If you want to adopt a snowflake in the name of a dog, an American Eskimo dog might be THE ONE for you. They are everything from energy balls to guardians. There are so many unique personality traits that will awe you.
Before deciding to adopt them, learn everything beneath their fluffy coat. American Eskimo dogs are so much more than their charming personality.
Overview
| Height | 14-19 inches |
| Weight | 18-35 lbs |
| Life span | 13-15 years |
| Exercise needs | 45 minutes to 1 hour daily |
| Temperament | Ambivert, Eager to please, Energetic |
| Grooming | High maintenance |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | Germany and the United States of America |
Origin of the American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dog breed, aka American Spitz, has a frosty history. They originated from Germany in the 19th century. They traveled all across the Atlantic and spread their charm among Americans.
Also, these dogs are a part of the Spitz family and have fox-like features. There is little to their history. Except the American Eskimo dog breed can be the show-stealers of all time! This dog breed comes in 3 sizes: Toy, miniature, and standard. And you won’t regret adopting any of them!
You must have heard the phrase, “It’s raining cats and dogs.” Now— imagine it’s snowing American Eskimo dogs instead! Due to their charismatic nature, Hollywood went gaga over casting them in advertisements. They made their cameos and earned their place in our hearts, which we cherish today.
Appearance of the American Eskimo Dog
Due to their fox-like appearance, people often associate them with huskies. But that is a myth! American Eskimo is a small dog breed.
1. Luscious coat
They are wrapped in a snowy white double coat. Their luscious fur gives them protection from the harsh mountain weather. And that’s not it! It contributes to 80% of their cuteness and charm.
2. Small size
This dog breed weighs about 18-35 pounds and stands at 14-19 inches. Females are generally smaller than males. The Eskimo dog breed has dark almond eyes that are alert and filled with curiosity.
As you can tell by the looks of it, they have a graceful walk that can make anyone turn their heads. Call them a living teddy bear or a furry pillow dog—your call.
Personality Traits and Temperament
Before adopting any dog, you must check if they are the right fit for you. Here are the details about the American Eskimo dog’s temperament and personality traits. Grab your “leash” of curiosity!
1. Quick learners
As every dog has their own pace and learning speed, it would be unfair to stereotype any dog. But, due to the intelligence of the American Eskimo dog breed, they are likely to learn fast. This means that if you are a training enthusiast, this breed will be your best furry companion.
2. Affectionate
They LOVE Hoomans. Showing their affection and admiration is like one of their hobbies. Especially when kids are around, Eskimo dogs can become ideal guardians. They will play and protect the baby hoomans. Due to their quality, this dog breed can bond well with their owners and family.
3. Entertainers
Want to have a “private in-home” circus booked? American Eskimos will not disappoint you. They never fail to make anyone laugh with their comical gestures and goofiness. These dogs love to show off their skills and can perform even better with proper training. (They will make you the coolest one in the group!)
4. Ambiverts
From their overall personality, they seem like extroverts. But they’re not really! American Eskimo dog breeds might get shy and take their time to adjust to strangers. They only open up that easily if the stranger is REALLY SPECIAL to them. They may smell the guests and alert you with their squeaky barks. And once they are familiar with people, oh boy! They are a fun dog to spend time with.
This brings us to the next personality trait—
5. Energy balls
American Eskimo dogs thrive on playtimes. From their childhood to adulthood, they carry a youthful persona. They are unlikely to say no even if you wake them up at 4 a.m. to play fetch. These furry babies are energetic and playful, making them perfect for kids.
6. Family dogs
Being great cuddle buddies, Eskimo dogs are faithful family dogs and one of the least aggressive breeds you can come across. They create strong bonds with their human family members. If given attention and care, this loyal breed can fight off all the predators to protect you. They can guard your house and scare away the threats. If you have a big family, this dog can fit the ideal role of a family dog.
7. Hooman pleasers
American Eskimo dogs are eager to please their owners. This quality makes it easy to train them. Positive reinforcement techniques work like magic. They will follow your command without showing tantrums. You can always pr
Having American Eskimo dogs around is like having a bestie who will make you laugh even on the most serious topics.
Grooming Needs of the American Eskimo Dogs
American Eskimo dogs are furry individuals with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. Such coats protect them from extreme weather conditions like the cold and hot seasons. There is no shock that, YES, American Eskimo dogs are high maintenance.
1. Frequent brushing
With their lustrous and luxurious fur comes the responsibility to keep them healthy. They can get tangled easily if you don’t care for their coat health. They need hair brushing at least 3-4 times a week. If you do it regularly, you can prevent matting and reduce shedding.
2. Use dog-friendly products
Please do not use human combs to brush their hair. You can use a slicker brush and shampoo. Human products are harsh and can be rough on a dog’s skin (article). Hence, it would always help to use dog-friendly shampoos, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, etc.
3. Give them showers
Shedding during seasonal changes is expected. They have the most hair shed during spring and fall. But otherwise, as well, you can find yourself covered in white fur. To avoid heavy shedding, grooming is essential. It not only includes brushing hair but also showers. These shower babies need to be cleaned to remove smell and dirt.
But why grooming?
Grooming your dog is not just to make your dog look like a diva. No! Once you are actively involved in the grooming practices, it helps you in several ways. For example- You can spot fleas and ticks or possible infections.
Especially the ears. There is a lot of moisture under the dog ears, which can create infections. You must take preventive measures immediately if you check and clean their ears.
Similarly, dental health is important too. Just like any other dog, American Eskimo dogs can also get cavities. Keep an eye on their canine health. If you find a sudden change in mouth odor, consult a veterinarian.
Lastly, dog parents must often remember the importance of facial and paw care. Especially when you have a furry dog, wiping the dirt off with a damp cloth is essential to keep paws clean. After playing, American Eskimo dogs can stick dirt into their paws. Before it creates any infection, you can clean the paws, trim those extra hair, etc.
Are American Eskimo Dogs Hypoallergenic?
These fluff-balls are not hypoallergenic. They have so much hair they can cover your house in the shed and still look like goofballs. (Yeah, we love to be dramatic!). If you or anyone in your family is sensitive to allergens, it is better not to adopt this breed. BUT! If you give them regular grooming sessions, it might help you with reducing the shed.
Exercise and Training Needs
The American Eskimo dog breed has a history of being loyal to its owners. These mountain dogs can shock you with their energy levels. And because of that, they need to release their energy.
1. Regular training
Training a dog is as important as feeding them food. Without training, American Eskimos can turn aggressive. These small dogs bark a lot, so you should train them to reduce unwanted behaviors.
For best results, you should train American Eskimo Dogs for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour daily.
2. Reward good behavior
These dogs are great for training as they obey the commands. They are easier to train than other dog breeds. You can reward them with treats whenever they show good behavior. Their everyday routine must include jogging, walking, playing games, and exercises.
3. Check for health problems beforehand
Additionally, you should be aware of common dog diseases. This will give you a heads-up for possible health problems.
This dog breed may not be ideal for newbie dog parents. With a high level of energy comes LOADS of exercise. The training should be right to avoid bad behaviors.
Final Thoughts
This dog breed proves that cold noses and warm hearts can go paw-in-paw. The American Eskimo dog breed is a complete package of charm, energy, and protectiveness. But, it is not recommended for first-time owners. Due to their training and grooming needs, it can be challenging to deal with them.
But if your heart is still stuck on them (we don’t blame you), you can take them to grooming professionals. Similarly, dog walkers and trainers can be of great help. So, are you ready to embark on this journey with American Eskimo dogs, or as we like to call them, the snowballs?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In a lot of cases, American Eskimo dogs bark a lot. It does not necessarily mean that they sense a threat. They can bark a lot during playtime and high-energy moments. But you can always train them to change destructive behaviors. As they are eager to please, they can follow your commands, and you can teach them to reduce barking
You can leave American Eskimos alone for 3-4 hours. They like spending time with their owners, so it might not be ideal for them. You can train them by positive reinforcement techniques to spend more time alone. Please note that leaving your dog alone can lead to destructive behaviors in a dog.
Yes. American Eskimo dogs are always eager to please and can follow commands. They are not the ones to throw tantrums. You can teach them obedience training and positive reinforcement at their own pace. Also, they are energetic and love to play and exercise.
The American Eskimo dog breed can be prone to common health issues. Diabetes, dental diseases, or blindness are common. If you show any symptoms or unusual signs, please seek veterinary attention.
