American Eskimo Dog

Overview

Overview of American Eskimo Dogs

The American Eskimo dog (also fondly referred to as an Eskie) is a bit of a misnomer: they are neither American nor Eskimo! German farmers seeking opportunities in America brought over their traditional ways to the upper midwest in the 1800s. Along with Lutheranism, the brewing industry and a love of German-style foods, these farmers also brought over the German Spitz to their corner of the New World as all-purpose farm dogs. When travelling circuses and vaudeville troupes were a big hit in dustbowl-era America, the German Spitz, thanks to their cleverness, agility, and good looks, became some of the best dog trick performers around. Pierre - an Eskie tightrope walker with Barnum and Bailey Circus, was perhaps the most famous performer in the 1930s. These pups were even sold as pets after circus shows! When America entered WWI in 1917, the growing anti-German sentiment made these pooches drop their German name and instead renamed them the American Eskimo after the spitz kennel in Ohio. With a rich and intriguing history, these pups have been around for a long time, yet the AKC only registered their first American Eskimo Dog in 1995. They come in three sizes—standard, miniature, and toy—standing as tall as 19 inches at the shoulder or as short as 9 inches. Their black lips, nose and eyes stand out against their sparkly white coat and overarching plumed tail. Eskies come in either white or the delicious-sounding biscuit cream.