All You Wanted to Know About American Eskimo Dogs

Luckie tagged me to tell you all about my breed. I am an American Eskimo Dog. Yes, "Dog" is at the end of my official breed name. We are also called "Eskies" for short. We are part of the non-sporting group in the AKC (American Kennel Club) and part of the Northern breeds group in the UKC (United Kennel Club).

Despite our breed's name and appearance, we are not originally from Alaska or a descendent of the Husky.We actually originated from Germany. During World War I, due to anti-German feelings, we were renamed "American Eskimo Dog."

Generally, we come in 3 sizes. Small, medium, and large. Ah-hem, I meant toy, miniature, and standard. I am a standard and I weigh 33 pounds. Many people get my breed confused with Samoyeds and Pomeranians. We are not samoyeds and we are not pomeranians. But, us Eskies are basically the same as Japanese Spitz and Italian Volpinos. If you see an eskie and you call him a samoyed or a pomeranian, the owner might take offense!! Please do not ask, I repeat, DO NOT ASK the owner if he is sure their dog isn't a samoyed or pomeranian unless you want to annoy the eskie owner.

We are not the docile demure angel our photos might lead you believe. On the contrary, we are actually wary and cautious of strangers. That's me. (Casper is different though. He would make a good eskie ambassador.) We guard the house and shed like crazy. We are loyal to our family and friends.

Great/interesting things about are breed:

1. We are very striking in our appearance.

2. Our WHITE EYELASHES are pretty darn cute.

3. We don't have doggie odor. This is a great benefit to our house!! If you walk into a house that has an eskie, your nose won't be able to tell a doggie lives there.

4. We don't need to be bathed too often. I might get bathed 3 times a year and that's it!!

5. IF we get dirty like muddy or we've been playing on a wet beach or have grass stains on us, give us a little time and by the time we get home, the dirt will have fallen off of us. Yes, we have SELF-CLEANING FUR, for real!

6. Our breed is a fairly healthy breed. Usually no skin problems, no ear problems, etc. however it is common for us to get fatty tumors which are not a health risk.

By the way, most eskies have black noses, but I have a pink nose and I'm proud of it!!!

More information can be found on Casper's American Eskimo Dog web site.