American Eskimos

American Eskimo, Standard
Country: USA
Weight: 18-35 pounds
Height: 14-19 inches
Coat: Thick, straight spitz type
Color: Pure white preferred, white with biscuit or cream permissible
Registry: UKC
Group: Northern

American Eskimo, Miniature
Country: USA
Weight: 10-20 pounds
Height: 11-15 inches
Coat: Thick, straight spitz type
Color: Pure white preferred, white with biscuit or cream permissible
Registry: UKC
Group: Northern

American Eskimo, Toy
Country: USA
Weight: 6-10 pounds
Height: Males less than 12, females less than 11 inches
Coat: Thick, straight spitz type
Color: Pure white preferred, white with biscuit or cream permissible
Registry: UKC
Group: Northern

Being that the American Eskimo is the only spitz breed created and fostered in America, it is safe to say that they are probably related to and descended from white German Spitz dogs. In fact, many people still refer to this breed as "spitz," a carry-over from 100 years ago. These Nordic beauties were rather large during their beginnings in America. Owners, when they began to register these dogs with the United Kennel Club in the early part of the century, adopted the name "Eskimo" as a tribute to their ancient Nordic ancestry and "American" for their immediate foster home. The Standard and Miniature sizes have been bred since the early 20th century. A toy-sized American Eskimo has recently evolved, and lovers of this breed are working toward gaining acceptance for that miniscule variety in the UKC show ring. Except for size, all three sizes of the breed are judged by an identical standard of perfection.

Like all of the European spitz, the American Eskimo is noted for being sturdy, hardy, and long-lived. These canines tend to bark if there is something wrong or unusual, making them natural watchdogs. They are very affectionate with their owners and very willing to please, making them ideal obedience prospects. However, Eskimos do tend to be reserved when first coming in contact with strangers, the watchdog instinct impelling them to be sure before allowing a breach in their protection of their family and home. They have a need to be near their owners and feel a part of everything. The breed can be a bit stubborn and willful, due to their northern heritage, but if taught from the beginning they can learn to cheerfully submit to their owners. Because of their intelligence, energy, and desire to please, they also make outstanding trick dogs, performing in circuses and shows.

The coat, as is with all of the spitz breeds, is described as self-cleaning, i.e., the harsh-textured, straight hair shakes off dirt of mud when dry. Their dense underwool precludes them from getting wet to the skin from the environment. This stops them from having much doggy odor and even though white, they stay "spic and span" clean. They do, however, need routine brushing, especially in the spring when their undercoat is being shed.

Eskimos, true to their species, love to be outdoors, rarely using their doghouses, often just curling up in a snow bank with their tails covering the tip of their noses. Due to the fact that many countries have developed their own type of white spitz, the Eskimo is unknown anywhere else.

All the information here was acquired/adapted from "The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World" - written by Bonnie Wilcox, DVM and Chris alkowicz.