Did you know, there’s one breed of dog that’s known for their good looks, playful nature, and strong will power? This furry friend is the American Eskimo Dog! You might be wondering: can this lovely ball of fur double as a guard dog? That’s an interesting question and you just might be surprised.
The short answer: not exactly. American Eskimo Dogs aren’t the breed you’d typically consider as guard dogs, like German Shepherds or Rottweilers. But that doesn’t mean your American Eskimo can’t offer some kind of protection. Let’s dive into why.
First, these dogs, lovingly called “Eskies”, are often mistaken for the shedding-intensive Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute breeds because of their thick, white coats. But they are a separate breed altogether, with an entirely different history and personality. Originating from Germany, they’ve been in the United States since the late 19th century. Years later, mockingbirds aren’t the only ones with a name change – during the First World War, American breeders changed its name from the German Spitz to the American Eskimo because of anti-German sentiments.
Eskies come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. While their size could indicate their ability to protect you and your home from intruders, they lack the size and natural aggression of more common guard dog breeds. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t reach a compromise! Eskies make excellent watchdogs. Sounds confusing? Let’s clear that up.
There’s a fine line between being a guard dog and a watchdog. While a guard dog is trained to physically protect their family, a watchdog’s main role is to alert their family of an intruder’s presence. A guard dog is willing to get aggressive when necessary to ensure your safety, while a watchdog focuses on notifying you of any guests, welcome or not.
American Eskimo Dogs fall into the latter category. They are incredibly alert – bred to keep an eye on people and property. Their sharp barks will alert you to anyone approaching or any unexpected movements nearby. While they won’t attack unless severely provoked, their barking can work effectively to scare away potential intruders. Rest assured, with an Eskie at home, you won’t be left in the dark about what’s happening in your surroundings.
One of the standout personality traits of the American Eskimo Dog is their level of intelligence. They are quick learners, which makes them highly trainable for certain tasks. As a pet parent, play up their strengths and train them to inform you of specific events or disturbances. Regular training and practice will make them even better watchdogs.
It may be surprising to learn that despite their protective nature they are actually a breed known for their love of people. American Eskimo dogs are friendly, affectionate, and love being part of the action. This makes them a great family dog. While they might be wary of strangers at first, they’ll quickly warm up once they understand there’s no threat. This showcases an important quality in a good watchdog – the ability to differentiate between friend and foe.
This same friendliness, however, can stand in the way of Eskies being effective guard dogs. In general, guard dogs maintain an inherent skepticism towards strangers, even when the stranger poses no real threat. So, if you’re on the lookout for a dog that will fiercely protect your home and family from all strangers, an American Eskimo Dog may not be the best fit.
Having a guard dog or watchdog is a significant responsibility. It’s essential to provide them with the training they need, and with constant socialization opportunities to ensure they are well-rounded. Remember that their protective behavioral traits won’t automatically make them aggressive or unmanageable!
In conclusion, while an American Eskimo Dog is not exactly a guard dog, they can still play a significant protective role in your household as an excellent watchdog. Is this white, beautiful, and intelligent dog the companion for you? Only you can make that ultimate decision. After all, whether guard dog, watchdog, or simply a furry family member, the best dog for you is the one that matches your lifestyle, personality, and preference!
