Bright, alert and friendly, the Eskie is affectionate and playful with its family while staying a little reserved with strangers. It makes a keen watchdog without being threatening.413
how to spot oneAmerican Eskimo Dog coat and colours
stand-off double coat
A dense undercoat under longer, straight guard hairs that stand away from the body, with a showy ruff round the neck, feathered legs and a richly plumed tail.4
A typical home-care rhythm for an American Eskimo Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
how busy a day looksAmerican Eskimo Dog exercise needs
Needs daily physical exercise and plenty of mental stimulation; tricks, training and games suit this agile breed well.13
who they like aroundAmerican Eskimo Dog with people and other pets
A family-focused dog that likes being involved; it can be wary of new people at first.34
the hands-on bitsAmerican Eskimo Dog grooming and care
Brush the double coat at least weekly, ideally twice a week, and more often during the spring and autumn shedding seasons. Bath only every few months to keep natural oils.13
what goes in the bowlAmerican Eskimo Dog food and feeding
Adults typically eat two to three measured meals a day and puppies three to four small meals; portions depend on size and activity.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my American Eskimo Dog, and at what times?
Adults typically eat two to three measured meals a day, and puppies three to four small meals. Portions depend on size and activity, so check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts. Feeding at the same times each day helps their digestion, but there's no single perfect schedule, just keep meals consistent.15
What should an American Eskimo Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, these can be especially harmful to dogs. Always avoid giving them human treats like alcohol, yeast dough, or raw meat and eggs.16
How often should I bathe an American Eskimo Dog?
Bath only every few months to keep their natural coat oils healthy. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every 70 days, but you can adjust if they get especially dirty. Over-bathing can dry out their skin, so stick to a gentle schedule.13
How often does an American Eskimo Dog need brushing?
Brush their double coat at least weekly, ideally twice a week, and daily during heavy spring and autumn shedding. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every three days, with daily sessions when they shed a lot. Regular brushing keeps their coat healthy and reduces loose fur around the house.13
How do I trim an American Eskimo Dog's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside), and use a proper dog nail trimmer. If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you the first time.7
How much exercise does an American Eskimo Dog need?
They need daily physical exercise and plenty of mental stimulation, tricks, training, and games suit this agile breed well. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily walks and playtime. A bored Eskie can become mischievous, so keep them busy with fun activities.13
How do I look after an American Eskimo Dog's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and gently clean the outer part with a vet-approved solution; never push anything into the ear canal. Regular care prevents dental disease and ear infections.7
How long does an American Eskimo Dog live?
American Eskimo Dogs typically live 13 to 15 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, many enjoy a long, happy life. Senior years usually start around age 10, so adjust their care as they age.1
Is an American Eskimo Dog good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are affectionate and playful with their family, including children, and can get along well with other pets when properly socialized. They can be a little reserved with strangers at first, so early, positive introductions help. Always supervise interactions between dogs and young children.413
Can an American Eskimo Dog be left alone?
They are a family-focused dog that likes being involved, so they may not do well if left alone for long periods. They can develop separation anxiety or boredom. If you must leave them, provide plenty of toys and mental stimulation, and consider a dog walker or daycare.34
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchAmerican Eskimo Dog health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the American Eskimo Dog. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)
An inherited eye disease that slowly leads to blindness; a DNA test lets breeders avoid producing affected puppies. OFA/CHIC requires an eye exam and the PRA-prcd DNA test for American Eskimo Dogs ↗
Hip dysplasia
Abnormal development of the hip joint that can cause stiffness and arthritis; breeding dogs should be hip scored. OFA/CHIC hip evaluation required for the breed ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat an American Eskimo Dog costs
Running costs for an American Eskimo Dog, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the American Eskimo Dog legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the American Eskimo Dog in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
American Eskimo Dog tip
American Eskimo Dogs are prone to weight gain, especially as they age, so measure their food and keep treats to about 10% of daily calories. Their teeth need daily brushing and VOHC-accepted dental chews to help prevent the dental disease common in this breed.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
An Eskie called Stout's Pal Pierre became famous for walking a tightrope with the Barnum and Bailey Circus.2
2
Despite the name, the breed descends from German Spitz dogs, not from Inuit sled dogs.1
3
It was a star of the Cooper Brothers' Railroad Circus in 1917.2
4
It comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard.4
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed's progenitors were German Spitz, but due to anti-German sentiment during the First World War, it was renamed 'American Eskimo Dog.'8
stars of the breedFamous ones
Stout's Pal Pierre Stout's Pal Pierre became famous for walking a tightrope with the Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1930s.2
I wake up and stretch like a little cloud. Mom laughs and calls me her fluffball. I follow her to the kitchen, my tail wagging a happy rhythm. After a quick breakfast, we go outside. The grass is wet with dew, and I love to roll in it. Then it's time for tricks! I can spin, sit, and even play dead. Dad throws a ball, and I chase it like a rocket. In the afternoon, I curl up on the sofa, watching the birds outside. When the kids come home, I bounce around their feet, ready for cuddles. At night, I snuggle between Mom and Dad, dreaming of tomorrow's fun.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganAmerican Eskimo Dog history
White spitz dogs arrived in the United States with German immigrants in the early 1900s. Around the First World War owners began calling them American Spitz instead of German Spitz, and the breed became a favourite with travelling circuses for its tricks. The UKC recognised it in 1919, and the AKC in 1995.23
German Spitz
Japanese Spitz
Samoyed
Pomeranian