American Eskimo Dogs, or Eskies, like me are Non-Sporting dogs bred for companionship, but we are not American or Eskimo. We came to America from Germany but were called German Spitz. Our breed named was changed to American Eskimo Dog because of anti-German sentiment during World War II and because of American Eskimo Kennels known for breeding Eskies.  While the German Spitz comes in many colors, Eskies were bred to be white or biscuit only with a distinct black nose and eyes. Our fur is soft and fluffy, but it also helps protect us from sunburn and weather. We have a double coat with an undercoat to keep us warm in cold weather and our long, silky top coat keeps the heat out.

We come in three sizes including standard (15-20 inches and up to 30lbs), miniature like me (12-15 inches and up to 20lbs), and toy (9-12 inches and up to 10 lbs). Males are usually bigger than females with a fluffy mane. The other typical gender difference is that males blow (excessively shed in tufts) once per year and intact females blow twice per year.

Belka the Space Eskie!

I am very proud of Eskie history. An Eskie from Russia named Belka was a space dog! She was the first space traveler who went into orbit and safely returned in 1960. Eskies are also famous circus performers. Some Eskies have even walked tightropes! I'm pretty sure I could do it if I wanted to...I think. Either way, it definitely shows how intelligent Eskies are.