If I were to share with you a Carolina Bay tidbit, you’d kick back, pour a hot cup of coffee and wonder: “What on earth has a geographic feature got to do with American Eskimo Dogs?” Odd enough, but ready for the answer? Both the Carolina Bays and the American Eskimo Dogs are fascinating examples of beauty and curiosity, all neatly wrapped in mystery and misconception.
Just like the Carolina Bays that adorn the coastal plains of America, the American Eskimo Dog – often nicknamed “the dog of deceptive name”– is an extroverted showstopper. Its name may suggest it originated in the arctic with the Inuits, but surprise, surprise! It’s as American as apple pie.
This sparkly white species, with its perky ears, button nose and fabulous full-ruffed neck, is not from the Eskimo culture. Rather, it traces its lineage to a group of spitz dogs from Germany – the Keeshond, the white Pomeranian and the white Italian Spitz. The term “eskimo” was most likely adopted for its romantic, chilly imagery.
So, now that we’ve established their Americanness, should you invite this fluffy ball of good looks into your home? Are we talking Fabergé egg delicacy, or are they more low-maintenance, like a plastic tumbler? In simpler words: Is an American Eskimo Dog a high maintenance dog?
Imagine a beauty pageant queen, with her flawless beauty, radiant smile, perfect posture, and let’s not forget, a room-vibrating charisma that’s impossible to ignore. Now imagine, if you will, that this beauty queen shares your house – running around, playing, demanding attention, and keeping everyone on their toes. This makes it clear: owning an American Eskimo Dog doesn’t come without its challenges.
First up, bring out the combs! With their glamorous double coats and long feathery tail, the American Eskimo Dogs are huge on shedding. They shed throughout the year, and twice a year, they “blow” their undercoats (lose a lot of fur all at once). So unless you want to turn your living room into a snowy winter wonderland (and not in a good way), get ready for a regular grooming schedule. This includes daily brushing to weekly baths, especially during shedding seasons.
The American Eskimo Dogs are not just about hair salon visits, they are high energy dogs that need exercise to stay healthy and happy. A walk in the park? They’ll love it. A game of Frisbee? They’ll jump to catch. These feathery friends are eternally ready to play. A bored Eskie can mean disaster for your home, so their exercise routine is non-negotiable.
Their exercise needs dovetail with their intelligence. Not to brag, but the American Eskimo Dogs are seriously smart. In the late 19th and early 20th century, these dogs were the darlings of traveling circuses, performing tricks and stunts that brought the house down. This high intelligence means these dogs are highly trainable, but also that they need mental stimulation. You must offer enough puzzles, games, and activities to keep their active minds occupied.
Having a dog this bright has another side too. Remember the phrase, “curiosity killed the cat”? With American Eskimo Dogs, it’s “curiosity irritates the dog”. Being naturally wary and curious, these dogs are suspicious of strangers, dogs, and unexpected objects. So get ready for barks – lots and lots of them, unless they are taught otherwise.
While these aspects might give the impression that American Eskimo Dogs are totally high-maintenance, it’s also worth noting it’s not all about glittery fur and flamboyance. Underneath their glamorous coat, they have a heart of gold, forming strong bonds with their family. These dogs are extremely loving, loyal, and friendly to their loved ones.
They’re also versatile and adaptable. Whether it’s an apartment in New York or a house with a yard in California, the Eskies (as they are fondly called) can adapt. However, they’re sensitive to heat, so need to be in air-conditioned spaces when the temperature rises.
At the end of the day, remember, owning a dog – any dog – comes with responsibility. An American Eskimo Dog is high maintenance in certain aspects such as grooming, exercise, and mental stimulation, but they also offer a high return of investment in the form of endless love, loyalty, and a thick layer of fluff to bury your face in.
To conclude, just like the Carolina Bays, the American Eskimo Dogs are not what they initially appear to be. But unlike the mystery of the bays, their needs are no secret. They’re not for everyone, certainly not for the faint-hearted or the super-busy. But if you revel in taking care of someone and can match their energy, then you get a bundle of joy wrapped in the most exquisite fluffy package, adding a new dimension to your life. Because with an Eskie at home, life’s never, ever going to be dull – guaranteed!
