All Dog Breeds >>History of Miniature American Eskimo
The American Eskimo Dog ("Eskie") "is a modern variation of a very ancient family of dogs." Spitz type dogs developed in Arctic and northern areas of the world, with the larger types being used as sled dogs. American Eskimo Dogs are used to climates either in the negatives and can withstand the heat but rather the snow. These dogs resemble wolves and absolutely adore rain, snow or shine. They will do well in any climate area but not recommended for warmer climates all year round. But the Eskie was specifically bred to guard people and property and, therefore, is territorial by nature and an excellent watch dog.
He is very loyal to his family and is known for being gentle and playful with children[citation needed. He is energetic and alert. In Northern Europe, smaller Spitz were kept primarily as pets and watchdogs, and eventually were developed into the various German Spitz breeds. European immigrants brought their Spitz pets with them to the United States, especially New York, in the early 1900s, "all of them descended from the larger German Spitz, the Keeshond, the white Pomeranian, and the Italian Spitz, the Volpino Italiano." Although white was not always a recognized color in the various German Spitz breeds, it was generally the preferred color in the US. In a display of patriotism in the era around World War I, dog owners began referring to their pets as American Spitz rather than German Spitz.
This name change was similar to the use in the United States of the term Freedom fries rather than French fries to refer to a popular potato dish during disputes between France and the United States before the 2003 invasion of Iraq. After World War I, the small Spitz dogs came to the attention of the American public when the dogs became popular entertainers in the American circus. In 1917, the Cooper Brothers’ Railroad Circus featured the dogs.
A dog named Stout's Pal Pierre was famous for walking a tightrope with the Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1930s. Due to the popularity of the circus dogs, many of today's American Eskimo Dogs can trace their lineage back to these circus dogs.