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American Eskimo Dogs: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about American Eskimo Dog personality and behavior. main page breed review faq health training adopting/buying links My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the American Eskimo Dog, including these excerpts: "The American Eskimo Dog is happy and high-spirited, a rowdy dog who enjoys vigorous exercise, especially in the snow. He is very people-oriented and craves a lot of companionship. Without enough activity (physical and mental), this creative thinker becomes bored and mischievous, which means destructive and noisy. Most American Eskimo Dogs are conservative with strangers, keen of eye and acute of hearing, and serious about their watchdog responsibilities. Early and frequent socialization is required to ensure that their watchfulness does not become suspicion, sharpness, or shyness. Most American Eskimo Dogs are fine with other dogs, but can be jealous when other animals get attention. This breed learns very quickly and excels at performing tricks, but he is also independent and can be willful. If you don't consistently enforce the rules, he will use his intelligence in clever ways that suit his own purposes." History The Eskie was developed from spitz-type dogs who came to the United States with German immigrants. Size Toy: 9-12 inches and 6-10 lbs. Miniature: 12-15 inches and 10-20 lbs. Standard: 15-19 inches and 25-35 lbs.

American Eskimo Dogs What's good about 'em What's bad about 'em If you want a dog who... Looks like a pure white "husky" Comes in several sizes, from small to medium-large Plays hard and loves vigorous exercise Makes a keen watchdog Is bright and clever and excels at learning tricks An American Eskimo Dog may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with... High energy level Exuberant jumping, especially when young "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge Suspiciousness toward strangers Heavy shedding Barking An American Eskimo Dog may not be right for you. If I were considering an American Eskimo Dog... My major concerns would be: Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. American Eskimo Dogs MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and to use their busy minds to do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored American Eskimo Dogs can make a shambles of your home and yard. If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog outside a lot to run and play, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. Mind of their own. American Eskimo Dogs are not Golden Retrievers. They are smart and capable of learning a great deal, but they can be very manipulative. Some Eskies are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Eskie to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My American Eskimo Dog Training Page discusses the program you need. Suspiciousness toward strangers. Standoffish by nature, American Eskimo Dogs need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become suspiciousness or fearfulness, which could lead to biting. Heavy shedding. American Eskimo Dogs shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your countertops -- even in your food. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're REALLY up for this. Barking. American Eskimo Dogs are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. If you work all day and have close neighbors, American Eskimo Dogs are not a good choice for you. For the same reason, American Eskimo Dogs should NEVER be left outside in your yard, unsupervised. To make matters worse, some American Eskimo Dogs have intense, high-pitched barks that can set your teeth on edge. Not all American Eskimo Dogs are alike! There are energetic Eskies, and placid Eskies. Hard-headed Eskies, and sweet-natured Eskies. Serious Eskies, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Eskies, and Eskies who love everyone. If you acquire an American Eskimo Dog puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." If you're considering an adult American Eskimo Dog... There are plenty of adult American Eskimo Dogs who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS. If you would like to link to this review, here is the HTML code: <a href="http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/americaneskimodogs.html">American Eskimo Dogs: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em</a> Copyright © 2000-2008 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author.