American Eskimo Dog
Group: Toy and Non-Sporting Group
Height:
- – Standard: 15 to 19 inches
– Miniature: 12 to 15 inches
– Toy: 11 inches or less
Note: The American Eskimo Dog comes in three size varieties – toy, miniature, and standard. In Canada these size varieties are shown as separate breeds. The toy variety is shown in the Toy Group, the miniature and standard varieties are shown in the Non-Sporting Group.
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Breed Profile
The American Eskimo Dog, or Eskie, is a member of the Spitz group and one of the most ancient of the dog families, dating back almost 6,000 years. The German word “spitz”, meaning “sharp point”, refers to the shape of the muzzle. His typical pointed face combined with the snowy white coat give him a striking appearance.
The Eskie was specifically bred to guard people and property and, therefore, is territorial by nature and an excellent watch dog. He is very loyal to his family and is known for being gentle and playful with children. He is energetic, alert and highly intelligent.
The American Eskimo Dog comes in three different sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Toy Eskie is the smallest but still maintains all of the qualities of the larger sized dogs and is a great little watch dog, protective of his home, gentle and playful with children.
In the last 15 years, the Eskie has increased in popularity, and registrations have been growing steadily.
Health Issues
The American Eskimo Dog breed is generally very healthy. However, like all breeds of dogs, some genetic health problems have been found in the breed, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
If you are considering the adoption of a American Eskimo dog puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)
Recommended Health Screening:
For the American Eskimo Dog, the CHICNOTE 1 database includes health screenings for the following:
- Hip Dysplasia;
- Eye Examination by a board Ophthalmologist after the age of 24 months; and
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test.
- Optional recommendations include: Congenital Cardiac Database, Elbow Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Autoimmune Thyroiditis, andLegg-Calve-Perthes.
Additional Health Resources:
- Health and Nutrition — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
- Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
National Best of Breed
– National Grand Champion NAEDA – Oct 07
NBOB NTL. GR. CH. AWD Neskowin Prince “Ness”
Photo: Hamilton American Eskimos
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org
*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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