American Eskimo Dog Breed Standard
Comparison Chart

Origin and Purpose / History:	AKC: The "Eskie" is a member of the spitz family, or Nordic breeds. The American Eskimo Dog is almost certainly descended from the European spitzes, including the white German Spitz, the white Keeshound, the white Pomeranian and the Volpino Italiano (white Italian Spitz). After World War II, breeders on the West Coast may even have incorporated some Japanese Spitz into the Eskie. During the 19th century in this country, small, white spitz-type dogs were commonly found in communities of German immigrants. These dogs were probably descendants of white German Spitz, white Keeshonden or large white Pomeranians that immigrated with their European masters. They came to be known collectively as American Spitz. Late in the 19th century, the American Eskimo Dog was extremely popular for use in trick-dog acts in the many traveling circuses throughout the United States. The breed excelled in this job because of their sparkling white coat and quickness, and they possessed an innate intelligence, trainability and unsurpassed agility. These dogs traveling with the circuses helped develop and spread the popularity of the American Eskimo Dog. In 1917 the name "American Spitz" became "American Eskimo Dog" although the exact reason for this is unknown. It may have been that usage of the word "eskimo" would pay homage to the breed's developmental association with various breeds of large, Nordic dogs developed by those native American peoples. The American Eskimo Dog Club of America was formed in 1985 and began registering dogs in 1986. In 1993 their registry was transferred to the American Kennel Club resulting in more than 1,750 American Eskimo Dogs being registered as foundation stock in the AKC Stud Book. On July 1, 1995 the breed was given full AKC recognition and became eligible for competing in the Non-Sporting Group. UKC: The American Eskimo is a member of the ancient and wide ranging Spitz family of dogs. One 18th century German historian claimed that the Spitz was the ancestor of all domestic breeds. White Spitzes were popular in Pomerania and in the coastal regions of Germany. Sailors traded the white dogs throughout Europe. When Queen Charlotte of England acquired several white Spitzes, the dogs became fashionable among British aristocrats. White Spitzes appear in several Gainsborough paintings. German immigrants probably brought the white Spitz dogs to the United States, where they served as watchdogs, family pets, and circus dogs. Known as the German Spitz in its homeland, the breed was renamed the American Eskimo in 1917. This was probably a reaction to the unpopularity during World War I of anything associated with Germany. The American Eskimo was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1913.
General Appearance:	AKC: The American Eskimo Dog, a loving companion dog, presents a picture of strength and agility, alertness and beauty. It is a small to medium-size Nordic type dog, always white, or white with biscuit cream. The American Eskimo Dog is compactly built and well balanced, with good substance, and an alert, smooth gait. The face is Nordic type with erect triangular shaped ears, and distinctive black points (lips, nose, and eye rims). The white double coat consists of a short, dense undercoat, with a longer guard hair growing through it forming the outer coat, which is straight with no curl or wave. The coat is thicker and longer around the neck and chest forming a lion-like ruff, which is more noticeable on dogs than on bitches. The rump and hind legs down to the hocks are also covered with thicker, longer hair forming the characteristic breeches. The richly plumed tail is carried loosely on the back. UKC: The American Eskimo is a well-balanced typical model of a working type Spitz dog, ranging in size from 11 to 19 inches. The body is well balanced and proportioned, appearing neither clumsy nor racy. The length of body from point of shoulder to the point of buttocks is the same as the height from withers to ground, presenting an overall square appearance. The head is wedge-shaped, with erect triangular ears, and readily distinguished black points (nose, lips, and eye rims). The American Eskimo has a thick, white double coat. The chest, neck, and forepart of the shoulders are typically covered with a lion-like mane. The backs of the forelegs are well feathered. The rump and hind legs down to the hock are covered with thick hair that forms the characteristic “trousers.” The ruff (mane) and long outer guard hairs are typically more profuse on males than females. The tail is richly plumed and carried over the back. With its alert, smooth carriage, the American Eskimo presents a picture of natural beauty, alertness, strength, and agility.
Temperament / Characteristics:	AKC: The American Eskimo Dog is intelligent, alert, and friendly, although slightly conservative. It is never overly shy nor aggressive, and such dogs are to be severely penalized in the show ring. At home it is an excellent watchdog, sounding a warning bark to announce the arrival of any stranger. It is protective of its home and family, although it does not threaten to bite or attack people. The American Eskimo Dog learns new tasks quickly and is eager to please. UKC: The American Eskimo is intelligent, alert, and energetic. This breed is loyal and friendly, but can be conservative with strangers. Overly aggressive or overly shy dogs are penalized.
Size, Proportion, Substance:	AKC: (Note size differences between Standards.) Size: There are three separate size divisions of the American Eskimo Dog (all measurements are heights at withers): Toy, 9 inches to and including 12 inches; Miniature, over 12 inches to and including 15 inches; and Standard, over 15 inches to and including 19 inches. There is no preference for size within each division. Disqualification: Under 9 inches or over 19 inches. Proportion. Length of back from point of shoulder to point of buttocks is slightly greater than height at withers, an approximate 1.1 to 1 ratio. Substance. The American Eskimo Dog is strong and compactly built with adequate bone. UKC: (Note size differences between Standards.) Miniature: Males from 12 inches up to and including 15 inches; Females from 11 inches up to and including 14 inches. Puppy class only – Minimum permissible heights are 11 inches for males and 10 inches for females. Standard: Males over 15 inches up to and including 19 inches; Females over 14 inches up to and including 18 inches. Championship points earned in the Miniature classes are valid in combination with points earned in the Standard classes.
Coat and Colour:	AKC: Coat : The American Eskimo Dog has a stand-off, double coat consisting of a dense undercoat and a longer coat of guard hair growing through it to form the outer coat. It is straight with no curl or wave. There is a pronounced ruff around the neck which is more noticeable on dogs than bitches. Outer part of the ear should be well covered with short, smooth hair, with longer tufts of hair growing in front of ear openings. Hair on muzzle should be short and smooth. The backs of the front legs should be well feathered, as are the rear legs down to the hock. The tail is covered profusely with long hair. THERE IS TO BE NO TRIMMING OF THE WHISKERS OR BODY COAT AND SUCH TRIMMING WILL BE SEVERELY PENALIZED. The only permissible trimming is to neaten the feet and the backs of the rear pasterns. Color : Pure white is the preferred color, although white with biscuit cream is permissible. Presence of biscuit cream should not outweigh consideration of type, structure, or temperament. The skin of the American Eskimo Dog is pink or gray. Disqualification: any color other than white or biscuit cream. UKC: Coat: The body is covered with a soft, thick, short undercoat. Longer guard hair grows through the undercoat to form the outer coat. The guard hair is free of any curl or wave. The mane covering the neck area is noticeably thicker, forming the ruff, which is typically more profuse on males than females. The front of the forelegs are covered with short, smooth hair, while the back sides are well feathered. The rump and hind legs down to the hock are covered with thick hair that forms the characteristic “trousers.” The tail is richly plumed. Coat length will vary from dog to dog. Quality is more important than quantity. Color: Pure white is most desired. The ONLY other permissible colors are: white with biscuit or cream, and cream. Disqualification: Any color other than those stated above.
Head:	AKC: Expression is keen, intelligent, and alert. Eyes are not fully round, but slightly oval. They should be set well apart, and not slanted, prominent or bulging. Tear stain, unless severe, is not to be faulted. Presence of tear stain should not outweigh consideration of type, structure, or temperament. Dark to medium brown is the preferred eye color. Eye rims are black to dark brown. Eyelashes are white. Faults: amber eye color or pink eye rims. Disqualification: blue eyes. Ears should conform to head size and be triangular, slightly blunt-tipped, held erect, set on high yet well apart, and blend softly with the head. Skull is slightly crowned and softly wedge-shaped, with widest breadth between the ears. The stop is well defined, although not abrupt. The muzzle is broad, with length not exceeding the length of the skull, although it may be slightly shorter. Nose pigment is black to dark brown. Lips are thin and tight, black to dark brown in color. Faults: pink nose pigment or pink lip pigment. The jaw should be strong with a full complement of close fitting teeth. The bite is scissors, or pincer. UKC: Head Head size conforms proportionately to body size. The wedge-shaped head denotes power. The stop is well defined, but not abrupt. SKULL - The skull is broad and slightly crowned. MUZZLE - The muzzle conforms proportionately to head size and is covered with short, smooth hair. The jaws are strong. Lips are tight and black to dark brown in color. Faults: Saggy flews; unpigmented lips. TEETH - A full complement of sound, white teeth that meet in a scissors bite is preferred. A level bite is permissible. Faults: Overshot or undershot bite. NOSE - The nose leather is black to dark brown. Fault: Absence of dark pigment. EYES - The eyes are medium, oval in shape but not slanted. Eyes are dark to medium brown and set well apart, giving an intelligent expression. Eye rims are black to dark brown. Eyelashes are white. Fault: Unpigmented eyerims. Disqualification: Blue eyes. EARS – Ears conform to head size and blend softly with the wedge-shaped head. The ears are set well apart, and are triangular, slightly rounded at the tips, and held erect. The outer and inner parts of the ear are covered with short, smooth hair, with longer tufts in front of the ear openings. The skin on the inside of the ear is pink or slightly tinged with gray. Fault: Flop ears.
Neck, Topline, Body:	AKC: The neck is carried proudly erect, well set on, medium in length, and in a strong, graceful arch. The topline is level. The body of the American Eskimo Dog is strong and compact, but not cobby. The chest is deep and broad with well-sprung ribs. Depth of chest extends approximately to point of elbows. Slight tuck-up of belly just behind the ribs. The back is straight, broad, level, and muscular. The loin is strong and well-muscled. The American Eskimo Dog is neither too long nor too short coupled. The tail is set moderately high and reaches approximately to the point of hock when down. It is carried loosely on the back, although it may be dropped when at rest. UKC: Neck : The neck is medium in length, conforming proportionately to the body; strong, carried proudly erect, and blending into the shoulders with a graceful arch. Body: The body is strong and compactly built, but not too short-coupled. The length of body from point of shoulder to the point of buttocks is the same as the height from withers to ground, presenting an overall square appearance. Females may be slightly longer. The withers are the highest portion of the backline and blend gracefully into the back. The back is straight, level, broad, and muscular. The loins are well muscled and of adequate length to facilitate the easy rhythmic movement and powerful drive of the back legs. The chest is strong, showing broadness and depth. Depth of chest is at approximate point of elbows. The ribs are well sprung and begin an upsweep behind the ninth rib, which assures adequate room for heart and lung action. The belly has a slight tuck up just behind the ribs. The tail is set moderately high and is covered with long, profuse hair. It is carried over the back, not necessarily centered, when the dog is alert or moving. When the dog is relaxed, the tail may drop. When hanging down, the tailbone reaches to the hock joint. Faults: Tightly curled tail; double hook tail.
Forequarters:	AKC: Forequarters are well angulated. The shoulder is firmly set and has adequate muscle but is not overdeveloped. The shoulder blades are well laid back and slant 45° with the horizontal. At the point of shoulder the shoulder blade forms an approximate right angle with the upper arm. The legs are parallel and straight to the pasterns. The pasterns are strong and flexible with a slant of about 20°. Length of leg in proportion to the body. Dewclaws on the front legs may be removed at the owner's discretion; if present, they are not to be faulted. Feet are oval, compact, tightly knit and well padded with hair. Toes are well arched. Pads are black to dark brown, tough and deeply cushioned. Toenails are white. UKC: The shoulders are laid back at an apparent 45-degree angle and are firmly set. The forelegs are parallel and straight, with strong, flexible pasterns to add spring to movement. The elbows are close to the body, turning neither in nor out. Leg length from elbow to ground is approximately equal to half the dog’s height at the withers. The feet are compact, oval in shape, and well padded with hair. The pads are tough and deeply cushioned. The feet neither toe in nor out when the dog is standing naturally. Front dewclaws may be removed at the owner’s discretion. Rear dewclaws are objectionable and should be removed.
Hindquarters:	AKC: Hindquarters are well angulated. The lay of the pelvis is approximately 30° to the horizontal. The upper thighs are well developed. Stifles are well bent. Hock joints are well let down and firm. The rear pasterns are straight. Legs are parallel from the rear and turn neither in nor out. Feet are as described for the front legs. Dewclaws are not present on the hind legs. UKC: The hind legs are muscular and of adequate bone to conform to body size. The upper thighs are well developed and muscled. The stifles lay approximately 30 degrees off the pelvis. The hock joint is sharply defined and the hocks are well let down. When the dog is standing naturally, the hind legs are parallel when viewed from the rear, turning neither in nor out.
Gait:	AKC: The American Eskimo Dog shall trot, not pace. The gait is agile, bold, well balanced, and frictionless, with good forequarter reach and good hindquarter drive. As speed increases, the American Eskimo Dog will single track with the legs converging toward the center line of gravity while the back remains firm, strong, and level. UKC: The American Eskimo is a trotting breed. The dog does not pace at a trotting speed. The stride is quick, agile, and well timed. The gait, viewed from the side, is efficient, balanced, and vigorous, showing good reach in the forequarters matched with a strong rear action drive in the hindquarters during the trot. When walking, the dog will not single track, or brush, but as speed increases, the legs gradually angle inward until the pads fall on a straight line directly under the longitudinal center of the body. When moving, the topline remains strong, level, and firm.
Faults:	AKC: Coat: Trimming of the whiskers or body coat is severely penalized. Eyes: Amber eye color or pink eye rims. Pink nose pigment or pink lip pigment. UKC: Any departure from the ideal described in this breed standard is faulted to the extent of the deviation. Structural faults common to all trotting breeds are undesirable in the American Eskimo, even though such faults may not be specifically mentioned herein. Saggy flews; unpigmented lips. Overshot or undershot bite. Nose: Absence of dark pigment. Unpigmented eyerims. Flop ears. Tightly curled tail; double hook tail.
Disqualifications:	AKC: Size: Under 9 inches or over 19 inches. Color: Any color other than white or biscuit cream. Eyes: Blue Eyes. UKC: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Blue eyes. Albinism. Blindness. Deafness. Any color other than those stated above. Any alterations of the dog other than allowed by the standard.

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