American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs need a high-quality dog food that's appropriate for their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). A diet specially formulated for small breeds is a good option to consider. To help them stay at a healthy weight, measure out meals to avoid overfeeding, and make sure treats contribute to no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories.

Though their sleek white coats are easy to maintain, Eskies are constant shedders. Brushing an American Eskimo Dog several times per week can help remove dead hair and prevent matting. Professional grooming is not required, but a decent vacuum is.

Avoid bathing your Eskie too often. Their skin has natural oils that repel dirt, and frequent bathing can dry out their skin, making it itchy and irritated.

All dogs require regular dental care—including at-home teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings. Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for your pup's overall long-term health. So, it's best to start during puppyhood to make it a lifelong habit.

American Eskimo Dogs have boundless energy. In addition to taking regular walks, consider signing your Eskie up for dog sports—such as agility, flyball, or musical canine freestyle (a sport that incorporates obedience, tricks, and dance). Mental stimulation is important, too. Teach your pup new tricks or offer puzzle toys to satisfy their curious natures.

These dogs tend to slow down as they get older, and middle-aged Eskies will require less exercise than younger pups.

It's no surprise that American Eskimo Dogs excelled as circus performers. Among the most trainable breeds, Eskies quickly master basic commands and can learn much more complicated tricks (like walking a tightrope).

The breed is so smart that it will often pick up behaviors just from watching other dogs—and that's not always a good thing. Get a jump start on training to ensure this eager-to-please breed is channeling its focus positively. Untrained or under-socialized Eskies can develop behavior problems and might be destructive.

American Eskimo Dogs crave the companionship of their people. So, focus on training activities that promote interaction. Also, use positive reinforcement—such as praise and treats—to reward them for a job well done. Prioritizing socialization can also help your dog when among new people, pets, and surroundings.