American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog (also known as the American Spitz) is a companion breed of the spitz family, descended from German Spitz dogs, and comes in three size varieties: toy, miniature, and standard. It is highly intelligent, cheerful, and eager to please, excelling in obedience and agility, with a historic background as a circus performer. The breed is alert and wary of strangers, with a strong tendency to bark, making it an effective watchdog.
Weight
2–16 kg
Height at withers
23–48 cm
Life expectancy
13–15 years
Size
small
Activity
high
Shedding
high
Barking tendency
high
Apartment friendly
Well-suited to apartment living provided it receives sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation. Its tendency to bark frequently should be considered in multi-unit buildings. Requires daily walks and active play sessions.
Care
Brush coat 2–3 times per week, daily during shedding seasons; bathe only every few months to preserve natural skin oils; never clip the coat; clean teeth and ears regularly
Health
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), juvenile cataracts, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, epilepsy, diabetes, hypothyroidism
Coat
Double coat with long straight outer guard hairs and dense thick undercoat; pronounced lion-like ruff around neck and chest
Travel
The breed adapts well to travel with early socialization. Toy-sized individuals can travel in-cabin in a soft carrier under the seat. Bring familiar toys and water; the breed is prone to separation anxiety, so avoid leaving them alone for extended periods during trips.
Carrier size
For toy size, a carrier with internal dimensions around 46×30×30 cm is suitable; for miniature size, approximately 55×35×35 cm. Choose a carrier where the dog can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Harness size
Toy size typically fits XS–S harness; miniature size fits S–M. A soft vest-style harness distributing pressure evenly across the chest is recommended.
Leash
A 1.5–2 m nylon or biothane leash for everyday walks; a locking retractable leash up to 5 m is suitable for active outings and training sessions.
Airline cabin travel
usually allowed
This breed guide is always at hand in the Hani Walk app — along with the walk tracker, digital pet passport and vaccination reminders.
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