American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dog dog

Bright, agile companion descended from German spitz dogs brought to America.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Toy 9 - 12 lbs 6 - 10 inches 13 - 15 years
Miniature 10 - 20 lbs 12 - 15 inches 13 - 15 years
Standard 25 - 35 lbs 15 - 19 inches 13 - 15 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United States



Own a American Eskimo Dog? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a American Eskimo Dog? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Regular shedding means you may need to be comfortable with loose hair around the home.

Despite its name, the American Eskimo Dog was developed largely from German spitz-type dogs brought to the United States by European immigrants. During the 19th century, these alert white farm dogs served as watchdogs, companions, and general-purpose workers in immigrant communities, particularly in the Midwest. They were originally commonly known as German Spitz. During the First World War, anti-German sentiment encouraged changes to many German-associated names in the United States, and American Eskimo Dog gradually became established despite the breed having no direct connection to the Inuit peoples. The dogs also found an unusual career in travelling circuses, where their intelligence, agility, white coats, and trainability made them popular performers. One famous circus dog named Stout's Pal Pierre was promoted for walking a tightrope. Organized breed clubs helped preserve the type during the 20th century, and three size varieties eventually became recognized: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The American Kennel Club accepted the breed in 1995. Its modern reputation for learning tricks quickly is therefore especially fitting for a breed whose history includes both practical farm work and performing before crowds under the big top.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The American Eskimo Dog tends to shed regularly, so loose hair and routine coat care should be expected.

The American Eskimo Dog generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The American Eskimo Dog is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The American Eskimo Dog tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The American Eskimo Dog is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The American Eskimo Dog generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The American Eskimo Dog generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The American Eskimo Dog is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The American Eskimo Dog generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.