​The American Eskimo Dog — “The Dog Beautiful”

Few breeds combine beauty, intelligence, devotion, and versatility quite like the American Eskimo Dog. Affectionately known as the Eskie, this striking companion is bright, alert, playful, and deeply connected to its family.

With their brilliant white coats, expressive dark eyes, erect ears, and beautifully plumed tails, it is easy to see why the American Eskimo Dog has long been known as “The Dog Beautiful.”

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Brief History

The American Eskimo Dog descends from European Spitz-type dogs, particularly the German Spitz. These versatile dogs were valued as companions, watchdogs, and farm dogs before becoming established in the United States.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, their intelligence, agility, and striking appearance also made them popular circus performers. Eskies became known for learning elaborate tricks, and an American Eskimo Dog is credited as the first dog to walk a tightrope.

Although their circus history is colorful and surely highlights their success as performers with their magical traits that remain characteristic of the breed today: intelligence, athleticism, trainability, and a strong connection with people.

 

Personality & Family Life

Eskies are intelligent, alert, friendly, and devoted. They form strong bonds with their families and thrive when included in everyday life.

They are naturally attentive watchdogs and may initially be reserved with strangers, but they should never be overly shy or aggressive. Properly raised and socialized Eskies can make wonderful companions for families, children, and other pets.

Because they are highly social dogs, Eskies are happiest living with their people rather than being routinely isolated or kept outdoors.

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Coat

The American Eskimo Dog has a beautiful double coat consisting of a dense undercoat covered by longer, straight guard hairs. Their coat may be pure white or white with biscuit cream.

A thorough brushing several times each week helps remove loose undercoat and prevent tangles, especially behind the ears, around the ruff, and on the hindquarters. Bathing can be done as needed using appropriate coat products.

When properly maintained, the Eskie coat has a beautiful natural brilliance—sometimes snowy white and sometimes touched with warm biscuit cream.

For more detailed grooming information, visit Eskie Puppy Care, Essential Supplies, and Our Favorite Things.

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Training

Eskies are exceptionally clever and usually learn new skills quickly. Their intelligence and athleticism make them wonderfully versatile training companions.

They can excel in obedience, rally, agility, trick training, scent work, herding, and other dog sports. Positive, consistent training works beautifully with this breed, and they benefit from both physical activity and mental enrichment.

Training classes are an excellent way to continue building good manners, confidence, and communication throughout puppyhood and beyond.

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​Bark

American Eskimo Dogs are naturally alert watchdogs and will often bark to announce something unusual.

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Early training, appropriate socialization, mental enrichment, and consistent reinforcement help teach an Eskie when barking is appropriate and when it is time to be quiet. 

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At WCAE, we begin positive training and socialization during puppyhood. Our puppies are gradually introduced to people, dogs, household activity, and everyday sounds such as the vacuum, dishwasher, the Roomba, and many other age-appropriate experiences.

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Size

The Toy American Eskimo has and average height of 9-12 inches at the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades) and weighs 8-12 pounds.

 

The Miniature has an average height of between 12-15 inches at the withers and weighs about 13-20 pounds.

 

The Standard has an average height of 15-19 inches at the withers and weighs about 22-35 pounds.

 

If you are deciding which size may be best for your family, visit Adoption Considerations. You can also meet our girls on our Mommies page and our boys on our Daddies page.

 

American Eskimo Dog at a Glance​

• AKC Group: Non-Sporting

• UKC Group: Northern Breed

• Sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard

• Coat: Medium-length double coat

• Color: White or white with biscuit cream

• Temperament: Intelligent, alert, friendly, and devoted

• Trainability: Highly intelligent and quick to learn

• Exercise: Regular daily activity and mental enrichment

• Social Needs: High

• Watchdog Ability: Excellent

• Shedding: Regular, with heavier seasonal shedding

• Life Expectancy: Approximately 13–15 years

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