American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dog: BREED BOX Country: United States Size: Miniature 12-15 in (33-38 cm) Temperament: Tolerant and patient Grooming: Medium Recognition: AKC

The American Eskimo Dog is a breed of companion dog originating in the United States of America (probably in New York City) in the twentieth century. The breed was formerly called a "spitz" or an "American Eskimo spitz" or a "spitz dog," and it achieved a high degree of popularity in the 1930's and 1940's in the USA as a circus performer. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1994 and set the current standard for the breed. The United Kennel Club had recognized the breed long before 1994, and there is no difference between the two breed standards. The American Eskimo Dog is not descended from working Eskimo sled dogs, rather it was bred as a companion dog.

The American Eskimo Dog, or "Eskie" as it is often called, is derived from the German Spitz, the Finnish Spitz, and almost certainly the Pomeranian Dog and Keeshond. The spitz family of "Nordic" dogs is one of the least altered by human husbandry and reflects most nearly the prototypical dog, from which stock all others have been derived. Archeology suggests that Neolithic dogs living with humans would today pass for spitzes. All of the Nordic breeds are marked by 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.

The standard for the American Eskimo Dog calls for them to be white, with brown eyes (blue eyes, such as those found on the Malamut, 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 Pomeranian Dogs). 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 miniature is twenty-two to twenty-eight pounds; the standard is twenty-nine to thirty-three pounds; and the large is thirty-four to forty-two pounds.

In temperament, American Eskimo Dogs are pure companion animals. They have been bred as circus performers, and consequently they show an extraordinary amount of intelligence with training. They are eager to learn. They are also, however, true spitzes. They are dependent upon their family and treat all strangers with mistrust. The breed has been known to fear bite when approached too vigorously by outsiders. Within their own family, however, American Eskimos are extremely tolerant and patient and get along with children very well. Because of their double coat. Shyness occurs in some individual, so too is agreesiveness. The American Eskimo Dog is a natural territory protector, thery makes an excellent watch dog.

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