About the American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog, affectionately known as the Eskie, is a small to medium-sized dog with a thick white coat and the prick ears, triangular head, and curled tail typical of the spitz family. An intelligent, energetic dog, the Eskie thrives on close human companionship. The breed tends to be healthy and long-lived.

Whether you are considering owning an Eskie, learning to care for your Eskie, or thinking about showing your dog, we invite you to explore the STAEDC website for information, links, and contacts. We love our breed, and we are committed to seeing them well placed, well cared for, and appreciated for their beauty and unique, fun-loving personality.

Ch. Alpine He Walks WO Sound
A Beautiful Standard American Eskimo Dog
He is a top-rated show dog, an AKC Champion and UKC Grand Champion.

History of the breed

Originally descended from the German spitz, the Eskie came to the United States with German immigrants in the 1800s as an all-around house, farm and watch dog. Generally known as spitzes, the hardy, 35-40 pound white dogs enjoyed a steady popularity in many parts of the country.

The Eskie has been registered with the United Kennel Club for more than a hundred years. The breed took its current name at the time of the first world war, when German origins were out of popular favor. The dogs came to be bred and shown in the UKC show ring in two sizes: standard and miniature.

In the mid-twentieth century, a number of these clever and eye-catching dogs traveled with circuses performing tricks, waving their plume-tails in parades and dressing up as clowns. Anyone who has ever owned an Eskie knows that they have great potential as performers and entertainers!

In the mid-1990s, a group of exhibitors campaigned for AKC recognition of the American Eskimo Dog, and this was granted in 1994. Today, the Eskie is enthusiastically shown in both UKC and AKC dog shows as well as performance events throughout the country.

Is this the breed for you?

We encourage you to read all you can about the Eskie on this website, in books, and at other sites. Below is a list of books, and you can find other sites on our links page.

One important source of information is the UKC breed standard for the American Eskimo dog. The breed standard is a detailed description of the dog's size, looks, structure and temperament. If you read it carefully, you will have a good idea of what an Eskie is supposed to be like.

Breeders use the breed standard to choose the sire and dam for a litter, making reference to the features described in the standard. Judges base their choices on the standard, too, so a successful show dog will closely match the description in the standard.

This means that if you work with a careful breeder whose dogs have been judged against the standard at dog shows, you can find a puppy who will grow up to be close to what an American Eskimo dog should be. Not all the puppies will themselves be of a quality to show and breed. However they are all likely to be healthy and true to the standard.

But the best way to get to know what American Eskimo Dogs are like is to meet them and talk to their owners. This is not a breed you see on the street every day, but you can easily find them through STAEDC or at dog shows.

Contact us to find a member close to you, or consult the Web sites on our links page for a show or dog event near you. Not all our members' dogs are show dogs; you can meet pet Eskies, too.

Where can I get an American Eskimo Dog?

First be sure the breed will work for you. We strongly recommend that you meet some Eskies and talk to Eskie owners before you make up your mind. Eskies are not for everyone! They are energetic, and they do need some grooming. They are smart and often strong-willed dogs who require firm but gentle handling.

We suggest that if you want a puppy, you work with a breeder who is involved in the dog community and chooses breeding stock with great care. That way, whether you want to show your dog or not, you have the best chance of getting a healthy puppy who will conform to your expectations.

And don't forget! Puppies are not for everyone. Consider an adult dog. Anyone who has ever owned a rescue dog knows that they can be the best and sweetest dogs of all.

Above all, choose with care. The Eskie is a healthy breed by and large, and they generally live to be 15-16 years old. It's possible for an Eskie to live to be 17, 18, even 20 years old! This is a good thing, if it's the breed for you.