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    Non-Sporting Group

    American Eskimo Dog

    Despite the name, this breed is German in origin — descended from German Spitz dogs brought by 19th-century immigrants. 'Eskies' are smart, alert and active spitz-type dogs in three sizes (toy, miniature, standard). They shed heavily, bark readily, and excel at dog sports.

    American Eskimo Dog with fluffy white coat sitting on a snowy lawn in soft daylight

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    USA (from German Spitz immigrants), 1800s
    Height (M / F)
    9–19 / 9–19 in
    Weight (M / F)
    6–35 / 6–35 lb
    Lifespan
    13–15 years
    Coat
    Thick double coat — pure white
    Shedding
    high
    Hypoallergenic
    No
    Energy
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Trainability
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Apartment OK
    Yes
    Daily exercise
    45–60 min

    History & Origin

    Brought to America by German immigrants in the 1800s and renamed during WWI to distance from German heritage. Famous as circus performers in the early 1900s. AKC recognition in 1995.

    Temperament & Personality

    Smart, alert, friendly. Devoted to family but reserved with strangers. Vocal. Strong watchdog instinct.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by AKC parent clubs, OFA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Patellar luxation

    Common

    Kneecap dislocation.

    Screening: Vet orthopedic exam

    Progressive retinal atrophy

    Hereditary

    Inherited blindness.

    Screening: DNA test

    Hip dysplasia

    Notable

    Joint malformation.

    Screening: OFA hips

    Diabetes mellitus

    Elevated breed risk

    Insulin deficiency.

    Screening: Senior bloodwork

    Legg-Calvé-Perthes

    Toy/Mini sizes

    Hip joint deterioration.

    Screening: Vet exam if limping young

    Exercise Needs

    45–60 minutes daily — walks, play, and training.

    • Daily walks
    • Agility
    • Trick training
    • Frisbee
    • Yard play
    Puppies: Standard puppy rules.
    Seniors: Maintain walks; monitor diabetes risk.

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: Toy 250–400, Mini 400–600, Standard 700–1,000 kcal.

    Two meals daily.

    Common allergens to watch: Chicken, Wheat.

    ⚠ Coat hides weight; check by feel.

    Entertainment & Enrichment

    Smart and busy.

    • Agility
    • Trick training
    • Frisbee
    • Puzzle feeders
    • Nose work

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Brush 2–3× weekly; daily during heavy seasonal coat blows. Bathe every 6–8 weeks. Never shave.

    Training

    Highly trainable and eager. Positive reinforcement. Address barking early.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on size, lifespan, and health risks. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for American Eskimo Dog: medium.

    How insurance, vet care & grooming connect for the American Eskimo Dog

    These three costs move together. The American Eskimo Dog’s coat, energy, and breed-specific health watchouts shape each one — here’s how they line up.

    Insurance band

    Above average

    Common hereditary conditions raise claim odds

    Vet service load

    High

    High activity raises orthopedic & injury visits

    Grooming demand

    High

    Double coat sheds seasonally — frequent brushing

    Triple-cost breed: budget for premium insurance, frequent vet visits, and professional grooming.

    Estimated monthly spend (typical adult)

    Insurance

    $75

    Routine vet

    $60

    Grooming

    $75

    Combined estimate

    ~$210/mo(±20%, US averages)

    * Estimates derived from breed traits (coat, energy, health watchouts, lifespan). Actual costs vary by location, age, and provider.

    Living Situation Fit

    Apartment-friendly with daily exercise. Cool climates preferred. Adapts to most homes.

    Choosing a Puppy

    Eye CERF, OFA hips and patellas, DNA for PRA. Meet both parents.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are American Eskimo Dogs hypoallergenic?

    No — they shed heavily year-round with two intense seasonal coat blows. Their thick double coat sheds dander into the home.

    Do American Eskimo Dogs bark a lot?

    Yes — they're vocal alert barkers and natural watchdogs. Training and exercise reduce nuisance barking.

    How big do American Eskimo Dogs get?

    Three sizes: Toy (6–10 lb), Miniature (10–20 lb), and Standard (25–35 lb). Choose based on your living situation.

    Related breeds

    A full-coated orange Pomeranian standing alertly in a green, grassy area.

    Pomeranian

    The Pomeranian is a tiny but mighty Spitz-type dog with a huge personality and an equally impressive coat. While intelligent and loyal, they are fragile and prone to barking. Their grooming needs are significant, and they require consistent training to prevent bossiness. Best for adult-only homes or families with older, gentle children, they are not a low-maintenance breed.

    Keeshond with thick silver-and-black ruffed coat sitting on a green lawn at golden hour

    Keeshond

    The 'smiling Dutchman' — a medium spitz breed and Holland's national dog, famous for the distinctive 'spectacles' marking around the eyes. Keeshonds are friendly, outgoing and devoted family dogs. They need 60 minutes of daily exercise and brush a heavy double coat that sheds prodigiously twice a year.

    A fluffy white Samoyed dog with a characteristic 'smile' standing in the snow.

    Samoyed

    A medium-to-large spitz-type dog known for its stunning white double coat and upturned corners of the mouth that prevent drooling (and icicles). Originally bred for reindeer herding and sledging, they are high-energy, vocal, and deeply social animals. They require significant grooming and thrive in active households, particularly in cooler climates where their insulation is an asset.

    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual dogs vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.