American Eskimo dog: The all white and all American dog

Also called as Eskie, the American Eskimo Dog is a breed of Spitz type and that has been developed in the United States. It came from the Nordic line of dog breeds and is often used as a sled dog, doing tasks such as pulling heavy luggage across snow and ice. This breed is often mistaken for a German Spitz, and although they share the same ancestors, they have been developed separately for over 100 years now.

There are three varieties of the American Eskimo Dog or Eskie and these are the Toy, Miniature and Standard varieties. The heights of these dogs are as follows: toy- 9 to 12 inches, miniature- 12 to 15 inches, and standard- 15 to 19 inches. An Eskie that falls below or exceeds above the 9 inches to 19 inches limit is considered as a disqualification by the breed standard.

Describing the body of the Eskie, it would be compactly built and slightly longer than it is tall. Its body is also covered with a double coat that is water and cold resistant. It has ears that are small, erect and cold resistant; and its coat is ruffled around the neck creating a lion-look.

Additionally, the hind legs and behind of the Eskie are also lushly covered with dense coat while its tail is feather-like and freely sways behind its back. The only acceptable colors for this breed are white and white with biscuit cream. Keeping the coat of the Eskie requires brushing and combing twice weekly but during its shedding season, twice daily is escalated to almost daily.

In the United States and Canada, the Eskie is popular as a house pet and family companion. This dog is very protective and loyal to its master and it strives to be a part of the family. Moreover, not only does it make a good part of the family but as an excellent watchdog as well since the Eskie barks as a signal that a stranger is approaching.

The Eskie is also noted for being a very intelligent, highly trainable, very active, moderately independent and eager to please kind of dog. Without proper socialization, however, it may come out shy or aloof that's why it is good to train him in socialization as early as possible. Some of the activities that are good for the Eskie's socialization skill are agility competitions, flyball, and dancing.

Because this dog is highly energetic, it means that it has excessive energy that needs to be utilized in order to keep him healthy mentally and physically. He must be brought out for daily exercise and the intensity should depend on its size. Although active and protective, the Eskie, won't attack or bite on impulse unless it is being provoked.

The modern Eskie developed from breeds such as the large German Spitz, Italian Spitz, Volpino Italiano and many more. These precursor breeds first arrived in the United States during the early 1900s as brought by immigrants from Europe. The Eskie's first recognition as the American Eskimo Dog happened in 1919 under the American United Kennel Club and it was in 1995 that the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.