The American Eskimo Dog is a small to medium sized breed of dogs of the Spitz type. The breed was developed in the United States. The name was devised to differentiate the breed from its German ancestors. The breed is not affiliated with the Yupik, Inuit, or any of the other peoples generally referred to by the term Eskimo, and has never been used as a sled dog. Although the breed is similar to some of the German Spitz breeds, the American and German dogs have developed separately over the past 100 years. The American Eskimo Dog is a house dog, companion, and watch dog.

History

The American Eskimo Dog "is a modern variation of a very ancient family of dogs. Spitz type dogs developed in Arctic and northern areas of the world, with the larger types being used as sled dogs. In Northern Europe, smaller Spitz were kept primarily as pets and watchdogs, and eventually were developed into the various German Spitz breeds. European immigrants brought their Spitz pets with them to the United States, especially New York, in the early 1900s, "all of them descended from the larger German Spitz, the Keeshond, the white Pomeranian, and the Italian Spitz, the Volpino Italiano." The American Eskimo Dog is not an internationally recognized breed, and since neither of the American kennel clubs are affiliated with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, fanciers wishing to participate in international dog shows will register their American Eskimo Dogs as the very similar German Spitz. This is done only by individuals wishing to participate in dog sports in international shows, and does not mean that the American Eskimo Dog and the German Spitz are the same. The breeds may have the same general origins, but have developed differently over the past 100 years.

Appearance and Size

The American Eskimo Dog has the general shape of a small dog of the Spitz type, a furry, long-legged dog with erect ears and a long tail that curls over the dog's back. American Eskimo Dogs always have a white coat, sometimes with darker marks of colors described as biscuit or cream. Toy, 9–12 in at the withers; Miniature, 12–15 in; Standard, 15–19 in.

Personality

American Eskimo Dogs along with other Spitz were bred to be house dogs and companion dogs, and thrive on being a part of a human family. The Eskie is highly intelligent, eager to please, very active, has lots of energy, and moderately independent. At home, these lively dogs make excellent watchdogs, barking to announce the presence of strangers. The Eskie can be protective of its home and family, but in general they will not threaten to attack or bite a person unless provoked. As with all dogs, behavior is partially inherited and partially trained. Some dogs are prone to excessive barking and separation anxiety. It is important for puppy buyers to research pedigrees as temperament may vary due to inheritance.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "American Eskimo Dog" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.