No one knows exactly when and how the American Eskimo originated. However, the American Eskimo is one of the Spitz families of Nordic breeds, and is possibly related to the White German Spitz, Samoyed and White Keeshond. Evidence suggests that "White Spitz" dogs were first brought to the United States by German settlers. A couple named Hall, in 1913, were the first to register the breed with the UKC. Their kennel name was "American Eskimo" which became the name of the breed. The American Eskimo was spread throughout the United States by the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Stout's Pal Pierre was the first dog ever to walk a tight rope. The North American Eskimo Dog Association was formed in 1969, and the studbook was closed. The American Eskimo Dog Club of America formed in 1985 for the purpose of achieving AKC recognition. This goal has now been achieved. As of July 1, 1995, the American Eskimo was formally recognized by the AKC. Some of the American Eskimo's talents are watchdogging, guarding, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
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GENERAL
APPEARANCE 
The American Eskimo is a well balanced, typical model of a working type
Spitz dog, ranging in size from 11 to 19 inches. The body is well
balanced and proportioned, appearing neither clumsy nor racy. The length
of back from withers to set-on of tail is equal to the height from
withers to the ground. The head is wedge-shaped, with erect triangular
ears, and readily distinguished black points (nose, lips, and eye rims)
The American Eskimo has a thick, white double coat. The chest, neck, and
forepart of the shoulders are typically covered with a lion-like mane.
The backs of the forelegs are well feathered. The rump and hind legs
down to the hock are covered with thick hair that form the
characteristic "trousers." The ruff (mane) and long outer
guard hairs are typically more profuse on males than females. The tail
is richly plumed and carried over the back. With its alert, smooth
carriage, the American Eskimo presents a picture of natural beauty,
alertness, strength, and agility.
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| CHARACTERISTICS
The
American Eskimo is intelligent, alert, and energetic. This breed is
loyal and friendly, but can be conservative with strangers. Overly
aggressive or overly shy dogs are penalized.
HEAD Head size conforms
proportionately to body size. The wedge-shaped head denotes power. The
stop is well defined, but not abrupt.SKULL: The skull is broad and
slightly crowned. MUZZLE: The muzzle conforms proportionately to head
size and is covered with short, smooth hair. The jaws are strong. Lips
are tight and black to dark brown in color. Removal of whiskers is
permitted, but not preferred. Faults: Saggy flews; unpigmented
lips. TEETH: A full complement of sound, white teeth that meet in a
scissors bite is preferred. A level bite is permissible. Faults:
Overshot or undershot bite.NOSE: The nose leather is black to dark brown.
Fault: Absence of dark pigment EYES: The eyes are medium, oval in
shape but not slanted. Eyes are dark to medium brown and set well apart,
giving an intelligent expression. Eye rims are black to dark brown.
Eyelashes are white. Fault: Unpigmented eyerims.
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| Neck
The neck is
medium in length, conforming proportionately to the body; strong,
carried proudly erect, and blending into the shoulders with a graceful
arch. FOREQUARTERS**The shoulders are laid back at an apparent 45-degree
angle and are firmly set. The forelegs are parallel and straight, with
strong, flexible pasterns to add spring to movement. The elbows are
close to the body, turning neither in nor out. Leg length from elbow to
ground is approximately equal to half the dog's height at the withers.
BODY**The body is strong and compactly built, but not too short-coupled.
The length of back from withers to set-on of tail is equal to the height
from withers to the ground. Females may be slightly longer. The withers
are the highest portion of the backline and blend gracefully into the
back. The back is straight, level, broad, and muscular. The loins are
well muscled and of adequate length to facilitate the easy rhythmic
movement and powerful drive of the back legs. The chest is strong,
showing broadness and depth. Depth of chest is at approximate point of
elbows. The ribs are well sprung and begin an upsweep behind the ninth
rib, which assures adequate room for heart and lung action. The belly
has a slight tuck up just behind the ribs.
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| HINDQUARTERS
The hind
legs are muscular and of adequate bone to conform to body size. The
upper thighs are well developed and muscled. The stifles lay
approximately 30 degrees off the pelvis. The hock joint is sharply
defined and the hocks are well let down. When the dog is standing
naturally, the hind legs are parallel when viewed from the rear, turning
neither in nor out. FEET The feet are compact, oval in shape,
and well padded with hair. The pads are tough and deeply cushioned. The
feet neither toe in nor out when the dog is standing naturally. Front
dewclaws may be removed at the owner's discretion. Rear dewclaws are
objectionable and should be removed
TAIL The tail is set moderately high and is covered with long, profuse hair. It is carried over the back, not necessarily centered, when the dog is alert or moving. When the dog is relaxed, the tail may drop. When hanging down, the tail bone reaches to the hock joint. Faults: Tightly curled tail; double hook tail.
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| COAT
The
body is covered with a soft, thick, short undercoat. Longer guard hair
grows through the undercoat to form the outer coat. The guard hair is
free of any curl or wave. The mane covering the neck area is noticeably
thicker, forming the ruff, which is typically more profuse on males than
females. The front of the forelegs are covered with short, smooth hair
while the back sides are well feathered. The rump and hind legs down to
the hock are covered with thick hair that forms the characteristic
"trousers." The tail is richly plumed.
Coat length will vary from dog to dog. Quality is more important than quantity. Feet and whiskers may be trimmed and stray hairs neatened.
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| COLOR
Pure white is most desired. The ONLY other permissible colors are: white with biscuit cream, and cream. Disqualification: Any color other than those stated above. HEIGHT Miniature Males from
12 inches up to and including 15 inches Females over 14 inches up to and including 18 inches.
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| GAIT
The American
Eskimo is a trotting breed. The dog does not pace at a trotting speed.
The stride is quick, agile, and well timed. The gait, viewed from the
side, is efficient, balanced, and vigorous, showing good reach in the
forequarters matched with a strong rear action drive in the hindquarters
during the trot. When walking, the dog will not single track, or brush,
but as speed increases, the legs gradually angle inward until the pads
fall on a straight line directly under the longitudinal center of the
body. When moving, the topline remains strong, level, and firm
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| FAULTS
Any departure
from the ideal described in this breed standard is fault to the extent
of the deviation. Structural faults common to all trotting breeds are
undesirable in the American Eskimo, even though such faults may not be
specifically mentioned herein.
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree. Note ** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrtum. |
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American Eskimo 
Origin 
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