American Eskimo Dog. Richard G. Beauchamp

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.

      Temperament: 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 inches.

       Approved: October 11, 1994 Effective: November 30, 1994

       THE UNITED KENNEL CLUB STANDARD FOR THE AMERICAN ESKIMO DOG

       Revised April 1, 1999

      History: The American Eskimo is a member of the ancient and wide-ranging Spitz family of dogs. One 18th-century German historian claimed that the Spitz was the ancestor of all domestic breeds. White Spitzes were popular in Pomerania and in the coastal regions of Germany. Sailors traded the white dogs throughout Europe. When Queen Charlotte of England acquired several white Spitzes, the dogs became fashionable among British aristocrats. White Spitzes appear in several Gainsborough paintings.

      German immigrants probably brought the white Spitz dogs to the United States, where they served as watchdogs, family pets, and circus dogs.

      Known as the German Spitz in its homeland, the breed was renamed the American Eskimo in 1917. This was probably a reaction to the unpopularity during World War I of anything associated with Germany.

      The American Eskimo was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1913.

      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.

       BREEDING CONSIDERATIONS

      The decision to breed your dog is one that must be considered carefully and researched thoroughly before moving into action. Some people believe that breeding will make their bitches happier or that it is an easy way to make money. Unfortunately, indiscriminate breeding only worsens the rampant problem of pet overpopulation, as well as putting a considerable dent in your pocketbook. As for the bitch, the entire process from mating through whelping is not an easy one and puts your pet under considerable stress. Last, but not least, consider whether or not you have the means to care for an entire litter of pups. Without a reputation in the field, your attempts to sell the pups may be unsuccessful.

      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 eye rims. 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 back-line 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.

      Correct balance can be a challenging characteristic because of the wide range of allowable sizes. All sizes should be slightly longer than tall. Faults: The top illustration shows an Eskie that is too cobby and high on leg; the Eskie in the lower illustration is too long and low on leg.

      The breed is divided into three sizes, shown from left to right: Toy, Miniature and Standard. The Toy variety is not recognized by the UKC.

      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