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.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
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.
-
1
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.
More Like This
Comments
View all 6 Comments-
crcrcr
Jan 24, 2010
The reason you shouldn't cut Eskies' hair is because they can get sunburned more easily, and it is much more difficult for them to keep warm in winter or cool during the summer. The hair will grow back fairly quickly. -
ceastrose
Dec 10, 2009
I have a 1 year old Eskie and while I was grooming her feet I noticed that the two middle foot pads are fused on all 4 paws. It does not bother her now, but I am wondering if this is something that is normal and if I should have this issue corrected? Thanks, Christina (Iowa)
-
dnary
Dec 04, 2009
I was told once that long Eskimo fur doesn't grow back once cut. We never cut our old Eskimo and he was beautiful all his life. We now have a new Eskimo and we took him for professional grooming. They cut his hair.... I'm hoping that "don't cut their hair" thing was just a rumor!!! Please tell me his hair will grow back! :)
-
dnary
Dec 04, 2009
I was told once that long Eskimo fur doesn't grow back once cut. We never cut our old Eskimo and he was beautiful all his life. We now have a new Eskimo and we took him for professional grooming. They cut his hair.... I'm hoping that "don't cut their hair" thing was just a rumor!!! Please tell me his hair will grow back! :)
-
cathyrm
Sep 06, 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.
