How to Groom an American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a fluffy white Spitz-type dog that is a member of the Non-Sporting group. There are Toy, Miniature and Standard varieties. They have spiky, triangular ears which stand erect on their heads and a long tail that curls over on to their back. They have a voluminous coat which is usually white as snow, sometimes with biscuit or cream markings mixed in. The coat needs a full grooming every 8 weeks.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Natural bristle brush
• Pin brush
• Metal combs
• Scissors
• Thinning shears

1. Brush out the cottony coat at least twice a week with a natural bristle brush. If needed, use a pin brush and metal combs to remove tangles or knots. When they are shedding, brush your American Eskimo Dog every day. In general, they shed an average amount of hair.

2. Clip the whiskers with scissors if you desire. This isn't necessary, but many prefer the whisker free look.

3. Trim stray hairs from the feet to the hocks with thinning shears. Trim hairs underneath the feet with scissors.

4. Check the inner ear canal for overgrown hair, which you should pluck. Don't trim the hair on the outer ear, as this provides protection.

Tips & Warnings

• The American Eskimo Dog is a Nordic dog which is closely related to the German Spitz. In fact, they were brought to the U.S. as German Spitzes, but the anti-German sentiment during World War I caused them to be re-named. These days, dog fanciers consider them an entirely separate breed.
• American Eskimo Dogs have a life expectancy of at least 15 years.
• Pay special attention to the dog's eyes and tear ducts.
• American Eskimo Dogs are especially susceptible to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. If you don't check it carefully, this dog's coat can become infested with fleas which causes dermatitis.

[cathyrm]

on 9/6/2009 Keith, Its okay to bathe an American Eskimo dog but NOT weekly. We have had our Eskie for over 10 years and we bathe him with an oatmeal shampoo.In the summer its probably every 6-8 weeks and even less in the winter. Our cue is if he starts to smell "doggie" which most American Eskimos don't. In between baths, use a dry shampoo. Most important brush your Eskie daily if not at least 2 times a week.
If he gets wet or damp, he needs brushing right away to prevent tangles&matting.

[RochelleSC]

on 6/1/2009 Here's a comprehensive explanation of how to groom an Eskie. http://www.eskiedog.org/grooming_your_american_eskimo_dog.htmI'm still looking for information to help me figure out how to trim her body hair (from the neck to the hind legs) to help mine stay cooler in the hot Texas summer months!

[adstore]

on 5/29/2009 Is it okay to bathe an American Eskimo dog? I had heard a rumor that you shouldn't wash them because it would wash out oils that kept the coat clean (repelling dirt). Is that remotely possible? Ours doesn't get bathed, but I am in favour of it.Thanks,Keith (Victoria, BC, Canada)