Skip to main content

American Eskimo Complete Breed Guide

I’m one cute and clever canine!

Last updated: August 2026

Find American Eskimo Puppies
American Eskimo breed photo

Quick Facts About American Eskimos

Breed Group
Non-sporting
Adult Weight
6–35 lbs
Adult Height
9–19 in
Hypoallergenic
No

Characteristics at a Glance

Ratings are on a scale of 1–5, based on breed standards and typical temperament.

Energy Level
Grooming Needs
Trainability

Overview

With their beautiful coats and spunky personalities, the American Eskimo is sure to keep your family happy and always on-the-go. They crave human companionship and love being active, especially in cold climates. If you keep your Eskie active and entertained, he will be your best fluffy friend for life.

With their soft, white fur and adorable faces, American Eskimos (or “Eskies”) are beautiful dogs with spunky personalities. This Spitz breed is smart, playful, and active. They enjoy being around people and will befriend just about anyone. Eskies also love exercise and need plenty of it to stay out of trouble. Whether it’s a nice, long walk or a romp in the snow, they can’t get enough of the great outdoors. Families love the American Eskimo for their affectionate nature and puppy-like energy that lasts well into adulthood. These dogs tend to bark and shed, but if you can get past those pesky habits, they’re nothing but fun and entertainment.

Characteristics

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

American Eskimos are usually quite sociable with almost everyone. They’re good with children, dogs, and other household pets. Your pup may bark at strangers to alert you that someone new is approaching, but they typically aren't aggressive. American Eskimos need plenty of room to run and play, so they prefer to live in homes with large yards. However, they crave companionship and should be kept as indoors dogs.

Exercise & Activity

Most American Eskimos need a good workout every day, such as a long jog or walk. They also love dog sports, especially in cold weather. Eskies’ heavy coats keep them warm in the snow, but if they’re exercising in hot climates, be sure to give them plenty of water and shade to avoid overheating. Boredom is an American Eskimo’s worst enemy, so keep your dog busy and active to avoid bad behavior.

Temperament and Behavior

American Eskimos are intelligent, alert, inquisitive, and playful. Their fun-loving and outgoing attitudes makes them eager to meet and befriend everyone they meet. However, this breed can also be stubborn and strong-willed at times. Eskies take a while to mature and may retain their puppy-like energy and curiosity through their first few years of life. All in all, their happy-go-lucky, social personalities make them great pals for just about anyone.

Coat & Grooming

The American Eskimo Dog has a two-layered coat of beautiful white or biscuit cream fur. The undercoat is short and dense, and the outer coat has long, straight hair. Their fur is thicker and longer around the dog’s chest and neck, which makes it look like a mane. Eskies need to be brushed a few times each week to keep their long hair tangle-free and more often during shedding season, which typically happens twice each year.

Source: puppies.comVersion: 2026-08-31Updated: August 2026

American Eskimo FAQs

Is a American Eskimo hypoallergenic?

No. American Eskimos are not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy-sensitive households should spend time with the breed before deciding.

How big does a American Eskimo get?

Adult American Eskimos typically fall in this range: weighing 6–35 lbs standing 9–19 in at the shoulder

Breed descriptions and health information are provided for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Individual dogs may vary in temperament and health.

American Eskimo Puppies for Sale

Find American Eskimo Puppies

No American Eskimo puppies are listed right now. Check back soon or browse all available puppies.

Browse all puppies