Are you looking for a small, friendly and intelligent dog to add to your family? If so, the Miniature American Eskimo may be just the pup for you!
Miniature American Eskimos are a breed of Spitz-type dogs that originated in Germany. They are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them great family pets. With their white coats and black eyes, they are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Miniature American Eskimos are very loving and affectionate, and make great pets for families with children. The American Eskimo Dogs are commonly known as Eskie. The American Eskimo is a loyal and friendly family dog that many families adore.
The Miniature American Eskimo is a small breed of dog that originated in Germany, descendants of German Spitz. They are known for being friendly, affectionate, and gentle. They are also very athletic, and make great pets for active families.
These dogs are mostly white, although they can also be cream. They weigh about 20 pounds, and stand 12 to 15 inches tall. They are very intelligent, and are capable of learning tricks fairly quickly.
They are very easy to train, and will respond well to basic commands like “sit” and “stay.” They are very obedient, and will follow directions given by their owners.
Because Eskies are not aggressive they are good dogs for children that have had bad experiences with dogs. They are very protective of their family, and while they don’t bite, they can be very convincing that they might to strangers.
Miniature American Eskimos are friendly and outgoing dogs that love to be around people. They are very social and do well in a home with other pets, as long as they are properly socialized from a young age. They can also be quite vocal, and it’s important to train them early on how to behave appropriately.
When it comes to training, Miniature American Eskimos are very smart and eager to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistent training methods. With patience and consistency, they can learn a variety of commands and tricks.
Overall, the Miniature American Eskimo is a great choice for those looking for an intelligent, loyal and friendly family dog. They need regular grooming, exercise and training, but with the right care they can be a wonderful addition to any home. If you’re looking for a small, friendly and intelligent pup, the Miniature American Eskimo may be just the right fit for you!
Miniature American Eskimo Information
- Average Height: 12 to 15 inches
- Average Length: 13 to 16.5 inches
- Average Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
- Coat Type: Medium length
- Coat Appearance: They have a fluffy double-coat with a short and dense undercoat and long outer coat
- Coat Colors: White; White and biscuit cream
- Grooming Needs: Medium
- Shedding: Medium Shedding
- Brushing Requirements: They need to be brushed two times a week.
- Sensitive to Touch: With family members no
- Excessive Barking: Yes
- Tolerance to Heat and Cold: Yes
- Good Pet: They are loyal and love being around the owners, so yes!
- Safe with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Good with Other Pets: Yes
- Suitable to live in an Apartment: Yes
- Good for Less Experienced Pet Owners: Yes
- Training: They are easy to train
- Exercise Needs: High
- Weight Gain: High
- Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia, Legg-calves-Perthes disease, Progressive retinal atrophy, and Juvenile cataracts
- Allergies: None
- Average Life Span: 13 to 15 years
Physical Appearance of Miniature American Eskimos
Besides miniature, they have two more sizes – Toy and Standard. All three of them have a muscular and well-built body and the only difference between them is their size.
They have a wedge-shaped head that looks similar to a fox. The Miniature American Eskimos have a moderately long neck with a muscular and straight back. They have a deep chest that extends to their elbows. Their tail is set high and usually curls over onto their back but may extend out behind them when they are resting, playing or running.
They have chocolate brown oval-shaped eyes. They have triangular ears that are rounded at the tip, and stand erect. Their snout is broad and bright white like the rest of their body with a brown or black nose.
The Miniature American Eskimos have a fluffy double-coat. They have an undercoat that is short and dense while their outer coat is long and straight. The hair around their neck is fluffy and thicker than the rest of their fur. The fur on their tail is dense and long.
Most Eskies have a pure white coat but some will have a white coat with a slight biscuit cream texture. The color of their skin under their fur is either pink or gray.
Temperament of Miniature American Eskimos
American Eskimos are happy and smart dogs. They are loyal and love being with their families. They are great companion dogs because of their friendly personalities. The Eskie is a very active dog, always looking for activities like playing, going for walks, or anything different from their everyday experiences.
They make excellent watchdogs because they are alert and protective. Eskies are suspicious of strangers and will bark loudly anytime they see new people. Even though they will bark loudly, they are generally not aggressive to anyone unless genuinely threatened.
Miniature American Eskimos are very energetic and need exercise and activities everyday to burn off their extra energy. If not exercised daily they may find other destructive ways to keep themselves occupied. Exercising them regularly will also help keep them physically and mentally fit. In addition to them being a ball of energy, they are also very intelligent. We recommend giving them toys or puzzles to keep them mentally stimulated. Bored dogs are known for being destructive. Physical and mental stimulation keeps them happy, and keeps your home from being chewed up.
Training a Miniature American Eskimo
Because they are intelligent, it’s usually easy to train Eskies. Sometimes they can be stubborn because of how smart they are. They respond well to obedience training and positive reinforcement techniques. Puppy training classes are recommended to help speed up the training process.
Clicker Training / Puppy Training
Miniature American Eskimos need to be trained to understand what is good behavior and what is not OK. Clicker training will help them understand what is good behavior. Clicker training has you make a noise with the clicker when the desired action is done. In addition to the click you’ll give them a treat, at least while you train them. Every time your dog hears the click they’ll know they did a good job and you are happy.
If your dog misbehaves, try not to punish them because it can discourage them. Instead, remember the clicker training and divert their attention to something else. You might have to do this several times to make the Yorkie understand that they are not supposed to do the undesired activities.
Miniature American Eskimos are quick to learn commands and tricks. One of the best reasons to get them trained is so they’ll understand you when you quiet them. They like to bark, so you’ll get lots of practice teaching them to be quiet.
Early Socialization Training
Early socialization is absolutely necessary for Eskies. They need exposure to different sounds, places, people, other dogs, and pets right when they are a puppy. By being exposed to so many things it will help interact more confidently with others and not be so skittish with strangers or other dogs.
Kennel Training
Kennel training works very well with Miniature American Eskimos. If done right they will see the kennel as their safe space, and a place that they can relax and sleep. Most dogs enjoy small spaces and will find a sense of security while inside it. Getting them comfortable in a kennel early on will save you a lot of headaches. You know that they can’t get into trouble while you’re sleeping or at work if they’re in their kennel. It’s also a great place for them to dry off after they come into the house when it’s wet outside.
Obedience Training Classes
Obedience training classes are a great way to help your dog learn some basic instructions. Obedience training isn’t just for your dog, it also helps owners learn to teach and control their new dog. These classes can teach you as an owner the best ways to teach your puppy. The amount of time you spend trying to stop your Eskies excessive barking can be a lot less if you know the best way to teach them. Because Eskies love barking, with or without obedience training you will likely spend a good deal of time teaching them to be quiet.
Their Compatibility with Children
Because they are energetic and playful, the American Eskimos are great pets for families with kids. They can easily develop strong bonds with the kids in your home. They also get along well with other family pets in your home. Because of their high energy, and their family bonds your children should always enjoy playing with your Eskies. While Eskies do well with other dogs and cats, you should keep them away from pets like rodents, reptiles, and birds. Many of these are small enough that they could look like a toy, or a small meal for your Eskie.
You should teach your kids the best ways to interact with your Miniature American Eskimo. Children should not disturb them when they are eating because they might get bit because your dog thinks their food is being taken away. Until you know how your children and new puppy will react its best to have an adult supervise their interactions. Supervision is the best way to prevent accidents from occurring.
Best Climate for Miniature American Eskimos
With Miniature American Eskimos being companion dogs, they like to stay inside the home and be with their family. Because they’re inside dogs they’ll need space inside your home. They are quite comfortable living in normal home temperatures.
Eskies have a long and thick coat that helps them tolerate cold climates quite well. Because their fur keeps them so warm, most people will need to come inside before their Eskie will.
The downside is that their heavy coat makes them sensitive to heat. The thick coat makes it easy for them to overheat when it gets hot outside. To make sure they don’t overheat, always keep them inside when the temperature is too high outside. Make sure that they have access to lots of water in the summer so that they can keep hydrated.
The Attention a Miniature American Eskimo Needs
Miniature American Eskimos are companion dogs and they need a lot of attention. They love to do activities like playing, exercising, and getting taken out for walks. Just about any activity will keep them happy. Miniature American Eskimos love to learn new tricks, and do new things.
Any time you leave your Eskie home alone they should be kennelled. They do best with a kennel full of toys or some puzzles to keep them entertained. A lot of people don’t like to kennel their dogs during the day, but the sad reality is that many dogs left alone will get into trouble or chew furniture for fun.
Miniature American Eskimos do not like being left alone for long periods of time. Leaving them alone for too long can have your Eskie barking loudly or even developing separation anxiety.
Health Issues
While American Eskimo Dogs are generally healthy, here are some common occurring diseases in this breed.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary problem that can make walking, getting up or laying down difficult and painful. When a dog has hip dysplasia, their hip socket fails to fully cover the ball portion of their thigh bone. The looseness between the hip and leg bone leads to partial or complete dislocation of their hip joint and can cause pain and stiffness. In most cases, medication and exercise restrictions are advised by the vet. Over time the condition could become severe enough that your vet might recommend surgery to correct it.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) is a condition affecting a dog’s hip joints. It’s caused by a decrease in blood supply to the top part of their femur, causing it to break down and become necrotic. This can lead to pain and lameness in the affected limb.
The exact cause of LCPD is unclear, however it could be due to an abnormality in their blood supply to the hip joint or a genetic predisposition. It’s most commonly seen in small dog breeds and can occur at any age.
The prognosis for dogs with LCPD depends on the stage of their condition and the individual dog. If caught early and treated properly, most dogs can make a full recovery. Some dogs will need lifelong management to prevent disease recurrence or progression.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disorder that affects the retina of dogs. It’s an inherited condition, meaning it’s passed down from parent to offspring.
PRA is caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing the photoreceptor cells in the retina. These cells are responsible for converting light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain and interpreted as vision. As PRA progresses, these photoreceptor cells die off, leading to blindness.
Symptoms of Canine Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Symptoms of PRA can vary depending on the breed and type of PRA, but generally include:
- Night blindness
- Decreased vision in dim light
- Dilated pupils
- Cloudiness of the eyes
- Head tilt
As the disease progresses, these symptoms could worsen and eventually lead to total blindness.
Juvenile Cataracts
Juvenile cataracts are a condition where an eye’s lens becomes opaque and causes vision impairments. This condition is most common in young dogs, although it can occur at any age. It’s usually caused by an inherited genetic defect or by an infection or trauma to their eye. Depending on the severity of their cataract, it might need to be surgically removed or can be managed with medications.
Symptoms of Canine Juvenile Cataracts
The most common symptom of juvenile cataracts is a cloudy or whitish appearance to their eye. This cloudiness is caused by the lens opacity, which prevents light from passing through it correctly. Other symptoms can include:
- Excessive tearing
- Eye redness or swelling
In some cases, vision loss will occur due to the cataract blocking light from entering their eye.
Periodontal Disease
Domesticated cats and dogs can get periodontal disease if their oral health is not taken care of. Periodontal disease is a tooth and gum condition that can become serious in a few ways. One of the biggest problems is that this disease can destroy the gums and teeth of your pet if left untreated.
Another major problem if the bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream. Plaque build-up in the mouth can damage the gums and let bacteria enter the bloodstream. If this happens it can cause kidney and liver diseases and narrow their blood vessels which can lead to heart problems.
One of the easiest ways to prevent periodontal disease is to regularly brush your pet’s teeth. More than likely they won’t like it, but regular brushing is the best way you can prevent plaque buildup in your pets mouth.
Bathing, Coat, and Cleaning
The Eskies shed moderately and require regular grooming. They will need to be brushed twice a week. A pin brush can gently comb their fur without pulling too much. The pin brush will help remove matting and loose fur from their coat. Slicker brushes work well to comb the sensitive areas and areas that are hard to reach with a pin brush.
Bathe them only when their coat is dirty or once every other month. Bathing them often can cause skin problems like dryness and irritation. Use a high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner when bathing them.
Their nails need to be trimmed every week. Keeping their nails from being too long will help prevent damage to your floors.
Check their ears once every week for dirt built-up or any bad odors. If they are dirty, use a moist cotton ball to gently clean only the visible part of the ears.
Every week it’s important to check their nose, paws, and other areas of your dog while brushing them for signs of redness or other infections. If you see any signs of infection, call your vet immediately.
Feeding A Miniature American Eskimo
Eskies need ½ to 1½ cups of dog food every day, divided into two meals. Don’t leave food out in the open so your dog can eat it whenever they want. If they don’t eat it all after their food is put out, put the food away until the next scheduled feeding time.
Some Eskies seem to have a stronger stomach than others which may allow them to eat people food without getting sick. Others can have a delicate stomach and may not be comfortable eating all kinds of food. Some Eskies can be allergic to Salmon, so be careful if you give them fish. Always consult your vet about what to feed your Eskie.
Related Questions:
How did the American Eskimo Dogs Originate?
The exact history of their origin is not known but they are considered descendants of the German Spitz dogs – the large white Pomeranians, white Italian spitz, and the white Keeshond. These spitz family dogs came to America with German immigrants at the beginning of the 19th century. They became known as American Spitz and became popular entertainers at circuses for performing a wide variety of tricks.
In 1917 when America joined World War I, the entire nation was gripped by an anti-German sentiment. The name of Spitz dogs was changed to “American Eskimo”, after a kennel club in Ohio started calling them that. Although the American Eskimos are popular in America, it was only in 1995 that they were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Do Eskies Like to Chew Things?
Yes, Eskies have a bad habit of chewing things. Shoes or other small things in your home are their favorite things to chew. One way to keep your shoes like new is to give them lots of toys to keep them occupied. If you give them things that you want them to chew, they may not go after other things in your home. If you think that they have been chewing your shoes or anything inside the home it’s likely because they were bored. Dogs with nothing to do tend to act out. Take them for a walk outside, or play in the backyard or distract them with toys.
Are They Good Therapy Dogs?
Yes, like many Spitz dogs, they are also great therapy dogs. They are affectionate and loving with the owners and form strong bonds with them. Their affectionate personality and family bonds help them respond well to the emotions of their family members and keep them happy.
Maryna is an animal expert that has had dozens of animals in her life over the years. She has never found an animal that she didn't love immediately. It seems like every year she finds kittens that have been abandoned by their mom and she nurses them to health and finds homes for them. She contributes her vast knowledge about animals and family pets to our website and we're forever grateful to have her working with us. She's also an amazing graphics designer and has designed all of the social media images that we use across all platforms.