How many of you have ever seen a fluffy, aimlessly giddy, and very bewitching white dog and thought, “I’d love to have one like that!”? Chances are many of you nodded your heads. Meet the American Eskimo Dog, otherwise known as the ‘Eskie.’ With a delightful pure white coat and bundles of energy, they can easily sway any dog lover’s heart. But is this all there is to them, or is there a deeper layer that one needs to crack open? Remember Mona Lisa’s cryptic smile? Well, our Eskie friends are no less of a mystery. Let’s unravel it.
For centuries, they have been the epitome of ancestral canine spectacles, moving people’s hearts with their agility, intelligence, and loyalty. However, their beauty often turns out to be a strategic facade concealing a much more rebellious attitude. Surprise, surprise! Just like that adorable toddler who seems like an angel but can swiftly morph into a fussy handful? Eskies are somewhat the same.
Having originated from Germany and not Alaska, as often misassumed, their snappy German temperament is quite evident. They have spunk and are not afraid to use it. Being independent thinkers and problem solvers by nature, they can very well be classified as canine versions of chess grandmasters! Mull over that!
Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon, perfect for lounging in the backyard. You firmly instruct your Eskie, Rocky, to stay indoors and not dirty his sparkling white coat. With a glimmer in his eyes, he obediently nods. But the moment you turn your back, he’s out, rolling in the mud, revelling in his newfound brown coat! Before you can even register what happened, you see Rocky sneaking in through the doggie door, looking as innocent as ever. Chess grandmaster indeed!
You see, this anecdote isn’t about their disobedience but an instinct for adventure. Your American Eskimo is intelligent, curious and has an energy that rivals a super-charged sports car. By nature, they are meant to be working dogs. So when their mental and physical needs for exercise are unmet, they improvise. ‘Rolling in the mud’ may act as a simple escape from a life with no tasks. Here the human has failed the dog and not the other way around. Defying your instructions isn’t an act of rebellion but a plea for a more engaging lifestyle.
Are they difficult? Well, that depends on your perspective and your readiness to handle a dog that is unequivocally smart, questioningly curious, and adventure-loving.
Eskies can be great companions and even greater teachers, imparting valuable life lessons like patience, resilience, love, and learning to live life on your own terms. But they are not for everyone, especially first-time dog owners who may find their zealous personality a bit overwhelming. If left untrained, they may develop a sense of overprotectiveness that can lead to nipping, barking, and even digging.
Training, socialization, and a healthy mix of both mental and physical stimulation are crucial from their early days. Utilize their intelligence by offering problem-solving toys, learning new commands, or fun agility exercises. They appreciate learning from their human counterparts. The more you train them using positive reinforcement methods, the happier and more obedient they become.
Now you might be thinking, are there any perks, after all? Oh, absolutely! For one, Eskies are one of the most intelligent breeds out there. If you’re the kind of person who loves a challenge and doesn’t back down when things get tough, this dog is your ultimate match.
They are also incredibly loyal, bonding closely with their family members, making them a treasure to have around. With early socialization, they are equally amazing with children and elderly individuals, and they are also savvy enough to handle necessary intruders from unwanted ones.
Their lustrous, pure white double coat is not just for show, but it also helps them withstand harsh climates. Energy overflowing, they can happily join you on hikes, trails, and even swimming once adequately acclimated!
You’ll be bogged down by their stunning elegance and charming personality. The compliments you’ll receive while flaunting your Eskie companion will tip your self-esteem scale for sure!
So, is an American Eskimo Dog difficult? Well! To sum things up, if you are an active person, willing to invest your time and efforts in training, socialization, and exercises, ready for smart wits, cheerful energy and can bear the constant cloud of hair around your house, you’re all prepared to parent an Eskie. Hold on to your hats, it’s going to be an exciting, joyous ride!
On the other hand, if toddler-like mischief and grooming an everlasting white coat isn’t your cup of tea, or you prefer a laid-back canine companion, then you might have to reconsider your options.
Remember, as dog parents, we do not own them, but we share an enchanting journey filled with laughter, some chaos, extensive training, endless love, and precious memories. With Eskies, be ready for a bit of drama, a lot of love, and an adventurous ride!
