American Eskimo Dog
AlertFriendlyIntelligent
United States / Germany · 13–15 years
About the American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog, affectionately called the 'Eskie,' is a beautiful white spitz breed that comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Despite their name, they have no connection to Eskimo culture — they are descended from German Spitz dogs brought to America by European immigrants. Eskies gained fame as circus performers in the late 1800s and early 1900s, dazzling audiences with their intelligence, trainability, and stunning white coat. They are bright, alert, and eager to please, making them one of the most trainable spitz breeds. An Eskie was reportedly the first dog to walk a tightrope.
Breed stats
- Height
- 9–19 in
- Weight
- 6–35 lbs
- Lifespan
- 13–15 years
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Coat
- Dense, plush, double coat with lion-like mane
- Origin
- United States / Germany
Coat colors
- White
- White and Biscuit
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.5–2 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Patellar luxation
- Diabetes
Not every American Eskimo Dog will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can American Eskimo Dogs eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- No, American Eskimo Dogs have no connection to Eskimo (Inuit) culture or Arctic working dogs like Huskies or Malamutes. They are descended from German Spitz dogs brought to America by German immigrants. The breed was originally called the 'American Spitz' but was renamed 'American Eskimo Dog' around World War I, likely to distance the breed from its German origins during anti-German sentiment. The name is misleading and has caused confusion ever since. They are a companion and performance breed, not a sled dog or Arctic working breed.
- Yes, American Eskimo Dogs are heavy shedders. Their thick, plush double coat sheds year-round and goes through two massive seasonal blowouts in spring and fall. During shedding season, white fur will cover everything in your home. Regular brushing two to three times per week (daily during blowouts) helps manage loose hair. Never shave an Eskie's coat, as it provides essential insulation against both heat and cold and may not grow back properly. A powerful vacuum cleaner and lint rollers are essential Eskie owner accessories. White dog hair on dark clothing is a constant reality.
- American Eskimo Dogs are among the most trainable breeds — period. They are intelligent, eager to please, and learn new commands quickly. Their circus heritage demonstrates their exceptional ability to master complex tricks and routines. They respond enthusiastically to positive reinforcement and enjoy the mental stimulation of training sessions. Their trainability makes them excellent for obedience, agility, rally, and trick competitions. They are one of the few spitz breeds that genuinely wants to please their owner, making them significantly easier to train than most northern-type breeds.
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