American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog, or Eskie, is distinguished by its striking white or cream double coat. This breed, once known as the American Spitz, comes in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

Despite its name, the American Eskimo Dog has no relation to the North American Inuit peoples. It descends from the German Spitz dog breed and was brought to the United States by German immigrants. Historically, the Eskie was used to herd and guard livestock. In the late 1800s, according to the American Eskimo Dog Club of America (AEDCA), it became popular as a circus performing breed before transitioning primarily to family pets.

The American Eskimo Dog: Traits and Care

The American Eskimo Dog is known for being “intelligent, alert, and friendly,”. They are making an excellent companionship with active families and individuals. They are perky and eager to please, which enhances their suitability as pets. You can adopt a dog from this breed in different sizes. In fact, you can find Toy Eskies which are 9-12 inches tall and weighing 6-10 pounds, Miniature Eskies which are 12-15 inches tall and weighing 10-20 pounds, and Standard Eskies which are 15-19 inches tall and weighing up to 30 pounds.

You may have to groom your Eskie regularly by combing and brushing at home. Yet, they typically do not need extensive professional grooming. You have to keep their coat well-maintained for their health and appearance. When you adopt an Eskie you need to give it plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. You should take them out to walk daily, to play and to do engaging activities.

American Eskimo Dog Health Issues

American Eskimo Dog
Image-source : petmojo

American Eskimo Dogs generally enjoy good health and have an average lifespan of 13–15 years. However, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions as follows:

  1. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is a group of diseases leading to the degeneration of photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) on the retina of the dog. It initially causes difficulty in seeing in low light and eventually resulting in blindness. This inherited condition has no effective treatment. You have to make sure that affected dogs should not be bred.

2. Dental Disease

As Eskies age, they are prone to dental disease, characterized by the buildup of bacterial tartar and plaque, leading to inflammation, tooth decay, and bone loss. Daily brushing with dog-specific toothpaste, along with special diets, treats, and chew toys, can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Dental disease is painful and can affect internal organ health. You have to take your dog to regular dental cleanings. It is essential for evaluating the mouth, removing plaque and tartar, polishing teeth to prevent future buildup, and treating or extracting unhealthy teeth.

Patellar Luxation in Dogs

The patella, or kneecap, typically rests in a groove within the femur at the knee. In dogs with patellar luxation, the patella dislocates from this groove when the knee flexes, causing discomfort and potentially leading to arthritis. Your eskie may come up with the symptoms like skipping or bunny-hopping gait, limping on three legs, cracking or popping noises when the knee bends, and bowlegged stance. In some cases, the patella realigns on its own, and treatment with joint supplements or anti-inflammatory medications can manage pain and prevent arthritis. Severe cases, where the patella does not realign, may require surgery.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is more commonly seen in larger breeds. Yet, it can also affect smaller dogs, such as the American Eskimo Dog. This condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, resulting in a loose joint. Factors such as growth rate, hormones, diet, and exercise can influence its development. Hip dysplasia may lead to degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis, which in turn can cause pain, limping, and difficulty standing.

It’s crucial to maintain a lean body condition by your dog for hip dysplasia condition. Veterinarians often recommend low-intensity exercise, omega-3 fatty acids, and supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs with hip dysplasia. Your dog may have to undergo surgeries in more severe cases.

Epilepsy

American Eskimo Dogs have a higher likelihood of developing epilepsy compared to other breeds. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that leads to seizures.

Veterinarians must first rule out other potential causes of seizures, to diagnose epilepsy. This process typically involves tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis, and X-rays, and may include MRI or CT scans for a more comprehensive evaluation. If no other underlying issues are found, the dog is diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy.

When your Eskimo dog is hit by severe seizures, veterinarians prescribe anticonvulsant medications. You have to monitor your dog’s blood regularly to detect the effects of these medications. While most dogs will need to remain on these medications for life, they can still lead normal lives with fewer seizures once you help your dog to properly manage them.

What to Feed an American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs
Image-source: moderndogmagazine

If you want to provide a complete and balanced diet for your American Eskimo Dog, you have to choose a commercial kibble or wet food that meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

For Eskie puppies, you have to select a diet formulated specifically for puppies or one that is suitable for all life stages. For adult dogs, your veterinarian might suggest a diet focused on dental health to help prevent dental disease.

How Much Should You Feed an American Eskimo Dog?

The ideal caloric intake for an American Eskimo Dog varies based on factors such as size, metabolism, neuter status, and activity level. If you want to determine the right portion sizes for your Eskie, you may consult your veterinarian, who can calculate their specific caloric needs. Also, you may check feeding guide labels on dog food packaging that also offers you helpful information.

Nutritional Tips for American Eskimo Dogs

American Eskimo Dogs need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to maintain health and a lean body. You have to feed them with AAFCO-approved food that covers their nutritional requirements. In addition, incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into their diet can be beneficial. These fatty acids, found in skin and joint supplements, fish oil, and certain dog foods, serve as natural anti-inflammatories that support the Eskie’s skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart.

Behavior and Training Tips for American Eskimo Dogs

It is a must that you socialize all puppies, including American Eskimo Dogs. Their early socialization helps ensure that most Eskies are patient with children who know how to interact with small- to medium-sized dogs. Eskies are generally friendly and attentive, especially towards their owners. Many have high energy levels that need to be channeled through daily walks, playtime, and training sessions.

They require both mental and physical stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.  An Eskie may become destructive or bark excessively, without adequate exercise or mental challenges. Some Eskies might also experience separation anxiety if left alone too often or for extended periods.

Given their background as circus performers, American Eskimo Dogs are known for being relatively easy to train. They respond well to training games and positive reinforcement methods. After your Eskie has mastered basic commands like sit, stay, and come, you can challenge them with more complex tricks to further stimulate their mind.

How To Groom Your Eskimo

American Eskimo Dog Breed
Image-source : ytimg

The American Eskimo Dog has a medium-length double coat that comes in white or cream. Despite their fluffy appearance, their grooming needs are not overly complex.

Skin Care:The natural oils in their coat help repel dirt, so Eskies only need to be bathed every few months. Frequent bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils and vibrance. If you notice any changes in your dog’s skin, such as flakiness or redness, consult your vet.

Coat Care: The Eskie’s double coat should be brushed at least twice a week. During heavy shedding periods in spring and fall, more frequent brushing can help manage the amount of fur around your home.

Eye Care: No special eye care is generally needed for American Eskimo Dogs, but they are prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). If you notice any changes in your dog’s eyes or vision, contact your vet. To prevent tear staining, clean the corners of their eyes with a gentle eye wash once a day.

Conclusion

The American Eskimo Dog, with its beautiful white or cream double coat, is a versatile and affectionate breed well-suited for families and individuals alike. Despite their historical roles in herding and performing, today’s Eskies are cherished primarily as family pets, known for their intelligence, alertness, and friendly nature.

Owning an American Eskimo Dog requires commitment to regular grooming, balanced nutrition, and proper training. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are crucial for preventing behavioral issues and ensuring a happy, healthy pet. You have to understand the breed’s potential health concerns, such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and dental disease, that can help you take proactive measures to keep your Eskie in the best possible condition.

By providing appropriate care, diet, and enrichment, you can ensure your American Eskimo Dog leads a fulfilling and joyful life. With their lively personality and loyal companionship, Eskies make wonderful additions to any home, enriching the lives of their owners with their playful and affectionate demeanor.

If you wish to broaden more your scale of knowledge on American Eskimo Dog breed, you may refer to “American Eskimo Dog Breed Information” .

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