German immigrants during the 1800's brought small spitz type dogs with them to America. These dogs were generally known as the American Spitz.

The American Kennel Club in the United Sates, first registered the breed in 1913 and in 1917 the breed was named the American Eskimo Dog, after a kennel of that era. Today, the "Toy" Eskie can be shown under the American Kennel Club, and not under the United Kennel Club because the "Toy" breed is still not recognized. The Standard Eskie and the Miniature Eskies are recognized through the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club.

The American Eskimo Dog is pure white or white with cream or biscuit color. They have dark brown to black eyes, noses, and lips. The ears are perky and all three breeds have curled tails that lay on their backs and a double coat.

The American Eskimo Dog come in three sizes. Toys stand 9 inches to 12 inches high, Miniatures stand 12 inches to 15 inches high, and the Standards stand 15 inches to 19 inches high.

All three sizes of "the Eskie" is an alert, friendly dog, "very" intelligent and highly trainable. They aim to please! They are never shy, nor aggressive, and there loyal character makes them excellent watchdogs. They always give off a warning bark to announce any intruder.

They are very expressive, with a sensitive and affectionate nature. This is a Nordic breed hence its resilient and adaptable nature about them. However, the beauty of the American Eskimo lies not on its flashy looks, but in his/her noble character. They each have a unique personality!!! They are extremely devoted and affectionate! They always want to be right there!!

The Eskie has been described as a problem solver, "con artist" and a romantic, and can shift roles in the wink of an eye! They have an uncanny ability to understand what you are telling them and can learn a trick quickly. These are "people" dogs and you will find yourself dealing with a dog as though he/she is a small child. It is simply remarkable how the Eskie has the ability to understand not only the tone of voice but also what you are "SAYING"!

The Eskie is a hardy dog that loves the outdoors. They just love to run! However, they are also a companion dog and is most happy when they are part of the family. As family dogs, they usually bond to all of the family members, and are considered good with children but do not like to be hurt or mistreated.

They are very versatile and have been bred for many uses, including circus trick dogs, to herding cattle and even hunting, and they are also used for hearing aide dogs!

They are adaptable to any climate. Their thick double coat consists of long guard hairs that lies above the undercoat that insulates them from the heat and the cold! The coat can be especially thick around the neck and chest forming what looks like a lion's mane that is seen more often in male Eskies. The front legs have long hair flowing down the inside forming the "feathering" look, while the rump and hind legs down to the hock are coated forming the "trousers" look! Their white coat reflects the sun, but if they lay on there back, they do need a little sun block on there bright pink tummies! They do need plenty of fresh water, and a shady place to lay in the hot weather!

The care of the Eskie is remarkably easy for a long haired white dog! Their coats carry natural oil, which repels any kind of dirt, (and Spaghetti sauce!) and they don't have that doggy odor! They can be kept clean for a long time just with regular brushing. Their coat doesn't mat easily, but sometimes you might find a knot behind the ears.

When bathing an Eskie, be sure to rinse the shampoo out well, towel dry, then you can use a blow dryer and fluff out the coat! Be certainly sure to use a blow dryer with no heat or a low setting to prevent frying their coat! Brushing with a slicker brush or a pin brush while drying will definitely speed the drying time!

Male eskies shed once a year, and it's usually in the early summer, late spring, is when they 'blow' coat'!

Please be good to your pets and they will be good to you!