Mika the American Eskimo

Today's daily puppy is Mika the American Eskimo.  Mika is adorable with a snowball fur coat and does indeed look ready for anything.

The American Eskimo is well recognized for its beautiful white coat and contrasting black lips, nose, and eyes.  Its triangle-shaped ears take notice as well.

The Eskie, as generally referred to as, is surprisingly not in relation to Eskimo natives.  The Eskie is actually a descendent of the Spitz family - white German Spitz, white Italian spitz, and white Pomeranian.  The Eskie came to the United States in the 19th century to be part of traveling circuses.  A further history of the American Eskimo can be found on the American Kennel Club.

The temperament of the American Eskimo is one of gold.  This breed is affectionate and playful.  This breed is alert.  The Eskie is highly intelligent and lives to please its master, therefore making training quite easy.  The American Eskimo is an excellent family dog and loves new people (admittedly after initial hesitation).  The American Eskimo thrives as part of a family.  This dog, like all others on Puppy Love, needs firm but gentle and always consistent and confident leadership.  A further look on the behavior of the American Eskimo can be found on Dog Breed Info.

Dog Breed Info describes the American Eskimo as perfect for all house types.  Why?  The Eskie comes in three weight sizes - toy (6 to 10 pounds), miniature (10 to 20 pounds), and standard (18 to 35 pounds).  With these weight classes come health concerns.  The American Eskimo easily gains weight if not given enough exercise or if overfed.  Other concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and allergies to fleas in some.  Despite these health concerns, the American Eskimo has an incredible life expectancy at 15 years or longer.

The American Eskimo will fair well in apartment settings and in homes with yards.  Due to their acute intelligence, the Eskie needs daily exercise and activities that will provide purpose as this breed likes to work.  Such exercise can be done indoors or out.  A daily walk, however, is always a must to satisfy the natural canine instinct to move.

Dog Breed Info and the American Kennel Club recommend daily grooming as the double coat sheds.