The American Eskimo Dog is a breed of companion dog and semi-sled dog originating in the USA. In addition to serving as a companion, it has been used as a watchdog, sled dog, and also achieved a high degree of popularity in the 1930s and 1940s United States as a circus performer even as early as 1917 at the Cooper Brother''s Railroad Circus. One of many American Eskimo Dogs to walk a tightrope was an American Eskimo by the name of Stout''s Pal Pierre in the Barnum & Bailey Circus. "PR" Stout''s Pal Pierre was from a long line of American Eskimos used in Barnum and Bailey''s Circus acts. Pierre''s grandfather was the first known dog in the world to walk a tight rope. The breed became popular as circuses would sell the puppies during their travels across the nation. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1994 and set the current standard for the breed. The United Kennel Club had recognized the breed long before 1994, and there is no difference between the two breed standards except that the AKC recognizes the toy size, while the UKC does not. The American Eskimo Dog was accepted into the Canadian Kennel Club as of March 2006. The standard for the American Eskimo Dog calls for them to be white or white & biscuit cream, with brown eyes (blue eyes, such as those found on the Siberian Husky, are a disqualification and a sign of poor health or breeding), and a compact body. The dog''s length should be only slightly greater than its height at the shoulder. The muzzle is long and lupine (in contrast to the muzzles of Pomeranians). The ears are held erect and alert, and the tail should be feathered and loosely curled on the dog''s back.
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The breed lives on average between 12 and 14 years, although some individuals might live as long as 20 years or longer. The Eskie is a fairly healthy breed. Health testing should be performed by all responsible breeders and anyone purchasing a puppy should be aware of the genetic problems which occur in the breed- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), luxating patella, and hip dysplasia. None of these are terribly common and the breed is generally healthy, however, ethical breeders check for these conditions.
In addition to the problems above, the breed can have a tendency towards allergies and tear-staining and the propensity towards these traits is inherited- do not purchase a puppy from parents which have extreme tearstaining or allergies and you will likely avoid them.
American Eskimo Dogs along with other Spitzen were bred to be companion dogs, and thrive on being a part of a human family. Their history as a small general-purpose and a farm dog means that they are generally highly intelligent, trainable, and moderately independent. At home, they make excellent watchdogs, barking to announce the presence of strangers. The Eskie can be protective of its home and family, but in general they will not threaten to attack or bite a person unless provoked. As with all dogs, temperament is partially inherited and partially trained. Some dogs are prone to excessive barking and separation anxiety. It is important to research the dog''s pedigree as their temperament may vary due to inheritance.
Puppy at 11 weeks
Many people find the puppies of American Eskimo Dogs to be very "cute" and purchase this breed as a puppy without doing sufficient research, such as discovering the longevity and needs of this breed. This breed is not a fast-maturing one, and Eskies can behave more like puppies than like adults for up to two years, when they finally start to mature and grow their adult coats. They are also a very intelligent dog and need to be stimulated. When their intelligence is not stimulated or they are ignored, they can develop behavior issues. Owners can avoid this problem by socializing their Eskie through obedience training or participating in dog sports, such as dog agility, flyball,and dancing.
Toy height: 9-13 inches
Toy weight: 6-10 lb
Miniature height: 12-16 in.
Miniature weight: 10-20 lb.
Standard height: 16-21 in.
Standard weight: 18-35 lb.
Life span:
10-15+ years (Up to 20 years with proper feeding, exercise & vet care)
American Eskimo history will be posted here soon
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