American Eskimo Dog

This breed, also known as the Eskie, is often mistaken as being from the Spitz breed as the features are very similar and they did originate from one of the German Spitz varieties, but added to the mix is the Pom, Keeshond and Volpino Italiano. The American Eskimo Dog is always white, or white with cream markings, with a thick double coat. What is unusual about them is that they have white eyelashes and and white toenails!

They come in three different sizes varieties, being the standard, miniature and toy (just like Poodles).

They were originally know as the German Spitz, but due to the prejudices against Germans during the first World War, they became known as the American Eskimo dog. They became very popular in the US as dogs used in circus's, being very clever and easy to train and the tendancy they have to spin in circles when highly excited.

Here is a little bit about them if you are considering one:-

Get from Breeder who is reliable, reputable, repsonsible that has only the betterment of the breed and the care of his dogs at heart. If the breed is registered with KUSA, then this should be your first choice of breeder.
Puppy should never be taken away from Mom before 8 weeks of age as this is a critical period and pup learns discipline from mom and social interaction from the other pups. It also learns the basics of bite inhibition from litter mates and what behaviour does and does not work.
Never get two pups together, especially litter mates. If the breeder recommends this - walk away.
If you have another dog, your priority is to ensure that it is well socialized and will accept another dog into the home. All dog introductions should take place on neutral territory.
The period between 3 - 16 weeks of age is a critical period for pups and if you want to put down a foundation of social training, puppy school should not be missed. At this time in SA your pup will be attending puppy school at about 10 weeks of age (just after 2nd set of vacs).
As these dogs can be a bit cautious about strangers, after puppy school, keep up the socialization and make sure the dogs meets all types of people of different ages and races.
Ensure your dog is sterilized at 6 months of age - liaise with your vet about this. If a breeder suggests that your dog should be kept un-sterilized so that you can breed with it yourself at a later stage, or give back to the breeder for them to breed - walk away - this is not the breeder you want.
They are very affectionate and loving dogs and make great family pets as really good with children.
They are not hard to train, but can be difficult, so a more experienced owner is advised. With the right owner, these dogs love to work and please their people. These dogs need exercise and stimulation otherwise they can become hyperactive and behaviour problems can develop, barking being one of them.
They are good watchdogs in general, but are not prone to being aggressive, like other guarding breed. They do well being with their families inside the home.
From the exercise perspective, they need a lot of daily exercise for the standard breed, however the toy and miniature can get away with less daily exercise. Due to the thick coat they do better in cooler conditions, so if you are taking your dog out for a walk and exercise, early morning and late evening definitely preferable.
Very clever, they do well at clicker learning different tricks in a short period of time.
On average they are good with most other breeds and other family pets, however, always a good idea to socialize them with other animals from puppyhood.
Where grooming is concerned, they shed daily and major sheds twice a year. Despite this, their coats are not hard to look after and daily, or twice weekly brushing should do the trick. Although they need brushing, they do not need to be bathed as often. They should not be stripped or shaved.