American Eskimo Dogs: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The American Eskimo Dog is happy and high-spirited, an active dog who enjoys vigorous exercise, especially in the snow.

American Eskimo Dogs, affectionately known as Eskies, are very people-oriented and crave 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, though not usually progressing to the point of aggression. However, early and frequent socialization is required to ensure that their watchfulness does not become suspicion or sharpness.

Most American Eskimo Dogs are fine with other dogs, but can be jealous when other animals get attention.

This breed is smart, learns quickly, and excels at performing tricks, but he is also independent and can be willful. If you don't consistently enforce the rules, an American Eskimo Dog will use his intelligence in clever ways that suit his own purposes.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult American Eskimo Dogs have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your American Eskimo Dog to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the American Eskimo Dog

If I was considering an American Eskimo Dog, I would be most concerned about...

1. 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, American Eskimo Dogs are not a good choice for you (or your neighbors!). 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.
2. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. American Eskimo Dogs need 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.
3. Mind of their own. American Eskimo Dogs are very smart and capable of learning a great deal. But they might use their cleverness to manipulate you into doing what they want. Some Eskies are 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.

4. Potential 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 sharpness.
5. Heavy shedding. American Eskimo Dogs shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing and furnishings.