Miniature American Eskimo

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Miniature American Eskimo is also known as Spitz, Standard Eskimo Dog, Miniature Eskimo Dog, Toy Eskimo Dog and Eskie. It is a Nordic-type Spitz breed that originated from European Spitz like German Spitz, the White Keeshond, the White Pomeranian and the White Italian Spitz. Contrary to its name, it has nothing to do with Eskimo culture nor it is an American breed. Despite having German Spitz as its main progenitor, the dog was renamed to American Eskimo due to the prejudice towards Germany during WWI.

This dog was originally bred to be watchdog and companion of the family. It also performed successfully as circus performers between 1930s and 1940s.

According to AKC breed standards, the Miniature American Eskimo or Eskie is a compactly built, sturdy and agile beautiful dog that comes in three sizes; Toy (9-12 inches), Miniature(12-15 inches) and Standard (15-19 inches). The head is wedge-shaped with same length skull and muzzle. Slightly oval, dark to medium brown eyes are set wide apart. High set erect and triangular shaped ears are in proportion in size to the head. Broad muzzle leads to usually black or dark brown nose. Medium length neck is strong and slightly arched. Level topline, straight, broad, strong and level back and deep, broad chest with well sprung ribs give the dog a compact look. Belly is slightly tucked up. Moderately high set tail is carried loosely on the back. The stand-off double coat comes in pure white or white with biscuit colouring.

This breed is recognized by AKC, CKC and UKC among other kennel clubs.

Color

The Eskie dog is usually found and preferred in pure white coloring but white with biscuit cream is also seen and accepted. Its skin is pink or gray.

Coat

This breed comes in a double coat. Topcoat is longer and stand-offish while undercoat is dense. The coat is straight and forms a ruff around the neck. For show dogs, trimming or clipping of coat is not acceptable.

Personality

The Miniature American Eskimo has loving, affectionate, intelligent and friendly nature. It is an eager to please breed that is very playful with children as well as kind and gentle with them. It is an alert and attentive dog with protective instinct. Though not aggressive, this alert and attentive breed is wary of strangers and makes a very good watchdog, sounding alarm if any stranger comes near its territory. Once introduced, the dog quickly becomes friends with family guests. This intelligent and bright dog is a fast learner and can learn tricks and commands quickly. Early socialization and training is a must for this breed as a not properly trained and socialized dog may demonstrate aggressive and dominant behavior towards other dogs. It is a very energetic breed that requires lots of exercise and time to play and run in large open spaces. As such, it may not suit apartment lifestyle and will be best suited to active owners and families with a large yard.

Care

Its double coat needs brushing once or twice a week with hard bristle brush. Ears should be checked for infection. Close attention should be given to eyes and tear ducts.

Training

Being an intelligent and eager to please breed, the Miniature American Eskimo is very trainable but it needs a firm and confident owner who can establish himself as this dogs true packleader. This intelligent breed will quickly sum-up any weakness or timidness in its owner and will try to become packleader itself.

Activity

This high energy breed needs lots of physical and mental stimulation. Daily long walks are a must and this dog should be provided with ample playing and running time in a safe and secure large area to let off its excessive energy through running and playing.