Country/Date of Origin: United States/1900s
The descendent of larger Spitz dogs imported from Germany in the 1800s, the American Eskimo was created by selectively breeding for a small size and a pure white coat. It was NOT descended from sled dogs as is popularly thought. There are three variations of the Eskie, identical in every way except size. The strong hunting instincts of the ancestors of the American Eskimo dog have been replaced with an inbred guarding skill. Primarily a companion animal, the little white American version of the Spitz has been recognized by the United Kennel Club since 1913. In 1995 the American Kennel Club granted the Eskie full status.