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Dogs - American Eskimo (Eskie) Dog Breed
German immigrants probably brought the white Spitz dogs to the United
States, where they served as watchdogs, family pets, and circus dogs. Known as the German Spitz in its homeland, the breed was renamed the American Eskimo in 1917. This was probably a reaction to the unpopularity during World War I of anything associated with Germany. The American Eskimo was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1913. "American Eskimo Dog" became the official breed name during World War I, when an reference to Germany was considered anathema in the Allied Nations. In England, the German Shepherd Dog became the Alsatian; in America, the American Spitz became the American Eskimo Dog.
The standards for the breed differ in words but not in description of the breed. The major difference is that UKC recognizes only the standard and miniature sizes and the AKC will add the toy size. The American Eskimo Dog has a typical northern dog appearance: well-proportioned body, double coat, pointed muzzle, small eyes, triangular ears with rounded tips, curled tail, and smooth, steady gait. Although bred mainly as a companion, the American Eskimo looks like a sled dog and is at home in snow, ice, and cold temperatures. White is the preferred color, although biscuit or cream markings are acceptable. The dog's body should be strong and compact, with well-sprung ribs, a deep chest, and a straight, muscular back and loin. As with other Nordic dogs, the American Eskimo's feet should be tight with tough pads. The tail is plumed with long hair and is carried over the dog's back; a tight curl or double curl, which is often seen in Akitas, is a fault in Eskies. The coat is more lavish on males Eskies than females. It is thickest in a mane around the neck and is completely free of waves or curls. The undercoat is very thick and soft, and when shedding, sends tufts of white wafting through the air. The top coat is longer and stiffer and forms a layer of protection from the weather.
Temperament and care
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Your Dog Zone.com
The American Eskimo is a member of the ancient and wide ranging Spitz
family of dogs. One 18th century German historian claimed that the Spitz
was the ancestor of all domestic breeds. White Spitzes were popular in
Pomerania and in the coastal regions of Germany. Sailors traded the white
dogs throughout Europe. When Queen Charlotte of England acquired several
white Spitzes, the dogs became fashionable among British aristocrats.
White Spitzes appear in several Gainsborough paintings.
Breed standard
Standard-size male Eskies are 15-19
inches, and females are 14-18 inches. Miniature males are 12-15 inches
tall, and miniature females are 11-14 inches tall. In puppy classes,
miniature American Eskimos have a minimum height of 11 inches for males
and 10 inches for females. The AKC sizes are nine-to-12 inches, toys;
12-15 inches , miniatures; and 15-19 inches for standards with no
differential for males and females.
The Eskie is a long-lived breed with few
identified problems. Although the breed is small to medium in size, the
breeding stock should be x-rayed for hip dysplasia. Urinary tract
stones can be a problem, as can flea allergies.