American Eskimo Dog. Richard G. Beauchamp
dog is certainly beautiful to behold, but all of that hair takes a great deal of care. Brushing an adult Eskie requires time and patience. All long-haired dogs shed their coats in the home. Naturally, the longer the hair, the more noticeable it will be on clothing, furniture and the like.
As great as claims are for any breed’s intelligence and trainability, remember that the new dog must be taught every household rule that he is to observe. Some dogs catch on more quickly than others, and puppies are just as inclined to forget or disregard lessons as young human children.
DOGS, DOGS, GOOD FOR YOUR HEART!
People usually purchase dogs for companionship, but studies show that dogs can help to improve their owners’ health and level of activity, as well as lower a human’s risk of coronary heart disease. Without even realizing it, when a person puts time into exercising, grooming and feeding a dog, he also puts more time into his own personal health care. Dog owners establish more routine schedules for their dogs to follow, which can have positive effects on their own health. Dogs also teach us patience, offer unconditional love and provide the joy of having a furry friend to pet!
WHY A PURE-BRED DOG?
Most dog lovers agree that all puppies are cute. Not all puppies grow up to be particularly attractive adults. Of course, this is subjective; what is considered beauty to one person is not necessarily seen as attractive to another. It is almost impossible to determine what a mixed-breed puppy will look like as an adult. It also will not be possible to determine if the mixed-breed puppy’s temperament is suitable for the person or family who wishes to own him. If the puppy grows up to be too big, too hairy or too active for the owner, what then will happen to him?
SHY GUYS
The Miniature and Toy varieties of some American Eskimo bloodlines produce individuals that can become so extremely devoted to their owners and families that they need extra work to keep them well socialized and friendly. With proper exposure and socialization, a well-bred Miniature or Toy Eskie can be just as outgoing as his Standard relative. It should be remembered that no breeder can absolutely guarantee the mature size of an American Eskimo purchased as a very young puppy. Some breeders are better able to predict size in that they have a long-established line made up almost exclusively of individuals of a particular size.
Size and temperament can vary to a degree, even within pure-bred dogs. Still, selective breeding over many generations has produced dogs that give the would-be owner reasonable assurance of what the pure-bred puppy will look and act like as an adult. Esthetics completely aside, this predictability of personality is more important than one might think.
Pure-bred puppies will grow up to look like their adult relatives and, by and large, they will behave much like the rest of their family. Any dog, mixed breed or not, has the potential to be a loving companion. However, the predictability of a pure-bred dog means that, most likely, the dog will suit not only the owner’s lifestyle but also that person’s esthetic preferences.
Before you bring an Eskie into your household, visit breeders and spend as much time with both puppies and adults as you can. Puppies are only puppies for a short time, so be sure that the adult Eskie is the dog that appeals to you both esthetically and temperamentally.
WHO SHOULD OWN AN ESKIE?
The American Eskimo Dog is long-haired and all white—really quite beautiful. Remember, though, that the breed only looks beautiful with care and maintenance. Don’t forget that your Eskie’s coat requires your attention. Although many valid claims are made for the easy care of the Eskie’s coat, he still is a heavily coated white dog, and he does shed. If you appreciate the look of the breed, do realize that it will take some time and effort on your part to kept your dog looking that way.
While the Eskie can be an ideal choice for the person with allergy problems, it must be remembered that the breed, like many all-white and pink-skinned dogs, can be extremely sensitive to fleas. Unless carefully controlled, flea bites can and will lead to severe scratching. Incessant scratching results in skin eruptions and “hot spots,” which are accompanied by hair loss.
The Eskie is as smart as a whip and is capable of learning just about everything that you will teach him. Your Eskie will be totally and completely dedicated to you, and that dedication must be rewarded in kind. But just because the Eskie is totally dedicated to you, do not think for a moment that you will have a dog that obeys without question. An Eskie needs a “pack leader.” The breed is most secure when it is given boundaries and when the boundaries are consistently enforced.
Your Eskie must start understanding the household rules from the first moment he comes into your home. What it will take to accomplish this is patience, dedication and a firm but gentle hand.
Gentle but firm guidance from the beginning encourages good behavior and builds your Eskie’s confidence to help him through his adolescent stage.
Someone who needs a dog that does well living outdoors with minimal owner interaction should, in all fairness, look to another breed, or perhaps no dog at all! The Eskie must have constant human companionship and social interaction not only with his owner but also with all kinds of people and other dogs. The Eskie raised without this socialization can easily become introverted and difficult to handle.
The young American Eskimo can pass through an adolescent stage during which he decides that his owner or family is all that is necessary to his well-being. Without the benefit of socialization, the youngster can become very anti-social unless made to understand that this behavior is unacceptable. It is up to the caring owner to help guide the Eskie through this difficult stage. Patience, persistence and support will help your Eskie through this awkward time, but it does take time and commitment to stay out there with the “bashful” youngster.
If you are willing to make the necessary commitment that an Eskie requires, let me assure you there are few breeds that are more versatile, devoted and adaptable. Do not forget the Eskie heritage—devoted companion and loyal protector of his human family and their household.
KEEP HIM BUSY
The American Eskimo Dog has a very high intelligence and trainability level. This can prove to be both an asset and a liability. The Eskie whose schoolwork is neglected can become a destructive and noisy nuisance. An Eskie has to put all of that brain power to good use somewhere, and if his owner doesn’t show him how and where, the Eskie can come up with ideas that may absolutely astonish his owner…and not necessarily in a good way!
PERSONALITY PLUS
This is not a breed to be relegated to kennel life or an outdoor run, with only occasional access to your life and environment. The very essence of the Eskie is in his personality and devoted nature, which are best developed by constant human contact. Whether a favorite of the the royal families or a circus performer, everything the Eskie has done has been done in the company of his human family. Historically, the American Eskimo Dog has always been a close companion to man. The breed is happiest and best able to fully develop its many admirable characteristics when allowed to continue that association.
The Eskie owner must be prepared for the fact that the breed is intent upon protecting his home and his human family from any impending danger or harm. The best way that an Eskie can do this is to warn you when he perceives the possibility of anything threatening the safety of you and your family. This is accomplished by barking—sounding the alarm to give you a warning.
Barking is a characteristic typical of all of the spitz breeds, and no less so of the American Eskimo. It is important for your Eskie to learn the difference between necessary