American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a beautiful spitz-type breed that originated in Germany, not Alaska as the name might suggest. These stunning white dogs were originally called German Spitz but were renamed during World War I due to anti-German sentiment. They gained popularity as circus performers in the early 1900s, famous for their intelligence and trainability.

American Eskimo Dogs come in three size varieties: Toy (9-12 inches), Miniature (12-15 inches), and Standard (15-19 inches), all weighing between 6-35 pounds depending on size. Their most striking feature is their pure white or cream-colored double coat, which is thick, fluffy, and stands off from the body. They have fox-like faces with alert, triangular ears, dark eyes rimmed in black, and plumed tails that curl over their backs.

The breed has a sturdy, compact build despite their fluffy appearance. Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, especially during seasonal shedding periods. American Eskimo Dogs have black points on their noses, lips, and eye rims, creating beautiful contrast against their white coats.

These versatile dogs excel in various activities including obedience, agility, and therapy work. Their combination of beauty, intelligence, and trainability made them natural entertainers, and they retain that showmanship today as beloved family companions who thrive on attention and mental stimulation.