Pet Wiki

American Eskimo Dog

Also called Eskie, American Spitz

Bright, alert and friendly, the Eskie is affectionate and playful with its family while staying a little reserved with strangers.

SizeSmall
Weight2.7 to 18 kg (6 to 40 lb)123
Height23 to 51 cm (9 to 20 in)42
Lifespan13 to 15 years1
CoatStand-off double coat
OriginUnited States, from German Spitz dogs brought over by European immigrants; Wikipedia lists the ancestral origin as Germany.21
Recognised breedShort profile
clever and quick to learn
alert, friendly watchdog
playful and eager to please
413

Personality what they are like

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

Coat and looks how to spot one

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

Colourswhitewhite with biscuit cream42

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs daily physical exercise and plenty of mental stimulation; tricks, training and games suit this agile breed well.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

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

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Adults typically eat two to three measured meals a day and puppies three to four small meals; portions depend on size and activity.1

Company who they like around

A family-focused dog that likes being involved; it can be wary of new people at first.34

The story where it all began

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

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    An Eskie called Stout's Pal Pierre became famous for walking a tightrope with the Barnum and Bailey Circus.2

  2. 2

    Despite the name, the breed descends from German Spitz dogs, not from Inuit sled dogs.1

  3. 3

    It was a star of the Cooper Brothers' Railroad Circus in 1917.2

  4. 4

    It comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's progenitors were German Spitz, but due to anti-German sentiment during the First World War, it was renamed 'American Eskimo Dog.'5

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

SnowballNanuqBlizzardFlurryFrostyMistyAlaskaPuffWhisperCasperYetiCotton

A day in the life told by an American Eskimo Dog

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.

Recognised by the official bits

UKC
First recognised in 1919.2
AKC
Recognised in 1995; standard approved 11 October 1994 with toy, miniature and standard divisions.4
Canadian Kennel Club
Recognised in 2006.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

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.

Source: akc.org petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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.16

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.17

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 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.8 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.8 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. PetMD: American Eskimo Dog petmd.comused for lifespan, weight, grooming, exercise, diet, temperament
  2. Wikipedia: American Eskimo Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, sizes, weight, fun facts
  3. Purina: American Eskimo Dog purina.comused for grooming, temperament, circus history
  4. AKC Official Standard of the American Eskimo Dog images.akc.orgused for recognition, size divisions, coat, colours, temperament
  5. en.m.wikipedia.org en.m.wikipedia.org
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.