is not related to the Canadian Eskimo Dog nor the North Greenland Eskimo Dog. It is definitely not a down sized Samoyed. It is, however, descended from the white German Spitz. The F.C.I. (Federation Canine International) lists the American Eskimo Dog as a German Spitz. Other close relatives include the white Keeshond, the white Pomeranian, and the white Volpino Italiano (Italian Spitz).

Appearance: The standard for the American Eskimo Dog calls for them to be white or white & cream, with brown eyes (blue eyes, such as those found on the Siberian Husky, are a disqualification and a sign of poor health or breeding), and a compact body. The dog's length should be only slightly greater than its height at the shoulder. The muzzle is long and lupine (in contrast to the muzzles of Pomeranians). The ears are held erect and alert, and the tail should be feathered and curled on the dog's back. These dogs look very much like smaller versions of the Samoyed, to which they are related, and come in three standard sizes. The toy is from 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm) at the withers; the miniature is from 12 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm); the standard is from fifteen inches up to and including nineteen inches (39 to 48 cm).

The Eskie, as with all Nordic breeds, has erect, triangular ears ("prick ears"), a tail that flips onto the dog's back in a spiral, and two coats of fur: an inner, downy coat, and an outer coat of guard hairs that act as weather protection.

Temperament: American Eskimos were bred to be companion dogs, not just the family dog to put outside when they bother their owners. They thrive on being a part of their human family. Eskies love their families, and a well-socialized dog is more of a pleasure to own. Eskies are easily trained and very intelligent, as well as being strong-willed and independent. At home, Eskies make excellent watchdogs, barking to announce the presence of strangers. The Eskie can be protective of its home and family, but it shouldn't threaten to attack or bite a person.

Many people find the puppies of American Eskimo Dogs to be very cute and purchase this breed as a puppy without doing sufficient research, such as discovering the longevity and needs of this breed. This breed can take longer to mature than other breeds, and Eskies can behave more like puppies than like adults for up to two years, when they finally start to mature and grow their adult coats. They are also an extremely intelligent dog and need to be stimulated. When their intelligence is not stimulated or they are ignored, they can develop behavior issues. Owners can avoid this problem by socializing their Eskie through obedience training or participating in dog sports, such as dog agility, flyball, or dancing.

Health: The breed lives on average between 12 and 13 years, although some individuals might as long as 20 years or longer.