Contrary to popular belief, the American Eskimo Dog, known affectionately as the “Eskie”, is not actually from the icy landscapes of Alaska, but rather, has its origins in Germany! There, it was originally known as the “German Spitz.” During World War I, due to the negative connotations associated with the word “German,” these fluffy, playful dogs were re-branded as the American Eskimo Dogs we know today. Real mind-boggler, isn’t it?
But let’s dig into the details that you’re keen to know about. Does the American Eskimo Dog shed a lot? The simple answer? Absolutely! These pooches are sparkling white fur-shedding machines.
Understanding a dog’s shedding pattern can help you manage your life easier with your pet, especially when it’s a breed like the Eskie known for its profuse shedding. Let’s dive into the distinctive world of the American Eskimo dog and find out more about what makes this breed shed so heavily, and how you can manage all that fluff!
Planning for an Avalanche of Fur
Bearing a strong resemblance to the Siberian Husky, the American Eskimo Dog has a lush, double coat that consists of a thick undercoat and longer outer hairs known as guard hairs. This double coat is a trait that many arctic breeds share and it’s designed to keep them warm in chilly climates.
Interestingly, American Eskimo Dogs shed more moderately throughout the year, but then go through a period known as “blowing their coat” usually once or twice a year. During these periods, they shed their undercoat in large quantities, which can sometimes come as a surprise to unaware owners, making it feel like living in a snowstorm of fluffy white dog fur.
The Golden Rule – Regular Grooming is Key!
If this sounds daunting, don’t worry. By regularly grooming your American Eskimo Dog, you can manage the amount of shedding and avoid being engulfed by the furry avalanche.
Your American Eskimo Dog would love a good brushing on a daily basis. This helps remove loose fur, and significantly reduces the amount of doggy fluff floating around your home. Firm bristle brushes, slicker brushes, and undercoat rakes are particularly effective for managing the Eskie coat.
Oh, and while our Eskies love playing in the snow, they’re not the biggest fans of bath time! However, a bath can help loosen up the undercoat and control shedding. Yet, bathing should be done sparingly, since too frequent baths can dry out their skin and lead to other problems.
Diet – Plays an Essential Role in Controlling Shedding
The diet of your American Eskimo Dog can also have a significant impact on how much it sheds. Feeding your Eskie high-quality dog food, rich in proteins and Omega-3 fatty acids, can lead to a healthier coat and less shedding. Foods with plenty of vitamins and minerals can also improve the overall health of your Eskie, and thus decrease the shedding.
Sometimes, excessive shedding can be linked to various health issues like allergies, parasitic infestations or hormonal imbalances. If you notice any sudden changes in shedding patterns, it’s advisable to consult a vet.
Clean-Up Can be Fun
And then, of course, there’s clean-up. Now, you might be slightly flabbergasted seeing the amount of fur your Eskie sheds, but don’t worry, we’ve got tricks to spruce that up! Invest in a quality vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment. Doing a little extra vacuuming is more than worth the leftover joys that living with an Eskie lends.
Sticky lint rollers are lifesavers when it comes to removing fur from clothes and furniture. Rubber gloves can also do wonders, as rubbing one over a furry surface causes the fur to ball up, making it easier to remove.
Sure, the American Eskimo Dog sheds a lot, but shedding is usually a healthy dog’s natural process. By setting up a grooming and cleaning routine, not only will you reduce fur tumbleweeds rolling through your house, you’ll also bond more with your Eskie.
In the end, if you’ve got an American Eskimo Dog or considering getting one, their warmth, kindness, and endlessly entertaining antics make a little, or rather a lot, of shedding nothing more than a minor setback. As every Eskie owner knows, this breed brings so much joy and fun into the home, that a bit of extra vacuuming seems like a joyous chore! They truly are – as some owners say – a snowstorm you’d always love to experience.
