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American Eskimo Dog History
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Ironically, the American Eskimo Dog, or “Eskie,” is not actually connected to American Eskimos in any way, and is in fact a product of Germany. The American Eskimo Dog descends from a number of German spitz breeds, including the Keeshond and Pomeranian. As standards for these breeds were developed in the 19th century, dogs that did not match the standard fell out of favor with the rich and became the companions of the working class.
Existing documentation indicates that the American Eskimo Dog was brought to the United States by German immigrants during the 19th century, and as time passed the breed became known as the American Spitz. Around the turn of the 20th century the American Spitz became a popular circus performer, and propagation of the breed at that time largely rested on families buying puppies from circus performers after shows.
Following World War I, anti-German sentiment led dog fanciers to drop the word “Spitz” in favor of the name American Eskimo Dog. Though the breed is no more tied to the Eskimos than a Labrador Retriever, Yorkshire or any other breed, the dog’s appearance is redolent of that of large, Northern spitz dogs, and the Eskimo moniker was deemed appropriate. The American Eskimo Dog was recognized by the AKC as a member of the Non-Sporting Group in 1994.
