American Eskimo Dog

This American Eskimo dog is smart, eager to please and very amenable to training; responding especially well to positive reinforcement. With their pointed muzzle, perked up ears and curled tail they offer a striking picture, not unlike a small Samoyed.

Their thick coat is always white or white and cream, and needs grooming a couple of times a week. While an average shedder, special attention must be paid to coat maintenance during shedding season.

This affectionate breed is also considered loving and playful; an agile dog that loves doing tricks to entertain. They are good with children but wary of strangers. Although the American Eskimo dog does warm up quickly, it can be considered good watchdog. They often need extra attention and are prone to barking, especially when left alone. This dog loves being part of a group and behaves best when there are projects to keep them occupied. Many are used in narcotics detection and most excel in agility trails.

The major health concern of the American Eskimo dog is hip dysplasia. However, extra care needs to be taken to remove fleas that may become hidden in their thick fur, causing serious skin problems.

This breed can be seen in either toy, miniature or standard sizes; ranging from 9 to 19 inches in height and weighing between 6 and 36 pounds. They can manage in an apartment as long as they have a yard for exercise, preferring long walks with their owner.

Litters usually produce around 5 polar bear-looking pups and this breed generally lives to be 15 years old.