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Explore the history, traits, and versatility of the American Eskimo Dog, from its German origins to its modern-day roles.
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This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, December 2017 issue.
The American Eskimo Dog’s country of origin is Germany. It was originally bred as a multipurpose working dog on the farm.
The “Eskie,” as it has been nicknamed, is one of a number of Spitz breeds. The word “Spitz” is German and translates to “sharp point.” The dogs were referred to as Spitz because, when alerted, their ears would quickly come to a sharp point. Spitz breeds are also called “Nordic Breeds,” and the two terms are interchangeable.
On the whole, Spitz breeds share the same characteristics. They have erect ears, wedge-shaped heads, double weather-resistant coats, are trotting breeds, have tails that are well-plumed, and have been used to assist humans in various tasks. These dogs have served as herders, hunters, haulers, guardians, and devoted companions.
The Spitz in Germany was invaluable on the farm, assisting with numerous daily tasks. German farms were different from those in the United States. Farmers lived in villages and traveled to the farm each day. Sheep and cows, housed in the village at night, had to be taken out to pasture daily. The Spitz became an integral part of the farmer’s life.
A typical day for the dog included tasks like accompanying the farmer to take sheep to pasture, gathering stray animals, and guarding gates left open. The dogs often watched over sheep grazing in unfenced fields while also keeping an eye on children who might get distracted while playing.
Spitz dogs rounded up chickens and secured them at night, protected the property, and occasionally went hunting with the farmer. They were expected to differentiate between their own livestock and trespassing animals. Known for their intelligence, robust nature, and strong desire to please, Spitz dogs performed their duties with diligence and loyalty. At harvest time, Spitz dogs were often seen riding vegetable carts into market, protecting goods from theft.
German settlers brought the Spitz with them to the United States, where the breed was also found in colors other than white—such as black, chocolate, and red. However, the white variety became the most popular in the U.S., for reasons that remain unclear.
Settlers primarily moved to regions like the Midwest and New England, which resembled the German countryside. Some also settled in southern Texas, where the Spitz gained popularity. The breed retained its roles as a farm watchdog and versatile working dog.
The Spitz’s connection to the circus started in Germany. Gypsies often kept Spitz dogs, using them to warn of strangers, including law enforcement. Their intelligence, trainability, and striking appearance made them ideal for performing tricks, which gypsies showcased to townspeople for a fee.
In the U.S., circuses like P.T. Barnum and Bailey also used Spitz dogs in their acts. One notable story involves a dog named “Bido,” said to be trained to walk a tightrope, though no documentation exists. Another story features “Trixie,” which may have been inspired by a children’s book. While Spitz dogs were undoubtedly used in circus acts, they were not specifically bred for this purpose.
The United Kennel Club (UKC) first registered the breed in 1913, initially under the name “Spitz.” Only the white variety was recorded. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed many early UKC records, so the first documented registration dates to 1922.
Anti-German sentiment during the 1920s led to the breed’s name being changed to “American Spitz” in 1924. By 1925, it was renamed “American Eskimo Spitz,” inspired by the kennel name of Mr. and Mrs. Hall, who bred Spitz dogs under “American Eskimo Kennels.” By 1926, the name was shortened to “American Eskimo Dog,” though many continued to refer to it as “Spitz” or “Eskimo Spitz” for years.
The first Breed Standard was written in 1958, along with an official “History of the Breed.” By this time, due to the anti–German sentiment from the past, the entire history of the breed had been erased, and the breed was described as a dog that was bred down from large sled dogs, with nothing of its German origin being mentioned. The size of the breed was stated at “15 to 19 inches at the shoulder.”
Then, in 1969, the National American Eskimo Dog Association was formed, and they divided the breed into two sizes, Standard and Miniature, according to weight. This was done “for show purposes only.” The breed was divided so there would be more classes, thus more ribbons would be given out. This would hopefully keep exhibitors showing longer and make the shows larger.
In the 1974 Standard, nothing was written about any history of the breed. Nothing was said about where the breed came from, nor what it was bred for. There was a statement in an old Bloodlines magazine that stated, “soon people will forget about the Spitz name, and only know the breed as American Eskimo, they forget everything.” It seemed that the intent was to attempt to hide where the breed actually came from.
In 1985, the American Eskimo Dog Club of America was formed. The breed was then divided into three sizes by height, and disqualifying heights were incorporated into the Standard.
In 1995, the AKC officially accepted the American Eskimo Dog for registration. They did not separate the breed into separate varieties or sizes. In the Open class only, the breed could be separated into three divisions. Eskies are shown in the Non–Sporting group.
The American Eskimo is considered a “primitive breed,” in that many of the natural instincts of the breed are still very fixed. The Eskie, as with most Nordic breeds, has a strong pack instinct. The Eskie’s natural instincts in breeding, whelping, and rearing of a litter are unyielding and require little to no outside assistance.
The breed is noted for its longevity, with many living until their middle to late teens. For their size, they are strong, powerful dogs. Also, they are a healthy breed when compared to many other breeds, but are not without their issues.
As with any breed, they are not the breed for everyone. With their strong pack instincts, they must have a pack leader. They are a moderately active breed and do need exercise. They are a double–coated breed with a thick weather-resistant coat, and will shed their undercoat usually twice per year.
They are a resourceful, thinking breed and can be destructive if left without a “job,” or something to do. They are easy to train, love to work, and enjoy being with their human pack members. Off-lead, they prefer to stay within sight of their human. They have a close bond with humans in general and enjoy working closely with them.
They are a versatile breed, being able to be used for a number of tasks. Breeders work hard to breed a dog that is sound structured, mentally stable, and can do the work the breed was intended to do…which is to be versatile, able to herd, able to be a watchdog, as well as a close companion.
The breed is intelligent, easy to train, independent, and not needy. These are the traits that are the essence of what makes the breed an American Eskimo Dog.
The American Eskimo Dog traces its ancestors to Germany and has many of the same ancestors as a number of the Nordic breeds of today. Today, the American Eskimo Dog stands proud of its German heritage.
The American Eskimo Dog is one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in herding, agility, tracking, obedience, service and therapy work, companion work, and is just an all-around great dog!
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