Welcome to the Spitz (German/Japanese) Breed Information blog

This is a blog devoted to the lovely Spitz breed. We will try to provide information for all spitz family, Japanese Spitz, German Spitz, Finnish Spitz, Pomeranian. Feel free to contact us to send us your dog pictures.
Showing posts with label American. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American. Show all posts

Thursday, April 7, 2011

American Eskimo Dogs

I know that you find American Eskimo dog so irresistibly cute with all those fluffy hairs and stuffs. And he can be a real charmer too, American Eskimo dogs are naturally very friendly, playful and devoted, which no doubt you'll find a very pleasing trait for an incredibly cute dog. But, do you know all there is to know about American Eskimo dogs?


American Eskimo dogs originate from arctic regions, accounting much for its fluffy fur. A member of the Spitz dog family, American Eskimo dogs resembles in temperament much like Siberian husky and the malamute in its playfulness nature but possesses more intelligence and thus high train ability than its arctic cousins. American Eskimo dogs are also very friendly, pack oriented that is devoted to every family member and suspicious to strangers. For that they make excellent family guard dogs, barking to announce strangers but won't attack.


These traits make American Eskimo dogs highly suited as companion dogs. Their friendly temperament compounded with their high train ability factor makes them highly prized dogs as family pets. And because they are exceedingly cute, and provides a reason for taking care of (the hair requires substantial brushing) they are top notch choices for first time owners, even children, providing companionship or functioning as therapy dogs.


American Eskimo dogs, like most dogs of the polar region require a degree of exercise or playing, especially when pups where they tend to be so playful with exhaustible energy. And the transition from pups to full grown dogs tend to be slow, so the burden of constant outdoor activities tend to be a burden for some. But this aspect could be a beneficial factor, giving an individual reason enough to sport on their runners and sweats.


The amount of hair on American Eskimo dogs can be a problem. It requires cleaning for one. Though normally American Eskimo dogs are adapted to colder climates thus having a lesser pronation to "doggy sweat" smell, they will still stink enough with dirt easily adhering to their coats. The fur underneath their eyes can stain too, with tear stain if not clean regularly. The routine to keep a clean American Eskimo dogs is therefore a shampoo once a week interspersed with coat brushing.


With regards to tick and fleas, the amount of hair on American Eskimo dogs can be a problem too. Their long hair means a bigger habitable environment for fleas, so an anti flea shampoo should be routinely used aside from regular shampoos the dog may use.


Lastly, with white fluffy hair, red lapping tongue, a few other dogs can be as cute as an American Eskimo dog at play. And playing is what they like best. So make sure if you're bringing home an American Eskimo dog, you're ready to spend some quality park time with him.

The Miniature American Eskimo Dog

The Miniature American Eskimo dog has a beautiful appearance with its thick white coat. This dog also has a dense and soft undercoat, which is common in Spitz breeds. Their coat is easy to take care of but they shed a lot. These dogs have wedge shaped heads and triangular shaped ears. Some of these dogs have blue eyes but most have brown. The Miniature American Eskimo dog is approximately 12 to 15 inches in height. They weigh somewhere between 25 and 35 lbs.


Another name for the Miniature American Eskimo dog is an Eskie. These dogs came to the United States during the 19th century with German immigrants. They may be descendents of the German Spitz, white Keeshonden, or large white Pomeranians, which also were brought to America. Eventually the American Spitz was called the American Eskimo Dog. During the 1930's and 1940's the American Spitz dogs were trained to use in the circus and were excellent performers.


The Miniature American Eskimo dog is very vigorous and loves to be entertained. They get along good with considerate and well-behaved children. This is a very intelligent and obedient type of dog that can be easily taught tricks. These dogs make a good family dog because they love companionship and plenty of attention. If you don't want an active dog that barks a lot than this dog may not be for you. The Miniature American Eskimo dog is a great watchdog because of their barking and alertness. Even though they make a good watchdog, they will not attack anyone unless they're aggravated.


Since the Miniature American Eskimo dog is very intelligent, you need to stimulate them with activities and socializing. Without stimulation and interesting things for them to do, they can become bored or have problems with their behavior which could result in destructive chewing. They also need to be around people often so they don't become fearful of strangers. It's best to start socializing your dog between 7 weeks and 6 months. It's also important that they are taught socialize during adolescence, which starts between 6 and 9 months and ends between 1 and 3.


This breed of dog usually lives to be around 14 years of age but some have lived longer. Some health problems these dogs may get are hip dysplasia, luxating patella, deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and urinary tract stones. They may also develop allergies such as flea allergies, which could cause acute moist dermatitis. Some other health concerns are diabetes, epilepsy, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.


The Miniature American Eskimo dog can live in cold or hot climate. These dogs have extremely dry skin and shouldn't be bathed too often. Once every two or three months is fine unless they get extremely dirty or have an odor. Usually brushing their coats is all that's needed between baths. They are a very clean type of dog and groom themselves regularly. Before you buy this type of dog, remember they're constantly on the go and shed a great deal.


These types of dogs may not like some kinds of food. Try feeding them a few times a day with small meals. The food should be of good quality to benefit their health. Fresh food such as chicken or turkey is a good choice. It's best to buy Miniature American Eskimo dogs from a breeder that's experienced and can tell you everything you need to know about their care.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo is a member of the family of Spitz dogs. The Spitz type breeds can trace their history back to the "Peat Dogs" of the New Stone Age. All of them possess double coats that stand away from the body, prick ears and a tail that curls tightly and is usually carried over the back. Among the most common Spitz breeds represented today are the Keeshond, the Chow Chow, the Finnish Spitz, the Shiba Inu and the Akita and several others, besides the American Eskimo. The American Eskimo has the shape of the typical Spitz type of dog, with short erect ears, a bushy stand off coat all over the body and a brushy tail curling over the back. In 1985 The American Eskimo was first registered in the American Kennel club in the non sporting group. It is considered that perhaps the name came from the numbers of these small Spitz-type dogs that were bred by the American Eskimos and were used as sledding dogs. The dogs that were bred by the Eskimos however were of a larger size and stockier. The dogs the Eskimos used were most likely descended from the German Spitz, crossed with the Keeshond and the White Pomeranian. After the admittance into the American Kennel Club the breed officially became known as the American Eskimo, with the nickname of Eskie.


The Eskie comes in three sizes, toy, measuring 9-12 inches, miniature, measuring over 12 and up to 15 inches and the standard, measuring over 15 and up to 19 inches. The coat is always white, biscuit, or cream, with black being the preferred color of the rims of the eyes, nose and lips. The coat is typically easy care, requiring only a thorough brushing once a week or so. The little dog is well built and balanced, slightly longer than it is tall, with a large ruff around the neck. This little dog loves to go walking and its beauty always attracts admirers.


The American Eskimo is an exceptionally healthy dog, having no particular genetic diseases. There may be some tearing of the eye, which needs to be watched, but other than that there seem to be no outstanding health issues. Even with its heavy coat it is considered an "indoor" dog and except for shedding it makes a fine pet. The American Eskimo is most popularly used these days as a companion dog for the house, typically it is a good watchdog that will bark a warning but will not show aggression. It is alert and watchful, affectionate and friendly. It is a playful yet mellow pet, its disposition being quite friendly and its size being non threatening for children or the elderly. The American Eskimo is a smart dog and does well in Obedience trials and in agility. He possesses an easy attitude, generally very trainable and non aggressive to other dogs as well as people.

Monday, January 10, 2011

The Miniature American Eskimo Dog

The Miniature American Eskimo dog has a beautiful appearance with its thick white coat. This dog also has a dense and soft undercoat, which is common in Spitz breeds. Their coat is easy to take care of but they shed a lot. These dogs have wedge shaped heads and triangular shaped ears. Some of these dogs have blue eyes but most have brown. The Miniature American Eskimo dog is approximately 12 to 15 inches in height. They weigh somewhere between 25 and 35 lbs.


Another name for the Miniature American Eskimo dog is an Eskie. These dogs came to the United States during the 19th century with German immigrants. They may be descendents of the German Spitz, white Keeshonden, or large white Pomeranians, which also were brought to America. Eventually the American Spitz was called the American Eskimo Dog. During the 1930's and 1940's the American Spitz dogs were trained to use in the circus and were excellent performers.


The Miniature American Eskimo dog is very vigorous and loves to be entertained. They get along good with considerate and well-behaved children. This is a very intelligent and obedient type of dog that can be easily taught tricks. These dogs make a good family dog because they love companionship and plenty of attention. If you don't want an active dog that barks a lot than this dog may not be for you. The Miniature American Eskimo dog is a great watchdog because of their barking and alertness. Even though they make a good watchdog, they will not attack anyone unless they're aggravated.


Since the Miniature American Eskimo dog is very intelligent, you need to stimulate them with activities and socializing. Without stimulation and interesting things for them to do, they can become bored or have problems with their behavior which could result in destructive chewing. They also need to be around people often so they don't become fearful of strangers. It's best to start socializing your dog between 7 weeks and 6 months. It's also important that they are taught socialize during adolescence, which starts between 6 and 9 months and ends between 1 and 3.


This breed of dog usually lives to be around 14 years of age but some have lived longer. Some health problems these dogs may get are hip dysplasia, luxating patella, deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and urinary tract stones. They may also develop allergies such as flea allergies, which could cause acute moist dermatitis. Some other health concerns are diabetes, epilepsy, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.


The Miniature American Eskimo dog can live in cold or hot climate. These dogs have extremely dry skin and shouldn't be bathed too often. Once every two or three months is fine unless they get extremely dirty or have an odor. Usually brushing their coats is all that's needed between baths. They are a very clean type of dog and groom themselves regularly. Before you buy this type of dog, remember they're constantly on the go and shed a great deal.


These types of dogs may not like some kinds of food. Try feeding them a few times a day with small meals. The food should be of good quality to benefit their health. Fresh food such as chicken or turkey is a good choice. It's best to buy Miniature American Eskimo dogs from a breeder that's experienced and can tell you everything you need to know about their care.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

The American Eskimo Dog - In Focus

The American Eskimo Dog is a spitz-like breed that has an all-white double coat with short and thick ears. Because of these features, she can fare well in cold climates. This breed has been recognized by the American Kennel club (AKC) since 1994. The American Eskimo Dog comes in toy, miniature and standard versions. Her sweetness and adorability make her a very good family dog.


A Brief History Of The American Eskimo Dog


This breed -- also known as the Eskie --descended from the Keeshond, the Pomeranian, the Volpino Italiano, and one variety of the Spitz breed that originated from Germany. This mix of breeds attributed to the very spitz-like appearance of the Eskie. In fact, she is usually mistaken as a spitz breed.


The Eskie's popularity grew very slowly while the other aforementioned breeds became very prominent. That's why in the 1900s, there were a lot of white spitz-like dogs -- American Eskimo Dogs -- that were homeless. It is believed that European workers adopted these dogs and brought them to the United States. This breed was then registered in the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1913. These white spitz-like dogs were then named the American Spitz by the 1920s. They were usually seen in circus shows and dog shows. Her name was changed to the American Eskimo Dog after World War I and the breed was then recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1994.


Taking Care Of An American Eskimo Dog


Like any other dog, the American Eskimo Dog needs a significant amount of exercise every day; but in her case, her exercise requirement depends whether she is the toy type, the miniature or the standard size. The miniature and toy versions require only a very small amount of exercise daily. They can get by with just a short walk around the block or just a bit of running inside the house. On the other hand, the standard-sized Eskie may require a lot more time for exercise. She needs a good workout every day along with several walks around the neighborhood. In general, American Eskimo dogs love to run around and play a lot, especially in cold weathers.


This dog breed is no stranger to very cold climates. She can tolerate cold temperature very well. In fact, they were not meant to live in warm places. However, she still makes a very good house pet and watchdog as long as she is kept indoors most of the time. You may also need to brush her thick coat at least twice a week to keep it looking great.


The American Eskimo Dog's Health Concerns


A good thing about the American Eskimo Dog is that she isn't prone to any major health problems. However, minor health concerns may arise, such as CHD, patellar luxation and PRA. She can also acquire diabetes -- but only rarely. Vets recommend that you take your Eskie to the clinic to be tested for possible eye, hip and knee problems. This breed's average life span is between 12 to 14 years.

American Eskimo Dogs

I know that you find American Eskimo dog so irresistibly cute with all those fluffy hairs and stuffs. And he can be a real charmer too, American Eskimo dogs are naturally very friendly, playful and devoted, which no doubt you'll find a very pleasing trait for an incredibly cute dog. But, do you know all there is to know about American Eskimo dogs?


American Eskimo dogs originate from arctic regions, accounting much for its fluffy fur. A member of the Spitz dog family, American Eskimo dogs resembles in temperament much like Siberian husky and the malamute in its playfulness nature but possesses more intelligence and thus high train ability than its arctic cousins. American Eskimo dogs are also very friendly, pack oriented that is devoted to every family member and suspicious to strangers. For that they make excellent family guard dogs, barking to announce strangers but won't attack.


These traits make American Eskimo dogs highly suited as companion dogs. Their friendly temperament compounded with their high train ability factor makes them highly prized dogs as family pets. And because they are exceedingly cute, and provides a reason for taking care of (the hair requires substantial brushing) they are top notch choices for first time owners, even children, providing companionship or functioning as therapy dogs.


American Eskimo dogs, like most dogs of the polar region require a degree of exercise or playing, especially when pups where they tend to be so playful with exhaustible energy. And the transition from pups to full grown dogs tend to be slow, so the burden of constant outdoor activities tend to be a burden for some. But this aspect could be a beneficial factor, giving an individual reason enough to sport on their runners and sweats.


The amount of hair on American Eskimo dogs can be a problem. It requires cleaning for one. Though normally American Eskimo dogs are adapted to colder climates thus having a lesser pronation to "doggy sweat" smell, they will still stink enough with dirt easily adhering to their coats. The fur underneath their eyes can stain too, with tear stain if not clean regularly. The routine to keep a clean American Eskimo dogs is therefore a shampoo once a week interspersed with coat brushing.


With regards to tick and fleas, the amount of hair on American Eskimo dogs can be a problem too. Their long hair means a bigger habitable environment for fleas, so an anti flea shampoo should be routinely used aside from regular shampoos the dog may use.


Lastly, with white fluffy hair, red lapping tongue, a few other dogs can be as cute as an American Eskimo dog at play. And playing is what they like best. So make sure if you're bringing home an American Eskimo dog, you're ready to spend some quality park time with him.

The American Eskimo Dog - Is This The Dog For You?

These endearing little dogs come in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. They are highly intelligent, playful characters. They are so delightful that circuses used them in the shows, Barnum and Bailey had a tightrope walking American Eskimo dog! Beautiful in appearance and charming in character, you'd be hard pressed to find a more engaging and entertaining dog.


They are also known as "Eskies" and Miniature Eskimo dogs. Descendents of larger Nordic Spitz dogs, the Eskie was bred to its current size in Europe where they were kept as watchdogs. They were brought to the United States in the early 1900's where they became known as American Eskimo dogs.


Highly active and curious individuals, these dogs require a lot of care and attention if they are to develop into well behaved dogs. Not given the necessary mental and physical stimulation they need, they can become aggressive and destructive and can turn into barking machines! They make great pets for children as they can engage in endless hours of play, in fact they'd love nothing better! They do fine in a yard but need to be walked regularly as well in order to satisfy their pack and migration instincts.


Eskies have long white coats with a dense undercoat that needs regular grooming. They are prone to flea allergies so special care should be taken to avoid flea infestation. The breed sheds a lot and isn't recommended for people with allergies. Ideally they should be bathed no more than once a month as they have dry skin and can develop allergies; frequent grooming will usually keep them clean and ensure their coat stays in top condition. Some individuals have blue eyes but blue eyed Eskimo dogs can be prone to deafness and can't be used as show dogs.


The breed's life expectancy is around 13-15 years and although it is a hardy breed it is prone to breed specific conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy and luxating patella. Special care should be given to the eyes as this breed is susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy. Hip dysplasia is another common condition in the breed.


American Eskimos make terrific pets but do your research before getting one; these dogs require a lot of care and attention and may not be suitable for the laid back dog owner. If you live in a pet intolerant neighborhood or apartment building, think twice before getting an Eskie as they are master barkers!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

The American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is loving, alert, beautiful, agile, highly intelligent, friendly, social, curious and strong. She makes an excellent protective watch dog but is not threatening or aggressive. It has a white or cream straight outer coat, with dense undercoat. There is a lion appearance as the coat is longer and thicker around the chest and neck. It has a thick tail carried on the back. Blue eyes in this breed is considered a defect and a problem of ill health or bad breeding.


She will do well in an apartment as long as she can get frequent long walks. A properly fenced yard is always preferable. She was bred to be a family dog and they need plenty of family attention. She is excellent with children. Of course, never leave very young children alone with any dog for any length of time, long or short, without adult supervision.


The American Eskimo Dog is often called a Spitz in America. The Spitz refers to a group of breeds, not an individual breed. He is also nicknamed the Spitz, which again is not a breed but a group of breeds including the Pomeranian, Samoyed, Shiba Inu, Siberian Husky and Finnish Spitz.


Approximate Adult Size


There are three sizes of the American Eskimo Dog, Toy, Miniature and Standard. The Toy runs from 9 to 12 inches to the withers (tallest point of the back), the Miniature runs 12 to 15 inches to the withers and the Standard runs 15 inches to19 inches to the withers.


Special Health Considerations


The American Eskimo Dog, like many large dogs, are prone to hip dysplasia, flea allergies, hot spots, cataracts, epilepsy, patellar luxation, and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. They have no tolerance for fleas and can develop severe flea allergies which can result in painful skin lesions. Their skin is naturally dry so they should not be bathed more than one every two or three months. All dogs should have their teeth brushed once a week.


Grooming


The thick coat is easy to groom, brush twice a week with firm bristle. They are a medium shedder, one in May or June and then again in November and December. Many owners use an undercoat rake to groom which is available online or at better stocked pet stores.


Life Span


They can live 12 to 14 years with proper nutrition and care, although there are cases of 20 year life spans.


History


The American Eskimo Dog derives from the ancient Spitz family. Hailing from the coastal regions Germany, these dogs were traded throughout Europe. This family dogs probably came to America with German immigrants. They were used as family pets, watch dogs and circus animals. Circuses would sell puppies after performances and this the breed was spread throughout the US. They became popular during the 1930s and 1940s. They are known as the German Spitz in Germany. They were renamed during World War I to remove their national origin since we were at war with Germany. They were recognized as a breed in 1913.


SPECIAL GOOD POINTS


Good with children. Highly intelligent. Very obedient. Good watchdog. Can be protective but rarely will bite. Do not smell like a dog. They groom themselves. Easily trained, especially early.
SPECIAL BAD POINTS


They love to bark. Can be willful. Prone to weight gain. Responds very poorly to harsh treatment. Can take long to mature, up to two years. Must be trained early as a puppy. Can develop bad habits if not stimulated.

Learn About The American Eskimo Dog Breed

Of all the dog breeds one of the fluffiest and cutest is the American Eskimo puppy. It is from the Spitz family and considered a Nordic breed. When brought to America its name was changed to the American Eskimo dog. It was originally related to the white German Spitz. They originally changed the name because after World War I there were widespread anti-German sentiments. They are now considered to be two separate breeds but the two a very closely related.


Evidence shows that the "White Spitz" was also brought to America by German immigrants. The studbook was closed by the North American Eskimo dog Association in 1969. To gain acceptance into the AKC, The American Eskimo Dog Club of America was formed in 1985.


On July 1, 1995 the American Eskimo dog was accepted in to the AKC in the Non-Sporting Group. There are three sizes of the breed, the standard, miniature, and of course, the toy. The standard size will reach a height of 15 to 19 inches, and will weigh between 18 and 35 pounds. A miniature will be 12-15 inches tall and weigh 10-20 pounds. A toy dog will be 9-12 inches high and weigh six to ten pounds.


Being a small to medium size dog the American Eskimo dog is a well-balanced, compact Nordic type dog. When it walks or run you will see a smooth gait. The dog is also very alert. There are very distinctive black points on the dogs face. They are around the eye rims, lips and on the nose. The ears also have the black points and are triangular shaped and stand erect.


The coat is two fold. The under coat consist of short dense hair. The outer coat grows through the undercoat with long guard hair. This gives the dog a double coat. The hair should lay flat with no waves or curls. Around the neck and chest the coat is much thicker and forms a ruff similar to a loins. This trait is more pronounced on a male than on the females. The breech look, which is characteristic of the breed, is formed around the back legs to the hocks and is covered in very thick hair also. The tail is loosely carried on its back and is very plum. The color of the American Eskimo dog should be pure white, though white and biscuit cream is also allowed.


As a puppy the American Eskimo is a little on the conservative side but is generally friendly. They are very intelligent and highly alert. If being shown they can be penalized for either aggressive behavior or being overly shy. If you want a watchdog this is a good breed, due to its alertness they will bark when someone is approaching. They do not general threaten to bite or attack people, but they are protective of their area and family. It is quick and eager to learn new tricks.


Though this breed is generally healthy there are a few things it is susceptible to. Owners should pay close attention to any changes in the tear ducts or eyes. Progressive retinal astrophy and hip displaysia also run in this breed. To avoid dermatitis keep the coat free of fleas and clean.


This dog is very active and is best suited for living in an area with a yard where it can run and play. It can become overweight very easily so regular exercise is a must. It would be okay in an apartment as long as you had a place to exercise them. You should brush the dog at least twice a week. Remember it has a thick coat so you will need a comb or brush with bristles that are firm. The breed is not really a heavy shedder, but when it does shed its coat increase the brushing frequency to daily. Wash only when needed.