Eskimo dogs are gorgeous, friendly, and fluffy! They are also very intelligent and energetic! It may be surprising to learn that American Eskimo dogs (AEDs) are a descendent of the German Spitz. AEDs are a family favorite! They are eager to learn, happy, and most of all, loyal. It is very important to learn about their care and temperaments if you are considering getting an American Eskimo dog.
This guide goes over all important factors for American Eskimo dog owners including their costs, their growth and nutrition, and their lifespan and health. Also, learn about dog growth calculators.
American Eskimo Dog Breed Overview
American Eskimo dogs are in the Spitz family, which allows them to have a thick double coat and some distinct physical features. AEDs can be:
- Toy American Eskimo Dog: 6—10 lbs.
- Miniature American Eskimo Dog: 10—20 lbs.
- Standard American Eskimo Dog: 25—35 lbs.
All these sizes mean that American Eskimo dogs can be in a large home, or a small apartment. Regardless of the size, these dogs remain super intelligent and very playful!
The American Eskimo dog is known for having an exceptional and vibrant personality. Some of the friendly traits this breed is known for is their affectionate and devoted nature. Bringing home an American Eskimo Dog means bringing home a family member. These dogs thrive with family and love inclusion in the family’s daily functions.
This breed is naturally very alert, curious, and confident. American Eskimo dogs make great watchdogs, yet they are not overly aggressive in carrying out this role. This makes early socialization as a doggie play-date extremely important in ensuring friendliness in adulthood toward both children and pets, as well as comfortability around strangers.
These Dogs are big fans of the brain game, as this very intelligent dog breed enjoys the challenges, and is quick in learning new commands.
Training an American Eskimo Dog
Positive reinforcement with this breed means an early start, and treats, praise, and toys, especially, as forms of reward, play an important role in everyday training.
Important aspects of training this breed include:
- Basic and advanced command obedience
- Proper leash manners
- Personal den (crate) training
- Recall (coming when called)
Introduction and exposure to all ages and sizes of people and pets
This breed enjoys learning and is frequently taught new tricks and/or taken to obedience and agility classes.
This breed of dog is very intelligent and enjoys challenges. Lacking stimulation, American Eskimo Dogs create behavioral issues in the form of barking or chewing.
American Eskimo Dogs Care Requirements
American Eskimo Dogs remain happy and healthy throughout their lives with the proper care.
- Daily care means
- Fresh water and high-quality dog food
- Daily, active play
- Mental stimulation and enrichment
- Routine veterinary visits
This dog breed adapts well to various living situations. However, American Eskimo Dogs prefer having a safe, fun, outdoor space to explore. The recommended duration of daily exercise is at least 45 to 60 minutes.
American Eskimo Dog Grooming
American Eskimo dogs have a gorgeous double coat that requires lots of upkeep. Do American Eskimo dogs shed? Yes they do! Their thick fur sheds well all year-long, but you will find seasonal shedding in spring and fall.
Part of American Eskimo dog grooming should include:
- Brushing 3-4 times a week
- Bathing every 6-8 weeks
- Regular nail trims
- Cleaning their ears and teeth
Never shave your Eskimo dog unless your vet suggests it is necessary for the health of your dog. Their double coats also serve the purpose of helping regulate their body temperature.
American Eskimo Dog Size and Weight
American Eskimo dog sizes can be classified by whether they are Toy, Miniature or Standard.
The Toy dogs are usually 9-12 inches tall, Miniatures are 12-15 inches tall and Standards are 15-19 inches tall.
American Eskimo dogs weigh anywhere from 6-35 pounds, although a well cared for Eskimo dog should be lean and athletic.
American Eskimo Dog Lifespan and Health
American Eskimo dogs have an average life expectancy of 13-15 years, making their longevity a key appeal of the breed. Many people search for the lifespan of an American Eskimo dog or how long do American Eskimo dogs live for the same reason.
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Disease
- Allergies
American Eskimo dogs are prone to all of these conditions. Responsible breeding and regular vet visits will greatly impact the lifespan of your dog and reduce their risk of these health conditions.
What Will You Pay for an American Eskimo Dog?
The main factors influencing the cost of an American Eskimo dog are the reputation of the breeder, the dog’s bloodline, and the geographical area. A conservative price estimate for American Eskimo dogs is between $800 and $2,500.
American Eskimo dog sales may include the following: American Eskimo dog puppies for sale, miniature American Eskimo dog for sale, toy American Eskimo dog for sale, and American Eskimo dogs for sale. When making your purchase, select only reputable American Eskimo dog breeders who conduct health testing and provide socialization.
If you are looking to provide a home to an American Eskimo dog, American Eskimo dog adoption and American Eskimo dogs for adoption are great options through specific breed rescue organizations.
Using a Dog Calculator to Determine Needs
For American Eskimo dog owners, a dog calculator has multiple uses throughout the life of the dog, from a puppy to a senior dog. A dog calculator can determine ideal body weight, daily calorie needs, portion sizes for dog meals, dosages of dog medications, pet age in human years, and dog growth milestones among other tools. These tools help dog owners maintain their dogs within a healthy weight range for optimal growth and development during their life.
American Eskimo Dog Mixes and Comparisons
American Eskimo dogs get mixed with many different breeds. Other dog owners look up: American Eskimo dog Pomeranian mix, American Eskimo dog Husky mix, American Eskimo dog Poodle mix, American Eskimo dog Chihuahua mix, American Eskimo dog Border Collie mix, American Eskimo dog German Shepherd mix, American Eskimo dog Golden Retriever mix, and American Eskimo dog Lab mix. Some owners compare the American Eskimo dog with other dogs. These searches include: American Eskimo dog vs Samoyed, Samoyed vs American Eskimo dog, American Eskimo dog vs Japanese Spitz, and American Eskimo dog and Samoyed. Even though these dogs look very similar, they are different in size, coat care, energy, and their history of jobs.
Final Thoughts
The American Eskimo dog breed is highly trainable. If you are looking for a loving dog, an American Eskimo dog may be the perfect breed for you. If you want to know American Eskimo dog breeds, look up American Eskimo dog breeds, American Eskimo dog breed info, American Eskimo dog breed size, American Eskimo dog breed info, American Eskimo dog breed temperament, and American Eskimo dog puppies. Knowing what the breed requires will help you be a responsible and loving dog owner.
The American Eskimo dogs and their mixes will be healthy and happy if they are groomed, given the right food, and given the right tools for their dogs.
