The American Eskimo Dog is a product of the strains of a variety of European Spitz breeds, such as the Keeshond, Pomeranian, and Volpino Italiano. These ancestors included multipurpose farm dogs, family companions, and performing dogs. Thanks to this heritage, the American Eskimo is a supremely versatile breed.
Immigrants in the 18th century brought Spitz breeds to America, and they soon became extremely popular as pets, watchdogs, and farm dogs. The circus also used small Spitz dogs as performers in the 1930s, which enhanced their already high popularity. Breeders initiated the process of AKC recognition for the breed in 1985 and achieved that goal ten years later, and in 2006 the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the breed.
American Eskimo Dog Breed Standard
The Eskie is a small to medium-sized Nordic breed that is sturdy, compactly built, and covered by a large double coat with a long, plumed tail that carries loosely over the back. The dog’s white hair contrasts with the breed’s deep black eyes, nose, and lips. The head is wedge-shaped with a broad muzzle, and the ears are erect and triangular.
American Eskimo Dog Temperament
American Eskimos are famous for their happy, playful demeanor. The dog is a mixture of working and companion dogs, resulting in energetic, eager to please, and versatile dogs. Eskimos crave companionship and attention, and they are ideal pets for those who are willing to dedicate time and devotion to socialization, training, and regular exercise. Without discipline, interaction with its owners, and a structured routine, the naturally alert and protective Eskimo can develop behavioral issues.
Eskies are independent and tenacious and love to run. They are especially fond of running in cold weather. However, the breed is the most biddable of spitz breeds, and it is calm and well-mannered inside the home. Eskies are excellent apartment dogs. Unfortunately, they are wary of strangers because of their watchdog nature and are not the best choice for families with other dogs, small pets, and small children.
Breed Facts
| Energy level |  | Watchdog ability |  |
| Exercise requirements |  | Protection ability | |
| Playfulness | | Grooming requirements |  |
| Affection level | | Cold tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward dogs | | Heat tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward other pets | | Friendliness toward strangers | |
| Ease of training | |
- POPULARITY: Uncommon
- FAMILY: Spitz
- AREA OF ORIGIN: United States
- DATE OF ORIGIN: Early 1900s
- ORIGINAL FUNCTION: Watchdog, performer, farm worker
- TODAY’S FUNCTION: Companion
- OTHER NAME: None
Activity level: The Eskimo Dog needs exercise in an enclosed area, such as a fenced yard.
Grooming: The American Eskimo Dog’s ample coat must be brushed daily during heavy seasonal shedding in spring and fall. Twice-weekly brushing at other times will prevent mats and control shedding.
- Coat: This dog possesses a dense, harsh, standoff double coat with a noticeable ruff, feathering on the backs of the legs, and long hair on the tail.
- Color: The dog’s color is solid white. However, for conformation showing purposes, biscuit cream (off-white) is allowed.
Health
- MAJOR CONCERN: none
- MINOR CONCERN: CHD, PRA, patellar luxation
- OCCASIONALLY SEEN: diabetes
- SUGGESTED TESTS: hip, eye, (knee), DNA for PRA
- LIFE SPAN: 12-14 years
- WEIGHT: standard: 20-40-pound, miniature: 11-20 pounds; toy: 6-10 pounds
- HEIGHT: standard: 15-19 inches; miniature: 12-15 inches; toy: 9-12 inches
American Eskimo Dog Breeders and Buying Advice
If you want to own this dog, prepare yourself for an active breed that requires plenty of attention and frequent grooming to control shedding.
- Parent club: American Eskimo Dog Club of America (www.aedca.org); founded in 1985
- Rescue: You can find more information on the American Eskimo Dog rescue on the club’s website.
American Eskimo Dog Price
The price of American Eskimo puppies varies and depends significantly on breeder reputation, location, breed popularity, socialization efforts, breed lines, litter size, and the puppies’ lineage, to name a few. However, the average going rate for an Eskie is about $700 -$800.
If you are looking to buy an American Eskimo Dog with breeding rights or a show quality lineage, expect to pay a lot more. The average price above will get you the puppies along with all the right papers and documentation. If someone tries to sell you puppies without papers, although cheaper, do not do it. We cannot recommend the purchasing of any dogs without the right paperwork.
The price of an American Eskimo Dog with a superior lineage and breeding rights can cost you in the range of $2500 to $5000 and sometimes more depending on the breeder’s disposition.
