American Eskimo
Dogs
The American Eskimo is a member of the Spitz
family. This family of dogs describes not a breed, but a set
of characteristics that are common to all breeds within the
family. Common traits are erect ears, double coats and tail
carried over their backs. Other members of the Spitz family
are the Keeshond and Pomeranian.
Ancient Ancestors
All dogs are descended from wolves. It is
believe that Spitz dogs are descended from the Northern Grey
Wolf starting in Scandinavia & Russia. Other migrating
tribes of the time had their own dogs, descended from the
Asain Wolf, which were inter-bred with the native dogs, giving
a vast variation in spitz-type dogs. Eventually as these populations
established roots and were more isolated from one another,
the dogs in each area established unique qualities via inbreeding.
Some of the dogs were smaller dogs bred for hunting, sled
pullin and watch dogs. These are the ancestors of the American
Eskimo.
History of White Spitz Dogs
White spitz dogs have been developed in
Italy, Japan and Germany. Perhaps the most well-known are
the German spitz breeds. There are 5 types of German spitz,
the Wolfsspitz (18 inches tall), the Gross spitz (16 inches
tall), the Mittelspitz (11-14 inches tall), the Kleinspitz
(8.5 - 11 inches tall) and the Zwergspitz (8.5 inches tall).
The modern Keeshond descended from the Wolfspitz and the Pomeranian
from the Zwergspitz. Many early "Pomeranians" were
actually descendents from the Mittelspitz & Kleinspitz
varieties. (White ones were the most popular in England.)
Later, the toy size became the only recognized standard for
the Pomeranian in England. The larger white spitz dogs were
just known as the German Spitz. Today's American Eskimo dog
is literally descended from those German spitz varieties that
"fell through the cracks". It is believed that the
Standard Eskie is descended from the Gross spitz and the miniature
from Mittelsptiz & Kleinspitz varieties.
The United States
In the late 1800's, immigrants from Europe
brought their dogs with them to this country. The Pomeranian
of the time was a 20-30 pound spitz dog (not the toy variety
recognized today), and were usually white. It is believe that
Mr. & Mrs. F. M. Hall were the first owners of American
Eskimo Dogs registered with the UKC. At the time they were
known as the American spitz. There are two theories about
how the name American Eskimo came about. The name "spitz"
had negative connotations in America because of World War
1. One theory goes that Mr. Hall did not like the name spitz
so he suggested they be named Eskimo dogs (the name of his
Kennel was the American Eskimo Kennel). The other theory is
that because "Eskimo" did not have the negative
association with Germany, and because the dogs look similar
to the Husky, used by native tribes, they decided to call
them Eskimo dogs. Either way, the name stuck. These white
furballs, American Eskimo Dogs, are effectionately known as
Eskies by those who love them.
Breed Standard
The two largest breed clubs in the United
States currently recognize the American Eskimo.
United Kennel Club (UKC)
- American Eskimo first recognized in 1917 (Northern Breed).
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.
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.
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.
Disqualification: Blue eyes.
EARS -- Ears conform to head size and blend
softly with the wedge-shaped head. The ears are set well apart,
and are triangular, slightly rounded at the tips, and held
erect. The outer and inner parts of the ear are covered with
short, smooth hair, with longer tufts in front of the ear
openings. The skin on the inside of the ear is pink or slightly
tinged with gray.
Fault: Flop ears.
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.
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.
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.
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 from 11 inches up to and including 14 inches.
Puppy class only -- Minimum permissible heights are 11 inches
for males and 10 inches for females.
Standard:
Males over 15 inches up to and including
19 inches;
Females over 14 inches up to and including 18 inches.
Championship points earned in the miniature classes are valid
in combination with points earned in the standard classes.
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.
Faults
Any departure from the ideal described in this breed standard
is faulted 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.
Disqualifications
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme
shyness. Blue eyes. Albinism. Blindness. Deafness. Any color
other than those stated above. Any alterations of the dog
other than allowed by the standard.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
- American Eskimo was first recognized in 1995 (Non-Sporting
Group).
Appearance
The American Eskimo Dog, a loving companion dog, presents
a picture of strength and agility, alertness and beauty. It
is a small to medium-size Nordic type dog, always white, or
white with biscuit cream. The American Eskimo Dog is compactly
built and well balanced, with good substance, and an alert,
smooth gait. The face is Nordic type with erect triangular
shaped ears, and distinctive black points (lips, nose, and
eye rims). The white double coat consists of a short, dense
undercoat, with a longer guard hair growing through it forming
the outer coat, which is straight with no curl or wave. The
coat is thicker and longer around the neck and chest forming
a lion-like ruff, which is more noticeable on dogs than on
bitches. The rump and hind legs down to the hocks are also
covered with thicker, longer hair forming the characteristic
breeches. The richly plumed tail is carried loosely on the
back.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size There are three separate size divisions of the American
Eskimo Dog (all measurements are heights at withers): Toy,
9 inches to and including 12 inches; Miniature, over 12 inches
to and including 15 inches; and Standard, over 15 inches to
and including 19 inches. There is no preference for size within
each division. Disqualification: Under 9 inches or over 19
inches. Proportion. Length of back from point of shoulder
to point of buttocks is slightly greater than height at withers,
an approximate 1.1 to 1 ratio. Substance. The American Eskimo
Dog is strong and compactly built with adequate bone.
Head
Expression is keen, intelligent, and alert. Eyes are not fully
round, but slightly oval. They should be set well apart, and
not slanted, prominent or bulging. Tear stain, unless severe,
is not to be faulted. Presence of tear stain should not outweigh
consideration of type, structure, or temperament. Dark to
medium brown is the preferred eye color. Eye rims are black
to dark brown. Eyelashes are white. Faults: amber eye color
or pink eye rims. Disqualification: blue eyes. Ears should
conform to head size and be triangular, slightly blunt-tipped,
held erect, set on high yet well apart, and blend softly with
the head. Skull is slightly crowned and softly wedge-shaped,
with widest breadth between the ears. The stop is well defined,
although not abrupt. The muzzle is broad, with length not
exceeding the length of the skull, although it may be slightly
shorter. Nose pigment is black to dark brown. Lips are thin
and tight, black to dark brown in color. Faults: pink nose
pigment or pink lip pigment. The jaw should be strong with
a full complement of close fitting teeth. The bite is scissors,
or pincer.
Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is carried proudly erect, well set on, medium in
length, and in a strong, graceful arch. The topline is level.
The body of the American Eskimo Dog is strong and compact,
but not cobby. The chest is deep and broad with well-sprung
ribs. Depth of chest extends approximately to point of elbows.
Slight tuck-up of belly just behind the ribs. The back is
straight, broad, level, and muscular. The loin is strong and
well-muscled. The American Eskimo Dog is neither too long
nor too short coupled. The tail is set moderately high and
reaches approximately to the point of hock when down. It is
carried loosely on the back, although it may be dropped when
at rest.
Forequarters
Forequarters are well angulated. The shoulder is firmly set
and has adequate muscle but is not overdeveloped. The shoulder
blades are well laid back and slant 45° with the horizontal.
At the point of shoulder the shoulder blade forms an approximate
right angle with the upper arm. The legs are parallel and
straight to the pasterns. The pasterns are strong and flexible
with a slant of about 20°. Length of leg in proportion
to the body. Dewclaws on the front legs may be removed at
the owner's discretion; if present, they are not to be faulted.
Feet are oval, compact, tightly knit and well padded with
hair. Toes are well arched. Pads are black to dark brown,
tough and deeply cushioned. Toenails are white.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are well angulated. The lay of the pelvis is
approximately 30° to the horizontal. The upper thighs
are well developed. Stifles are well bent. Hock joints are
well let down and firm. The rear pasterns are straight. Legs
are parallel from the rear and turn neither in nor out. Feet
are as described for the front legs. Dewclaws are not present
on the hind legs.
Coat
The American Eskimo Dog has a stand-off, double coat consisting
of a dense undercoat and a longer coat of guard hair growing
through it to form the outer coat. It is straight with no
curl or wave. There is a pronounced ruff around the neck which
is more noticeable on dogs than bitches. Outer part of the
ear should be well covered with short, smooth hair, with longer
tufts of hair growing in front of ear openings. Hair on muzzle
should be short and smooth. The backs of the front legs should
be well feathered, as are the rear legs down to the hock.
The tail is covered profusely with long hair. THERE IS TO
BE NO TRIMMING OF THE WHISKERS OR BODY COAT AND SUCH TRIMMING
WILL BE SEVERELY PENALIZED. The only permissible trimming
is to neaten the feet and the backs of the rear pasterns.
Color
Pure white is the preferred color, although white with biscuit
cream is permissible. Presence of biscuit cream should not
outweigh consideration of type, structure, or temperament.
The skin of the American Eskimo Dog is pink or gray. Disqualification:
any color other than white or biscuit cream.
Gait
The American Eskimo Dog shall trot, not pace. The gait is
agile, bold, well balanced, and frictionless, with good forequarter
reach and good hindquarter drive. As speed increases, the
American Eskimo Dog will single track with the legs converging
toward the center line of gravity while the back remains firm,
strong, and level.
Temperment
The American Eskimo Dog is intelligent, alert, and friendly,
although slightly conservative. It is never overly shy nor
aggressive, and such dogs are to be severely penalized in
the show ring. At home it is an excellent watchdog, sounding
a warning bark to announce the arrival of any stranger. It
is protective of its home and family, although it does not
threaten to bite or attack people. The American Eskimo Dog
learns new tasks quickly and is eager to please.
Disqualifications
Any color other than white or biscuit cream
Blue eyes
Height: under 9" or over 19"
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