Non-Sporting group

American Eskimo Dog

A dazzling white spitz — clever, showy and a born performer.

American Eskimo Dogs (“Eskies”) are fluffy white spitz dogs in three sizes. They are bright, affectionate and eager to learn, but vocal, wary of strangers and heavy shedders.

Height
9–19 in23–48 cm
Weight
6–35 lb3–16 kg
Life expectancy
13–15 years
Size
Small
Group
Non-Sporting
Origin
United States (from German Spitz)

Coat: Thick, stand-off double coat with a lion-like ruff. Colours: White, Biscuit cream.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation4.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness2.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking4.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level4.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Eskies are playful, intelligent and devoted to their families. They excel at tricks, obedience and agility, and they like to be involved in everything.

They are natural watchdogs and often reserved with strangers. Many are vocal, and bored Eskies can become barky or destructive.

Varieties

Toy
9–12 in at the shoulder.
Miniature
Over 12 up to 15 in.
Standard
Over 15 up to 19 in.

Living with a American Eskimo Dog

Exercise

Around 45–60 minutes of daily activity plus training games, adjusted for size.

Grooming

Brush several times a week and daily during heavy sheds. The white coat sheds dirt well once dry.

Training

Very trainable and eager; reward-based methods work well. Teach a quiet cue early.

Kids & other pets

Good with children in their family and usually with other pets. Wary of strangers.

Time alone

Eskies dislike long isolation and may bark or chew; build alone time gradually.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a American Eskimo Dog right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a American Eskimo Dog matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a American Eskimo Dog typically lives 13–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps occur, especially in smaller Eskies.

  • Progressive retinal atrophy

    Inherited vision loss detectable by the prcd-PRA DNA test.

  • Diabetes mellitus

    Reported in the breed; watch for increased thirst and urination.

  • Juvenile cataracts

    Inherited cataracts can appear in young dogs; annual eye exams help.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip evaluation
  • Patella evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • DNA test for prcd-PRA

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: American Eskimo Dog; American Eskimo Dog Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Eskies descend from German Spitz dogs brought to the United States by immigrants in the 1800s. During WWI, anti-German feeling led to the name American Eskimo Dog, although the breed has no link to Arctic peoples.

Eskies became famous in travelling circuses, including Barnum & Bailey, where one reportedly walked a tightrope. The AKC recognised the breed in 1995.

Did you know?

  • An Eskie is said to have walked a tightrope in the Barnum & Bailey Circus.
  • The breed was renamed during WWI to avoid its German associations.
  • Eskies come in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard.

Library guides for American Eskimo Dog owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Do American Eskimo Dogs shed a lot?
Yes — they shed heavily, especially twice a year.
Are Eskies good family dogs?
Yes, for active families. They are affectionate and trainable but vocal.
Are Eskies related to Samoyeds?
They are both spitz breeds, but Eskies descend from German Spitz.