American Eskimo

COUNTRY: USA

WEIGHT: 18-35 pounds

HEIGHT: 14-19 inches

COAT: Thick, straight spitz type

COLOR: Pure white preferred, white with

biscuit or cream permissible

GROUP: Northern Working Dog

American Eskimo, Miniature

COUNTRY: USA

WEIGHT: 10-20 pounds

HEIGHT: 11-15 inches

COAT: Thick, straight spitz type

COLOR: Pure white preferred, white with biscuit or cream permissible

GROUP: Northern Working Dog

The only spitz breed created and fostered in America, the American Eskimo dog is probably related to and descended from white German Spitz dogs. In fact, many people still refer to this breed as "spitz," a carry-over from 100 years ago. During their beginnings in America, most of these Nordic beauties were rather large. When they began to be registered by the United Kennel Club in the early part of this century, owners adopted the name "Eskimo" as a tribute to their ancient Nordic ancestry and "American" for their immediate foster home. The Standard and Miniature sizes have been bred since the start of the 20th century. A toy-sized American Eskimo has evolved, and fanciers are working toward gaining acceptance for that min-iscule variety in the UKC show ring. Except for size, all three forms of the breed are judged by the identical standard of perfection.

Like all of the European spitz, the American Eskimo Dog is noted for being sturdy, hardy, and long-lived. These canines are natural watchdogs, tending to bark if there is something wrong or unusual. With their owners, they are very affectionate and willing to please, making them ideal obedience prospects. American Eskimo Dogs do, however, tend to be reserved with strangers at first, the watchdog instinct impelling them to be sure before allowing a breach in their protection of family and home. They have a need to be near their owners and feel a part of things. Because of the northern heritage, the breed can be a bit stubborn and willful but cheerfully submits to the owner's wishes if taught from the beginning, firmly and consistently. Because of their intelligence, energy and desire to please, they also make outstanding trick dogs, performing in circuses and shows.

The coat, as is true with all of the spitz dogs, is described as self-cleaning, i.e., the harsh-textured, straight hair shakes off dirt or mud when dry. The dense underwool precludes the dog from getting wet to the skin from the environ-ment. Thus, the American Eskimo have little doggy odor and, even though white, stay "spic and span" clean. But, again, like their cousins from Europe and the North, there is need for routine brushing, especially in the spring when the undercoat is being shed.

True to their species, the American Eskimo Dogs love to be outdoors, using their doghouses rarely, often curling up in a snow bank with their tails covering the tip of their noses. Although a perennial favorite in the United States, the American Eskimo is unknown elsewhere, probably due to the fact that many countries have developed their own type of white spitz.