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The American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog was once known as the German Spitz, a companion breed that originated in Germany. Anti-German sentiment during the First World War prompted the name change. In spite of its name and looks, the "Eskie" does not come from Alaska and is not a Husky descendant — it belongs to the Spitz family.
I have shared my life with two American Eskimo Dogs, and even though the breed may not top the popularity charts, it certainly tops mine. My current Eskie, "Little Bit," is an 11-year-old female — an exceptionally smart, devoted and affectionate member of the family!
Nimble Little Circus PerformersDuring the 1930s and 1940s the Eskie grew very popular in the United States as a circus performer. Among the many American Eskimo Dogs that walked a tightrope was one named Stout's Pal Pierre with the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Stout's Pal Pierre came from a long line of American Eskimos featured in Barnum and Bailey's Circus acts. Pierre's grandfather was the first dog known to walk a tightrope anywhere in the world. The breed's popularity spread as circuses sold puppies while touring the country. When we moved from a farm into the city, our backyard had block walls, and my Eskie "Snowball" (long since gone) would leap onto the wall and walk its entire length. She never jumped over to run away (though we knew she could) — I suppose she just wanted to see what lay beyond! Learn more about the "Eskie" here.
Recognition by Kennel ClubsThe American Kennel Club granted the breed recognition in 1994 and established the standard it follows today. The Canadian Kennel Club accepted the breed in March 2006.
Breed Standards at a GlanceStandard Height: 38 cm/14-19 inches What the Eskie Looks LikeLike all Spitz breeds, the American Eskimo Dog has upright, triangular ears, a tail that curls onto its back in a spiral, and a two-layer coat: a softer undercoat that insulates the dog and a harsher outer coat that repels the weather. Around the neck and chest the coat grows thicker and longer, forming a lion-like ruff that is more prominent on males than on females. The rump and the hind legs down to the hocks also carry thicker, longer hair. The richly plumed tail is carried loosely over the back.
Grooming an EskieBecause their coat is long and dense, Eskies require regular grooming. Brushing once a week — or more often — is necessary. They do shed, but regular brushing keeps it under control. They blow their coats twice a year: in May or June to shed the winter undercoat, and again in November or December to shed the summer coat. Many owners use an undercoat rake, a tool sold at most pet stores, for grooming. I have personally found this tool to be invaluable! Although Eskies prefer cold weather ("mine will go outdoors and roll and play in the snow for hours"), they can live in hotter climates as well. They should not be shaved, since the long fur helps regulate the temperature of their skin. Eskies have drier skin, so they only need a bath every two or three months — unless they soil their coat with a lot of dirt or something with a strong odor. I often dry-bathe "Little Bit"; we moved back to our farm and she loves to roll (if you get the picture). In most cases regular brushing keeps the coat clean. Eskies are a very clean breed and groom themselves constantly.
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