Also known by its more popular name the American Eskimo Dog or Eskie for short (which we’ll touch upon shortly), the American Spitz is a high-spirited and fun-loving breed that holds a rather interesting history. Read on to learn more about this fuzzy canine!
1. Names Are Deceiving! These Dogs Aren’t American
Despite its name, the American Spitz is not an American dog breed. The name “American Eskimo” was initially coined for this canine, as anti-German sentiment during World War I was rampant in the United States.
(NOTE: While the American Kennel Club currently recognizes this breed as the American Eskimo Dog, the word “Eskimo” is now understood to be insensitive and offensive to Indigenous groups including the Inuit. Out of respect, the author will refer to this breed as the American Spitz in this article, its alternate name).
The American Spitz was derived from other breeds in the “spitz” category, with the German Spitz being the main progenitor of this canine. While some believe that this breed isn’t that much different from the German Spitz, this canine is distinct enough to be considered a breed of its very own. This breed was later popularized in the American circus scene and would later become widespread worldwide.
The Japanese Spitz has been descended from imported American Spitzes. The United Kennel Club recognized this breed as early as 1919, and 76 years later, the American Kennel Club would then recognize it in 1995.
2. These Dogs Come in Three Sizes
Like Bull Terriers and Poodles, the American Spitz comes in three distinct sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The toy line is the smallest of the three, while the standard dogs are the largest. In general, the American Spitz isn’t a large breed, with the standard-sized variety being medium-sized at most. In terms of size:
- The toy variety is typically around nine to 12 inches tall and will weigh around five to 10 pounds on average.
- The standard dogs meanwhile can reach around 15 to 20 inches tall and can weigh around 15 to 40 pounds.
- The miniature line is in the middle, being around 12 to 15 inches on average and 10 to 20 pounds at the most.
That being said, all three varieties look virtually similar, with no other distinct traits between the sizes besides size and weight. The American Kennel Club’s breed standard allows all three size varieties, disqualifying any dogs shorter than nine inches or taller than 19 inches in height.
American Spitzes should be white/cream in color and sport the iconically fuzzy double-furred coat that is characteristic of this breed, with a fluffy tail that curls on its back.
3. These Dogs Were Bred for Working
The American Spitz descends from a line of working dogs that were used for herding and guarding livestock. In fact, that was their primary use before being brought into the United States by German immigrants. It also doubled as a loving family companion pet, which is what the American Spitz is commonly kept for today. Contrary to popular belief, the American Spitz was never used as a sled dog, nor does it have any association with the Inuit.
The confusion of the sled-pulling myth could be due to its similar appearance to the Samoyed, a related breed that is much larger than the American Spitz. Other spitz breeds are also used for similar working purposes.
4. These Dogs Were Well-Known in the Circus
The American Spitz was popularly used in the American circus after World War I. While crowds were awed by the more exotic animals, from elephants to tigers (while now considered controversial today), the American Spitz nevertheless won the hearts of many circus-goers.
The Cooper Brothers Railroad Circus was believed to be the first circus to utilize this charming and intelligent breed. Dogs would perform various tricks, from dancing to music to hanging out with the circus clowns and riding on mini-wagons. In the 1930s, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus would eventually break the record for having the first dog, known as Stout’s Pal Pierre, ever to walk on a tightrope. What breed was this performer? You guessed it: the American Spitz.
After performances under the Big Top, puppies would be sold to guests, and these puppies would eventually form the main foundation of the American Spitz dog population in the United States. The popularized historical association of the American Spitz dog under the Big Top may have been inspired back in the dog’s homeland of Germany, where Romani travelers would train the dogs to perform for local townspeople.
5. These Dogs Are Generally Healthy
Generally, the American Spitz is a very healthy breed of dog; however, like all dog breeds, they can be prone to a few common health issues.
Like other small breeds, one problem that can affect the American Spitz is a luxating patella. This occurs when the kneecaps are “floating”, meaning they aren’t properly in place. This can cause discomfort for your dog or even cause arthritis if untreated, and in some severe cases may even require surgery to fix. Hip dysplasia, while more often seen in larger breeds, can also affect the American Spitz. This condition is when the hip joints don’t properly grow, also causing discomfort.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a genetic disorder that causes the rods and cones in your canine’s eyes to deteriorate over time, causing blindness. The American Spitz is also prone to dental disease, which can be mitigated by taking care of your dog’s teeth. The best way to prevent dental disease in dogs is to brush their teeth daily with a toothpaste formulated for dogs. While dental chews are enjoyed, they must not be a substitute for tooth brushing.
It is always important to have your dog checked annually by a veterinarian and to always schedule an appointment as soon as possible if any signs of illness pop up. A responsible breeder will ALWAYS screen their dogs for genetic issues and will never breed any dogs with health problems.
6. These Dogs Require Consistent Grooming
The American Spitz requires some typical maintenance for its fur coat. This breed, like other spitzes, sports a fluffy double-layered coat. The undercoat of the American Spitz is soft and dense, while the outer coat sports longer guard hairs.
This dog should be brushed two to three times weekly with a pin brush. A metal rake comb should also be used to untangle any mats that may form in your dog’s fur. While bathing is a great way to wash your dog, this should only be done every few months for the American Spitz. Overbathing may strip away the natural oils that keep your canine’s coat nice and healthy, in turn irritating your dog’s skin. The oils on an American Spitz’s fur repel dirt; therefore, brushing should be able to keep the coat nice and clean.
The American Spitz may need to be trimmed around the feet and rump area for maintenance purposes, but it is important to NEVER shave a double-coated dog. Shaving down a double coat can damage your dog’s fur, exposing your canine to the elements and jeopardizing how their body regulates its temperature. Shaving a double-coated dog will NOT cool off your dog and could cause them to overheat easier.
As with all other dogs, regular nail trimming every few weeks is important, along with keeping your dog’s ears free of wax buildup. The American Spitz is prone to having brown tear stains on its face. There are drops, shampoos, and even formulated food that prevent these blemishes.
7. These Are High-Energy Dogs!
Like other dogs, the American Spitz requires exercise every day. While not known to be a high-energy breed, exercise allows your dog to maintain its physical health and channel excess energy. A bored dog, after all, can and will release its energy in other ways if not given the opportunity to play. Walking and playing with your dog for about an hour daily should suffice for keeping an American Spitz satisfied.
A secure yard is a great way to allow your American Spitz to roam and run around. It also likes to be mentally stimulated, so teaching your dog new tricks is a great way to not only exercise them physically but also mentally as well. As with some other breeds, the American Spitz tends to mellow out as it gets older. Your dog may even learn new tricks just by observing other dogs!
You can also register your dog for various breed-specific sporting events, such as agility trials and obedience training. Both are great ways to bond with your dog and keep them busy!
8. These Dogs Make Loving Companions
The American Spitz makes a fantastic companion pet for families looking for a charming and intelligent breed. This dog loves being the center of attention, and it is also a relatively easy dog breed to train. After all, their trainability was what made these dogs popular in circus performances!
It is important to note that this dog does not like being alone for long periods, preferring to hang out with their owners. While this dog has a double coat and is suited for cooler climates, forcing an American Spitz to live outdoors is very detrimental as it prefers the company of its family.
Though it can be shy around strangers, it remains loyal to its owners. The American Spitz can serve as a great watchdog, but due to its size, it probably won’t be scaring intruders off anytime soon. As with all dogs, training and socialization should both begin as early as puppyhood. Behavioral problems, such as excessive barking, may arise if improperly trained or neglected.
In short, the American Spitz can make a fun-loving companion for families who wouldn’t mind a dog that loves taking the spotlight.
