American Eskimo Spitz: description of the breed. Characteristics of dogs of the American Eskimo Spitz breed with reviews and photos American Eskimo Spitz: description of the breed

Brief characteristics of the dog

• Other possible dog names: American Eskimo Dog, Standard Eskimo, Miniature Es., Toy Es., Spitz, Eski, German Spitz, Husky Eski.
• Height: from 23 cm to 48 cm;
• Weight: from 2.4 kg to 16.0 kg;
• Kinds: standard, miniature and toy;
• Color: from snow-white to rich cream. There are two colors of the iris - blue and brown.
• Wool: two-layer – the guard is medium or long, the down is thick, soft and dense;
• Lifespan: from 15 years and above.
• Advantages of the breed: playful and active, distinguished by courage and desperation, good guarding qualities and pronounced affection for the owner. He values ​​​​his friendship with a person very much.
• Difficulties of the breed: too active. Doesn't know how to stay alone. The main character flaw is stubbornness. With a lack of training, the dog is disobedient, hysterical and vindictive. The blue-eyed variety is considered highly susceptible to breed diseases. The skin is sensitive.
• Average price: $600

History of the origin of the breed

The breed began its development at the height of the First World War in Europe. The general dislike of everything German was reflected in the name of the dog. The fact is that Husky Eskies are not an American breed of dog at all, and certainly not an Eskimo one. The origin of the dog is American Spitz owes to the German lines of the Spitz breed.

Painstaking and scrupulous breeding selection was reduced to obtaining a small snow-white individual, practically healthy with minimal inheritance of breed diseases and defects. According to one hypothesis, the Samoyed husky played a direct role in obtaining the esky. Perhaps, thanks to this fact, the name of the breed perpetuated the participation of the beloved Eskimo dog.

In the contradictory description of the history of the origin of the breed, many inaccuracies were made, especially in the intersections of breed lines. Obviously, this is why the breed is not recognized by the international canine association FCI.

As a result of non-recognition, the American Eskimo Spitz does not have a breed description or standard. A brief description of the dog comes down to the generally accepted characteristics of the Pomeranian and German Spitz, as the closest related lines.

The American Eskimo Spitz is recognized only by registered alternative clubs in Germany and Canada. It was only in the recent past that Eskie dogs gained recognition among American dog handlers, due to their popularity that rapidly increased by the mid-twentieth century. AND

exactly America has become the default country of origin for this breed. And small snow-white esques that successfully perform in the circus are known throughout the world.

The most important thing is not to confuse the Eskimo Spitz with the Japanese Dwarf Spitz, which, by the way, is recognized by the International Canine Association and has the same pure white color. They are very similar in appearance, and a person far from cynology can easily make a mistake.

Purpose

It was originally assumed that the Eskimo Spitz would make an excellent guard. The dog has protective qualities - the fluffy snow white actually turned out to be by no means a fragile structure, but thanks to its sharp teeth, it is far from harmless.

To date Esky is a wonderful companion. If a dog is raised from early childhood, then children can be entrusted to it, starting from middle age. Young children are frightened by active, loudly barking, emotional dogs, even small ones.

Character

From the ancestors the character of the eskies is embedded excellent security qualities and lack of aggression towards humans. But a small dog does not rush at the intruder. She runs away from him barking loudly, notifying her owner of the alarm.

This little home siren does not stop pouring out her emotions, even if she has completed a training course and has perfectly mastered the command prohibiting her from giving her voice.

But the American Eskimo Spitz performs its work with honor, pride and dignity, and takes its responsibilities with the utmost seriousness, despite its small size. Moreover, to fulfill your functional duty, you don’t have to work with the dog.

Dogs love to bark. This is how they express their emotions. And if you consider that the miniature Eski is always full of emotions, then his talkativeness is very understandable. The main thing is that this canine quality does not destroy good relationships with neighbors.

Mental abilities are highly developed, as well as small dog syndrome. This results in constant checks of the owner, often crossing the boundaries of what is permitted. Eskies will test each team for strength - what is unacceptable today may change tomorrow than tests the owner's fortitude at every step.

Video review of the breed

An educational short story about the origin of the Laika - the American Eskimo Spitz, its amazing abilities and unique capabilities. The Planet Earth program clearly and concisely places emphasis on the main qualities and characteristics of a dog:

https://youtu.be/CIuO6QQbJKM

How to choose a puppy

Before buying a puppy It is recommended to meet with parents and ask whether they are burdened by heredity. Complete information about health can only be obtained in a nursery, where breeders have a dossier for each pet - certificates. This is a mandatory test for dysplasia, an echogram of the heart and a certificate of the condition of the visual organs.

But the market will not tell you about the contents or details about the birth of the litter. Most likely, they will not even introduce the puppy’s mother, and this is an important point that characterizes the dog, its appearance and size, since it will have to spend a long period of time under the same roof with its owner.

Purchasing dog must be no younger two months of age. In terms of behavior, the puppy should be active - cheerful and playful. Curiosity is the main characteristic of this breed. Already at this age, he desperately barks and protects his territory from the invasion of outsiders.

The puppy should stand firmly on its paws, its eyes should be clear, its coat should be uniform, dense and soft. Eski takes a long time to develop, and up to two years of age is considered a puppy. Until this age, the dog easily experiences a change of owner. Problems may arise in the future, since the American Eskimo Spitz very attached to a person who is raising him.

Nicknames and names

There is a belief that dogs are not named in honor of those whose fate ended tragically, even if for the glory of something. Each pet has its own destiny, because the name has influence on the developing character of the pet.

If a dog is given a strong, energetic name, then the puppy will fully correspond to it. If you give an esky a weak name, it can become lazy and slow. These qualities have been noticed by many breeders involved in the American Eskimo Spitz breed.

The characteristic appearance of a Spitz is visually perceived by humans as the image of a fox or a bear cub, rewarding the pet with affectionate nicknames. And yet, every puppy needs its own name.

The nickname is assigned by breeders, and it is reflected in the dog's birth certificate - a puppy, but rarely does anyone keep the name received at the kennel. The name for the puppy is born either at the time of purchase, or during observations of the character of the little fidget.

The dense, frost-resistant coat of Spitz dogs allows them to be kept in enclosures. But, based on their affectionate nature and small size, they prefer to keep dogs in the house. Esky also feels great in an apartment, without taking up much space.

But the ideal option, without a doubt, is a house with a garden plot where the dog can run and play whenever he wants.

Eskies are very fond of snowy winter weather and happily fall out in the snowdrifts, diving into the snow and digging tunnels in it. After snow procedures, the dog is almost dry, but it is still necessary to dry the coat, since the skin of the American Eskimo Spitz is very reactionary.

The wool is cleaned twice a week, combed out with a thick brush, freeing it from tangles that threaten the formation of tangles. The dog sheds twice a year with average intensity. During this period, the dog is brushed daily. Even exhibition specimens of Eskies do not need the services of groomers.

Eskies are rarely bathed, only in cases of emergency. Once every three months it should be treated, and in the spring every month against ticks. In thick and dense fur, invading insects multiply very quickly. Delicate, dry and thin skin instantly reacts to bites with symptoms that take a long time and are difficult to treat.

Health and heredity

The American Eskimo Spitz suffers from a predisposition to musculoskeletal diseases. This is expressed in the formation of the hip joint in the dog as a result of heredity.

Genetic hereditary diseases include progressive retinal atrophy and. Dogs with blue irises suffer from congenital blindness.

Regular visits to the veterinarian for preventive examination can prevent a lot of trouble related to your pet's health.

Special attention should be paid to the period of change of baby teeth, since they do not fall out and permanent teeth may not grow properly. Therefore, the help of a veterinarian is necessary.

For eski there is another scourge - it loves to eat very much. If active walks and training are canceled for any reason, the dog is at risk of obesity. Therefore, standard-sized dogs are given long walks, providing time for running and active play. Short runs and active games in the yard with family members are recommended for small dogs and toy dogs.

Nutrition

With poor nutrition, American Eskimo Spitz dogs can develop hip dysplasia. A balanced diet, including healthy food rich in vitamins and microelements, will help to eliminate this phenomenon in a breed predisposed to this type of disease.

The best food for eskies is considered to be super-premium food.

Feeding the puppy is carried out on a special tripod installed in a certain place:

• from two to three months five times a day;
• from three to four – four meals a day;
• from four to six months - three times a day;
• from the age of eight months the dog is switched to twice feeding.

The puppy should be fed at regular intervals at the same time. The diet should include:

• sea ​​fish and boiled offal:
• fresh vegetables and fruits in salads with the addition of vegetable oil;
• dairy products;
• beef and turkey are scalded before feeding, but are given raw.

Pork, lamb, flour and sweet dishes are contraindicated for dogs.

The transition from one type of dry food to another is carried out gradually, over two weeks. First, replace a quarter of the feed volume with a new type. After three or four days the ratio is 50/50, the last week only a quarter of the old food is left, after which it is completely transferred to the new type of food.

Training

From the moment the puppy appears in the house, it should be designated. This could be a special tray with a hygroscopic disposable diaper. Puppies learn quickly and go potty with great pleasure. This is considered the beginning of Eskie training.

Training continues two weeks after the last one. Exercises should be regular. But the puppies of the American Spitz breed are very amenable to training and training. They catch absolutely everything the first time and strive to please their owner. But the dog needs a large area where it can run around to its heart's content. Eskies also need a regime and daily routine.

As the puppy grows up, questions may arise as to who is boss in the house. Naturally intelligent but small in size, Eskies are prone to small dog syndrome. In simple terms, during puberty, dogs form the opinion that the owner is not coping with his responsibilities, which the puppy is not averse to taking on.

If the owner does not show persistence in doing certain things, a small, vocal Spitz often becomes the leader in the family. And in this case, it’s not easy to calm the dog down when he tells everyone who the main character is in the house.

Advantages and disadvantages

Briefly about the American Spitz breed we can say that it is compact and sociable, intelligent and loyal dogs. For the home and family, they are considered ideal guards and excellent companions.

These are energetic dogs that need long walks not only for the sake of socializing the dog. Forbidding them to move a lot means exposing your Spitz to disease. They do not tolerate loneliness and long for their owner for a long time.

During the waiting period, Spitz are ready to do anything - gnawing, digging, tearing with their teeth. Having left your little friend for a long time, you can find the interior of your apartment in ruins. Walking the dog twice a day is considered ideal for an esky.

The American Eskimo Spitz finds a common language with children, but only if the child is over seven years of age. Small children are frightened by an emotional dog barking from head to toe, even if that dog is the right one.

Dogs are friendly towards animals living in the same apartment with Esky, even cats. But the Spitz will try to dominate them too.

Small dog syndrome occurs as soon as the Eskimo Spitz begins to test its owner's endurance. But as soon as the owner builds a hierarchy of the flock, the syndrome instantly disappears.

But it’s so hard to punish a small, cute, furry baby with naively wide eyes. And forgiveness for the hooliganism committed will entail certain consequences, after which it will become difficult to control the dog. Most likely, the dog itself will begin to control the person.

The disadvantages of the American Spitz breed include the price of puppies, which, according to many, is quite high, as well as their excessive talkativeness.

The American Eskimo Spitz is a relatively new breed in the former CIS. They are often confused with German Spitz, and at exhibitions they are directly indicated as the progenitor breed. However, the American Eskimo Spitz is a very special dog that has specific character traits and appearance.

The ancestor of this breed is the German Spitz. These dogs began to arrive on the American continent thanks to immigrants from the German Empire, who, due to the flourishing of German culture, actively began to travel around the world as specialists in various fields. The Germans took with them white pets, which in Europe are considered more a sign of degeneration than of special quality.

However, in America, white dogs were very much loved for their color and it was in this form that they began to be bred. After the end of the First World War, the growth of political consciousness and patriotism led to the fact that white Spitz began to be called American. It was under this name that the American Spitz breed was first registered.

It is not known for certain where the word “Eskimo” came from in the name. There are two main versions. The first says that the Samoyed husky was used to consolidate the physical parameters in the crossing. According to the second version, the exotic word “Eskimo” appeared solely to attract consumer attention.

Perhaps the second option is the most reliable. Indeed, in 1917, for the first time after the annexation of Alaska, a holiday appeared on October 18 - the day the state of Alaska joined the United States of America. Eskimos are one of the indigenous peoples of Alaska, so the new name of the breed could be an excellent advertisement for the dogs. The American Eskimo Spitz gained final popularity after its victorious participation in circus shows.

So, in 1930, publications spread all over the world that an American Eskimo Spitz named Buddy Pierre became the first dog in history to walk a tightrope. After the world wars, the popularity of the breed only increased. And already in 1958, the first history of the origin of the Eskimo Spitz was published in America.

However, the breed was not officially recognized until 1995. Only at the end of the twentieth century, thanks to the North American Eskimo Spitz Fanciers Association, this type of dog was finally included in the register of the American Canine Association. Despite the fact that the American Eskimo Spitz remains an unrecognized breed in the rest of the world, more and more breeders and owners of the species appear every year.

Description and breed standard

All American Spitz dogs are divided into three types by size:

• toy - from 230 to 300 mm at the withers;
• small - from 300 mm to 380 mm;
• standard - from 380 mm to 500 mm.

Apart from height, other characteristics of dogs are similar. But the range in mass is large - from 4 kg to 16 kg. All representatives of the species have smooth, rectangular limbs that move freely and easily.

The body is rectangular, the muzzle is elongated with black lips and white fur all over the face. The nose is also black, and the eyes can be either black or dark brown. The ears of this dog are erect and small. The teeth are also not large in size - they are not too sharp, and the jaw closes with scissors. Such species characteristics are characteristic of both Toy Spitz and other sizes.

Coat type and color

From childhood on, Eskie puppies should not have any spots, spots or blemishes that “may disappear over time.” Such assurance is deception. The coat of both Toy and Standard dogs is pure white throughout the body. It is soft and the undercoat is elastic. On the tail and hips the length may be slightly greater than on the rest of the body, but on the muzzle and paws, on the contrary, no more than 250 mm. A mane with longer hair forms on the dog's neck. The only deviation from the standard may be a milky tint in color.

In addition to going to the toilet, your dog should be taught the commands “Quiet!” from childhood. and “Sit!”, thanks to which it will be possible to somewhat calm down the tendency of the “eskie” to bark and bully larger individuals.

Despite their playfulness and cute appearance, American Spitz dogs are excellent guard and watchdogs. In addition, if desired, they can be taught the commands “Search!” and “Take!” Regardless of where the pet is kept (an apartment or a private house), you need to walk the dog a lot, train it and communicate. Spitz are excellent stunt dogs and children's nannies, but under no circumstances should they be left alone for a long time or indulged in laziness. Active pastime is the key to a pet’s good character and physical well-being.

Maintenance and care

Caring for this breed involves, first of all, preserving the main feature of the pet - its white coat. To prevent the coat from getting dirty and curled, it is recommended to brush it several times a week with a special wool brush. In addition, it would be a good idea to visit a groomer a couple of times a year to trim the coat. Toy dogs are often cut to look like bears, but it is better to leave the natural look of a dog. It is not advisable to wash your pet to preserve its aesthetic appearance. This should be done only 2 times a year, making sure to use dog shampoo for dry skin.

The American Spitz or American Eskimo dog is a relatively young breed that was bred from German Spitz dogs at the beginning of the 20th century. The breed is not recognized by the International Canine Association, so it is practically not found outside the States. Eskimos are small decorative dogs with a thick beautiful coat of white or cream color, they are smart, friendly, playful and loyal, true companions.

The American Spitz descended from the German Spitz, which was brought to the United States by European emigrants and has nothing in common with the northern people. In the early 20th century, Spitz dogs were popular circus dogs in America. This suggests that they are very easy to train and are capable of performing a wide variety of, and sometimes very complex, tricks.

So the Cooper Brothers circus became famous thanks to its snow-white performer named Stout’s Pal Pierre, who knew how to walk on a tightrope. It was the booths that played a significant role in popularizing the breed, since their additional income was the sale of puppies after the show. White Italian and Japanese Spitz also took part in the formation of the breed. Why white color was the most popular remains a mystery, but this particular trait was taken as the basis.

White Spitz dogs were first registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1919 under the name Spitz. By 1924, amid anti-German sentiment, the UKC changed the breed's name to "American Spitz". And in 1926 on “American Eskimo Spitz”. The breed owes its unusual name to Ms. Hall’s largest Spitz kennel, which was called “American Eskimo Kennels.” In the same 1926, the word “Spitz” was removed altogether and the American Eskimo dog appeared. Despite this, white Eskimos continue to be called American Spitz.

The first description and history of the breed was published by the UKC in 1958. At that time there was no official club and no uniform standard; white Spitz dogs were registered only on the basis of appearance. In 1970, the National American Eskimo Dog Association (NAEDA) was founded, dividing the breed into two varieties: standard and miniature. In 1985, another Eskimo Spitz Club (AEDCA) was created, which already recognized three varieties and wished to register the breed with the American Kennel Club (AKC), which only recognized it in 1994.

Video about dogs of the American Eskimo Dog (American Spitz):

Appearance

The American Eskimo Spitz is a medium-sized white or cream-colored dog with thick, long hair. Well built, compact and proportional. Quite strong, but not stocky. There are three varieties of the American Spitz breed, which differ from each other in size:

• Toy 22-30 cm at the withers, weight – 3500 kg;
• Miniature 30-40 cm at the withers, weight – 58 kg;
• Standard 49-50 cm at the withers, weight – 8-16 kg.

Wedge-shaped skull. The ears are triangular, set wide apart, set high, slightly tilted, but generally erect. The muzzle is pointed. The nose is black or black-brown. The eyes are slightly oval, set wide apart but not slanted. The preferred eye color is brown or dark brown, and the rims can range to black. Eyelashes are white. Amber eye color or pink frames are a fault. The lips are thin and dense, well pigmented. The jaw should be strong, with tightly fitting teeth. Scissor bite.

The neck is strong and of medium length. The chest is deep and wide, with well sprung ribs. The depth of the chest extends to approximately the point of the elbows. The back is straight, wide and muscular. The length of the body is slightly greater than the height at the withers, approximately 1.1 to 1. The loin is strong and firm. The tail is set moderately high and reaches approximately the hock when carried down. Legs are parallel. The shoulder blades are well laid back and inclined at approximately 45 degrees. The shoulder is strong and muscular. The pasterns are strong and flexible, with a slope of about 20 degrees. Paws are oval, compact. The toes are tightly knit, the pads are hard, the color ranges from dark brown to black, the claws are white. Dewclaws can be removed at the owner's request. The hind limbs have well-defined articulation angles and are parallel. Hips are well developed. Knees are strongly bent.

The coat is double, consisting of a dense undercoat and a awn growing through it. The collar around the neck is more noticeable on males than on females. The hair on the face should be short and smooth, and the outer part of the ears should also be covered with short hair. The long hair on the front and hind legs should extend below the wrist. The tail is abundantly covered with long hair. Color white or cream. The skin of the American Eskimo dog is pink or gray.

Character

The American Eskimo Spitz is an energetic, cheerful, sociable and obedient companion who does his best to please his owner and does not tolerate loneliness very well.

These Spitz dogs are not timid; they carry out guard duty responsibly. They are usually wary of strangers, have a pronounced territorial instinct, and can also protect their toys and food. But with close people they behave very friendly, affectionate, need attention and care, try to adapt to the family’s lifestyle and are rarely intrusive. At home, they generally behave calmly and cleanly, but outside they frolic like little puppies, regardless of age.

The American Spitz, as befits small guard dogs, is very vigilant and, sensitive to any changes, gives a loud voice. If you reward this behavior, the dog will bark even more actively.

Attitude towards other dogs depends on upbringing and socialization; some Spitz prefer the company of their owners, especially the miniature and that variety. They usually get along well with other dogs, but relationships with cats, small animals and birds are a little worse, due to the high activity of Spitz. This breed is perfect for a family with children. With kids, the dog usually behaves very affectionately and enjoys playing active games.

Education and training

The American Spitz is people-oriented - it tries to earn the praise of its owner and, of course, a treat, for which it is ready to learn and perform a wide variety of tricks. This dog is very smart and dynamic, thanks to which it shows good results in agility competitions and other sports. In a relationship with a Spitz, it is important to maintain subordination: he will only listen to someone he respects and considers to be his owner, and not his equal.

Of course, a dog can and should be loved and praised, but praise should follow a positive action, and not regularly. A spoiled dog does not consider the owner a leader, and various behavioral problems such as disobedience and aggression can emerge from this.

The size of the Spitz should not mislead the owner - this is a self-sufficient and even slightly stubborn creature that considers itself a big dog. You need to start training from the first moment the puppy appears in the house. A significant role should be given to socialization - the dog should not be cowardly or aggressive towards everything that is unfamiliar to it, therefore, during the period of growth, Spitz dogs are taught to communicate with relatives and other animals, introduced to people, new routes, smells and places for walks.

Content Features

The smallest varieties of the Eskimo Spitz are designed to be couch cushions. An enclosure is also suitable for a standard Spitz, but both require good physical activity and regular communication, without which the dog will suffer and experience stress. As a result, bad habits may develop, such as damaging things. An American Spitz can be trained to wear a diaper and be left at home in bad weather, but this will not save the owner from the need to devote at least 30-40 minutes to playing with the dog, and another 15 minutes to training.

Dogs can tolerate cold much better than heat, which is why they are more popular in the northern United States than in the south. To make life easier for dogs, they are given various haircuts in the summer, and in the winter they grow fur with a thick undercoat.

Care

The Eskimo Spitz sheds a lot. Spring shedding is especially pronounced, when the undercoat comes off, and with it a large amount of overripe awns. In general, caring for an American Spitz is simple and comes down to performing normal hygiene procedures. The dog is regularly combed, bathed as needed (usually once every 2-3 weeks), the eyes and ears are regularly examined, if necessary, they are cleaned and the nails are trimmed once a month. In addition, attention should be paid to the dog's teeth - it is important to teach the puppy to brush from an early age and perform this procedure at least once a week. Brushing your teeth removes plaque and is a good preventative measure for many dental diseases.

Nutrition

Breeders and owners prefer to feed their dogs prepared food above the premium class. The optimal choice would be holistic specialists for active dogs. Food is selected based on size, age and physiological condition. If desired, you can switch your Spitz to natural nutrition using an individually formulated diet.

The American Spitz is prone to gaining excess weight. Proper nutrition and exercise are necessary to maintain the tone and overall well-being of your pet.

Health and life expectancy

The American Eskimo Spitz is a hardy, strong dog that tolerates heat much more difficultly than cold. Diseases are mainly the result of improper care or nutrition, but there are also a number of hereditary diseases, some of which can be life-threatening:

• Diabetes;
• Epilepsy;
• Hip dysplasia;
• Juvenile cataract;
• Perthes disease;
• Patella dislocation;
• Progressive retinal atrophy.

In addition to these rarer problems, Pomeranians may be predisposed to allergies and dental problems. At a young age, increased tearfulness is often observed. Tears turn the fur near the eyes brown; usually the problem is purely aesthetic. All dogs must be vaccinated, as well as timely treatment against external and internal parasites. Life expectancy is usually 14-15 years.

The American Eskimo Spitz is a relatively young representative of an ancient family of Spitz-types, a variety of the German line. This is a cheerful, kind dog, devoid of any aggression. The Eskimo Spitz will become a reliable friend of all the inhabitants of the house in which the owner will settle him.

The American Eskimo Spitz is a descendant of the white German Spitz. Brought to America in 1913, due to anti-German sentiment, they were urgently renamed. As they developed, the two breed lines went their own way, and currently their representatives have significant differences. The new breed received some characteristics from the Samoyed husky.

Eskimo Spitz turned into a decorative breed and began performing in the circus.

The American Eskimo Spitz breed received official recognition in 1995. with the assistance of the American Kennel Club. The International Canine Organization has not yet recognized this breed.

Appearance and photographs of the American Eskimo Spitz

The American Eskimo Spitz is a small lap dog.

According to the American Club standard, there are three breed size groups:

1. Toy – 22 – 30 cm.
2. Miniature – 30 – 38 cm.
3. Standard – 38 – 48 cm.

Photo. American Eskimo Spitz

American Eskimo Spitz in the photo

The breed's head is round and of medium size. The sloping forehead smoothly passes into the back of the head and neck. The jaw is elongated, triangular in shape. Lips are black.

• The mouth is deep. Scissor bite.
• The nose is black, raised slightly above the jaw.
• The eyes are small, elongated, brown, black, and rarely blue.
• The ears are erect, triangular in shape, and hard.
• The body is strong, elongated. The back is straight, the shoulders are wider than the croup.
• Paws are straight, elbows and knees parallel to the body.
• The tail is curled in a ring or semi-ring.
• The coat is white or with a slight cream tint, dense, soft, with a hard undercoat. On the back of the body the hair is longer than on the front. The hair on the face and paws is short. A wool collar surrounds the head.

Dog character

The Eskimo Spitz is smart. Energetic, playful dog. He quickly gets used to his owner and becomes a real guard dog. Spitz are afraid of all strangers, and express their fear with loud and prolonged barking. Eskies are very friendly towards the inhabitants of the house. They become real friends of young children.

One of the traits of the breed is increased affection for humans. It will literally follow the owner's heels; it does not like to be left alone. If he feels abandoned. He will start acting up to get attention. A bored Pomeranian can become a real destroyer and bully. If the owner is late from work, he risks seeing damaged things and a mess in the house.

A characteristic feature of the breed is increased curiosity. Spitz will explore every corner of the house, checking the bags that you and your guests came with. They love games and physical exercise.

Important. The American Spitz gets along well with other animals living in the house. However, birds and rodents should be kept away from him, as he will begin to hunt them.

Features of the health of the American Eskimo Spitz and its life expectancy

The following ailments are typical for the American Eskimo Spitz:

• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. The head of the femur begins to deteriorate. The dog begins to limp. Treatment is surgical.
• Retinal atrophy. At first, the dog stops seeing in the dark, but as it develops, vision may disappear completely.
• Catarkta. It appears at a young age of the dog. The disease is hereditary, so it is worth checking the puppy's parents carefully.
• Joint dysplasia. Affects the hip joints.

The lifespan of the breed is 13-15 years.

The Spitz should have a separate corner in the apartment, located in the most quiet place, but not isolated from people. You cannot put him in a separate room and close the door tightly. The corner should accommodate everything you need: bowls for food and drink, bedding, toys for teeth.

An important point for a Spitz is a clear daily routine. You need to take him for a long and active walk and give him physical activity. Care after a walk consists of combing. Despite the white color of the wool, it does not get too dirty, as it is coated with a special substance that does not allow dirt to be absorbed. Eskimos do not have the characteristic dog smell, so they do not need frequent showers.

You should not bathe your dog often; this should be done no more than once every 2-3 months. The Eskimo has sensitive skin, and frequent water procedures will result in dermatitis. In slushy weather, special dog clothing will help cope with the problem.

Important. During periods of shedding, brushing should be done every day.

Your pet's teeth and ears require special care. To keep teeth clean, special bones made from tendons, sold at pet stores, are used. The ears are cleaned with a sponge with Vaseline oil. Special baby oil works well.

The Eskimo Spitz needs to regularly rub its eyes to prevent infection from accumulating in them, which will provoke the development of the disease.

Attention. An important point is to protect your Spitz from flea and tick bites. The dog's sensitive and dry skin is easily irritated and suppuration may occur. Pomeranians can develop flea dermatitis from bites.

Spitz food

The American Eskimo Spitz is a true predator, so the basis of its diet should be meat. Veal or beef are most suitable; you can replace them with chicken. The daily portion of meat depends on the dog’s weight: 25 grams for every kilogram. Meat products are combined with cereals in the form of buckwheat and rice porridges. The diet includes stewed vegetables: zucchini, pumpkin, carrots.

The menu for a puppy up to 3 months old should mainly consist of dairy products. With age, the amount of milk decreases. It is replaced with kefir and cottage cheese.

Many breeders think that feeding such a baby from the owner’s table is quite suitable. However, this approach is wrong and can lead to digestive problems in the dog.

There are foods that can only harm your Spitz:

• Fried and smoked meat and sausage.
• Butter rolls and white bread.
• Pickled and salted foods.
• Fatty fish.
• Legumes.
• Potatoes and beets.
• Millet and semolina porridge.
• Mushrooms.

Dry food is convenient to use because its composition is balanced and selected depending on the breed and age of the dog. Dog breeders who used cheap brands developed a negative attitude towards dry food. Premium food is a high-quality product based on natural ingredients processed using special technology. When feeding dry food, there is no need to additionally introduce mineral supplements and vitamins into the diet, since they are included in the product.

When choosing dry food, you need to pay attention to its composition. If it includes only by-products and a protein substitute, this option should be put aside. Currently, food from the holistic series has appeared on the market. Their difference is the use of high-quality, fresh products, without dyes or flavors. The basis of such food is natural meat and fish, which means that by eating them, the dog will receive maximum benefits, will be healthy and cheerful.

Veterinarians do not approve of the combined type of dog nutrition, when dry food is given along with natural products. In this case, the dog’s body is constantly being rebuilt, and this has a negative effect on digestion and well-being.

The amount of food per serving depends on the dog's weight and height. The average daily norm is from 1 to 1.5 cups with a volume of 250 ml. This dose should be divided into two feedings.

The breed is easy to train due to its natural intelligence. Considered one of the smartest miniature dogs. You can easily learn many tricks with it, which is why they are often used in the circus.

However, intelligence is combined with manifestations of independence. The Eskimo Spitz can outwit its owner and is capable of pretense. Therefore, the process of submission must begin at a very early age. If you are late in teaching commands, it will be a noisy dog. The owner must become a leader for the dog, or will obey it. The dog must be taught the “Quiet” command, otherwise its voice will become a problem for the owner and neighbors.

American Spitz are capable athletes. They show particular success in agility and freestyle.

Harshness and cruelty are not allowed in training. Punishing a dog will result in its vindictiveness. Training should be based on encouragement and motivation.

Rules for choosing puppies, kennels and prices

You can buy Eskimo puppies for as little as $300 from private breeders. Specialized nurseries mainly offer other representatives of Spitz-types - orange Spitz (http://www.petshop.ru/encyclopedia/dogs/amerikanskiy_skimosskiy_shpic/,)

When choosing an Eskie puppy, the following requirements for breed characteristics are taken into account:

• The muzzle is fox-shaped with dark spots around the eyes and nose.
• Black or brown eyes. Blue-eyed Eskies are susceptible to diseases.
• Tail in a ring.
• Stable legs with hidden joints.
• Short hair on the paws and face, long on the chest.
• White or cream-tinged color.
• The puppy must be alive and active. With a ringing voice, clear eyes and shiny fur.

Photo. American Eskimo Spitz puppies

American Eskimo Spitz puppies in the photo

In the American Spitz, most diseases are hereditary. Therefore, before buying a puppy, you need to check the documents of the parents and make sure that they are healthy.

A snow-white, fluffy, restless lump with black beady eyes - this is what the American Eskimo Spitz looks like. A small lap dog will perfectly cope with the role of a companion and sensitive guard. Their small size and easy-going nature make dogs of this breed enduringly popular among pet lovers.

Breeding history

There are two versions of the breeding of the American Eskimo Spitz breed. According to the first, German Spitz were brought to the United States at the beginning of the twentieth century. The negative perception of everything Aryan gave it a new name - the American Eskimo Spitz. Both breeds do have a lot in common, but they are positioned as different.

The second version suggests that the appearance of this dog is the result of crossing several original breeds brought to America by immigrants. These include the white Keyeshond and the white Italian Spitz. The result was a small, compact and very smart dog.

Ordinary circus performers were the first to notice them. The intelligence of these dogs, their ability to learn, along with their attractive appearance, quickly made them favorites of artists and the public.

After the performance, the audience happily purchased puppies for a decent amount of money. In the States and abroad, it is still quite an expensive pleasure to own an American Eskimo Spitz dog. The price of a puppy ranges from $500 to $1,000.

There are also problems regarding the health of dogs. Blue-eyed individuals suffer from blindness. Poor nutrition leads to dysplasia of the hip and knee joints. Lack of preventive flea control can result in skin dermatitis, which will require long-term treatment. But with the right maintenance and upbringing, you won’t find a better friend.