American Eskimos Main

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*Nursery * Temperament * Standard Sizes and Colors * Grooming * Health *

Temperament
The American Eskimo is a charming, affectionate and loving dog. Hardy and playful, they are excellent with children. Highly intelligent and willing to please. Alert and easy to train, the American Eskimo often ranks among the top scorers in obedience trials. Some individuals have a willful streak, but most like to work. Dogs whose ancestry displays nervousness, hyperactivity or viciousness should not be bred. They are naturally wary of strangers, but once introduced, they become instant friends. Some have been known to not let a stranger enter the home until the owner says it is okay. Eskimos need to be part of the family and engage in nuisance activities when isolated. Handle them gently, but firmly. This breed needs attention and loves to bark. Eskies should be thoroughly socialized when young to avoid potential aggression-related accidents.

Standard Sizes and Colors
The American Eskimo is a beautiful, snowy white Spitz-type dog. It looks like a miniature Samoyed. There are three varieties: the toy, miniature, and standard. That means there is an Eskie for all interests and house sizes. The American Eskimo has a wedge-shaped head with muzzle and skull about the same length. It has erect triangular-shaped ears, and a heavily plumed tail curled over the back. Its neck is well carried and the topline good and level. Good legs and feet allow the Eskie to trot with bold energetic action. The profuse coat is always white, or white with biscuit or cream markings. Their skin is pink or gray. Black is the preferred color of their eyelids, gums, nose, and pads. The coat is heavy around the neck, creating a ruff or mane, especially in males. The breed is slightly longer than it is tall. The coat of the American Eskimo should not curl or wave, the undercoat should be thick and plush with the harsher outer coat growing up through it. No colors other than those described above are allowed. The eyes must not be blue and no Eskie may be shown if it is under 9 inches (23cm) or over 19 inches (48cm). The breed has many admirers and it has withstood the test of time.
Standard Height/Weight
Toy: 9-12 inches (23-30cm) 6-10 pounds (2.4-4.5kg)
Miniature: over 12 (30cm) up to 15 inches (38cm) 10-20 pounds (4.5-9kg)
Standard: over 15 inches (38cm) up to 19 inches (48cm) 18-35 pounds (8kg-16kg)

Grooming
The thick snowy white coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush twice a week. It should be brushed daily when it is shedding. This breed is an average shedder.

Health
American Eskimos will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.
The American Eskimo loves to walk and should be well exercised either on a leash or in a safely enclosed yard.
The life expectancy for this breed is about 15 or more years
The American Eskimo is a fairly healthy breed, although close attention should be paid to its eyes and tear ducts. Prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Its thick double coat should be kept clean and free of fleas that can cause dermatitis. This breed can gain weight easily if it does not get enough exercise.