When asked about their favorite dog breeds, most people would say that they absolutely love Labradors, Golden Retrievers, or poodles. Although these dog breeds are popular for a reason, there’s something about an underrated pooch, such as an American Eskimo, that resonates with active individuals and families who are looking for their first pet. According to data from the American Kennel Club’s registration statistics, the Eskie took the 116th spot in their 2024 survey for the Most Popular Dog Breeds.
While it’s nowhere near the French Bulldog, which took the number 1 spot for the third year in a row, the AKC surveys over the past five years show that the American Eskimo is slowly but surely making its way into more people’s homes and hearts. If you’re thinking about getting an Eskie as a pet, here’s how to determine if this type of dog breed is right for you.
You’ve Got Lots of Time For Your Pet
American Eskimos are considered to be somewhat high maintenance dogs since they need attention and lots of activities to stay out of mischief. Although they’re good watchdogs, they get easily bored, so you’ll need to have time to walk them, play with them, train them, or just be with them. They’re good family dogs since they’re loyal and are able to form bonds with multiple family members, but they tend to have a stronger bond with just one person. They also have high energy levels and are very alert, so they’ll wake up at even the slightest noise. If you live alone and you work from home, or if you have older kids who don’t mind spending lots of time with a dog, then an Eskie may be the perfect pet for you.
As for the dog’s personality, you’ll be happy to know that American Eskimos are generally friendly, affectionate, and sweet, but only to the people that they truly know. They tend to be reserved with strangers, so warn friends and acquaintances not to pet your Eskie if it’s their first time meeting your dog. In general, American Eskimos are playful, intelligent, and trainable. They need lots of mental stimulation, so spend some time doing trick training or let them play with puzzles or food-dispensing toys if you need to work or do a few chores.
They Need Daily Exercise and a Healthy Diet
Eskies need to go on daily 30-minute walks to stay healthy, and while their typical lifespan is from 12-17 years, they tend to develop certain health issues as they get older. One of the most common health problems that they’re vulnerable to is hip dysplasia, which is a condition wherein the ball and hip sockets don’t fit or develop properly. A dog with hip dysplasia can experience pain and reduced range of motion, so BioPup recommends supporting your American Eskimo’s mobility and comfort with supplements that can ease joint pain and reduce inflammation.
American Eskimos can also gain weight rather quickly, so feed your pooch with high quality food that’s low in fat. Protein-rich foods like chicken, beef, or ground turkey are highly recommended, as well as fish like salmon, which can enhance your pet’s coat and skin health. Mix the protein with some rice or oats cooked in bone broth, and add vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, sweet potato, or pumpkin.
Eskies thrive if they’re with fur parents who have an active lifestyle and lots of time to train and care for them. They can be sweet yet reserved, and are hardwired to be loyal to their person. Adopt an American Eskimo from a shelter, or get in touch with the American Eskimo Dog Club of America for information on where to find an adoptable pooch that will bring joy to your life.
