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 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:
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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.