American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog has a great personality, and this is considered another advantage of the breed. It gets along very well with all family members. This breed is usually taken into a house where there are many children, as the spitz always supports any game. Due to its disposition, the spitz quickly becomes attached to the people around them.

Breed Photos

Origin History

Originally, the American Eskimo Dog ancestors were listed in northern European countries such as Germany and Finland. In the early twentieth century, the breed came to the United States thanks to German immigrants, and local dog breeders became interested in the breed and began to breed it. The American Eskimo Dog was bred from a separate breed, the German Spitz. Many dog handlers claim that the Samoyed is also the ancestor of the American dog.

After World War I, the breed began to take an active part in circus performances. The Cooper brothers were the first to perform with the dogs in 1917. After this performance, there was a real rush to buy the dogs. However, not everyone could afford such a breed; the price was too high.

After World War II, when anti-German sentiment began to grow among the people, the breed was renamed the American Eskimo Dog.

Thanks to fans of the breed, the North American Eskimo Spitz Fans Association was founded in 1969.

Appearance

The American Eskimo Dog is considered one of the most beautiful breeds.

The dog has a foxy face and standing triangular ears. The eyes are set close together, can be dark or blue. The teeth are strong, and the bite is scissor-shaped. The body is rectangular, the back and waist are strong. The tail is fluffy, lies on the back in a ring. The spitz is divided into three types within the breed: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

The American Eskimo Dog’s main pride is its beautiful, long, and soft coat, mostly pure white. Breeders have paid special attention to the appearance, so the color of the coat varies from snow white to slightly creamy. There is a longer coat on the back of the paws and tail.

Character

The American Eskimo Dog has a great personality, and this is considered another advantage of the breed. It gets along very well with all family members. This breed is usually taken into a house where there are many children, as the spitz always supports any game. Due to its disposition, the spitz quickly becomes attached to the people around them.

To strangers, the dog is timid, but after a few minutes of communication, he begins to feel more confident. Eskimos quickly find a common language with their relatives and are always friendly. However, like many small breeds, it is typical for the spitz to bark often and loudly. It is his way of communicating with the world, so attention should be paid to discipline during training.

The American Eskimo Dog is even used as a service dog to search for missing people or drugs. Despite its small size, the spitz makes an excellent guardian.

The energetic spitz is perfect for keeping in an apartment. Due to its small size, the American Eskimo Dog is easy to take with you on trips. It is very important for the pet; without an owner, he will start to get homesick.

Care

Care should be given special attention. The American Eskimo Dog has dry skin, so it is better to avoid frequent bathing. To avoid disturbing the sensitive skin unnecessarily, it is better to wipe soiled areas with a cloth. Once every three months, you should vaccinate against fleas to rule out dermatitis. The hair of the pet should be constantly cared for to maintain its condition. The more often you brush the spitz, the less it will molt. Claws should be trimmed every few months. Do not forget about the hygiene of the mouth and ears.

Training

You have to be persistent and careful in raising a spitz. Do not raise your voice at your pet or raise your hand at him. Train him in a calm tone, and don’t forget to reward him. Because of their circus background, spitzes learn various tricks and commands easily. By the age of one year, the pet may know about five commands.

The American Eskimo Dog needs active walks, and they have lots of energy. Spitzes love to play with different toys. The dog can entertain itself for hours, but the owner’s active participation will only make the pet happy.

Common Diseases

Thanks to its coat, the American Eskimo Dog can withstand great cold. But you should not allow a lot of hypothermia.

The weak point of the spitz is the eyes, especially in representatives of the blue shade. They often develop blindness. To avoid disease, buy the breed from proven breeders and do not ignore examinations by a veterinarian.

The American Eskimo Dog is prone to such diseases:

• blindness;
• dysplasia and dislocation of the hip and knee joints;
• dermatitis.

Nutrition

The American Eskimo Dog tends to be obese. Therefore, the pet’s diet should be carefully monitored. The portion should be appropriate for the size and age of the spitz.

The basis of the diet should be lean meat, such as turkey or chicken. You can give your dog fruits, vegetables, and herbs for vitamins. Tubular bones, sweets, and smoked foods should be avoided.