Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Spitz vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed ComparisonSpitz is originated from Russia but American Eskimo Dog is originated from United States. Spitz may grow 22 cm / 9 inches higher than American Eskimo Dog. Spitz may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than American Eskimo Dog. Both Spitz and American Eskimo Dog has almost same life span. Spitz may have more litter size than American Eskimo Dog. Spitz requires Moderate maintenance. But American Eskimo Dog requires High maintenance

History

spitz - historyA spitz is not a breed of dog, but rather a “group or family” of dogs that has its roots in Germany. Within this family there are a variety of breeds that were bred for very specific purposes by people in many different parts of the world. The spitz family can be toy dog size up to vey large. Examples run from the Pomeranian to the Canadian Eskimo Dog.

The Spitz family dogs share the look of thick, long fur and pointed muzzles, ears and curly tail. Despite their German name, they are thought to originally be of East Asia or Artic descent. Most of today’s spitz are from Siberia’s Artic region, first described in 1788 and in English in 1792. Spitz have been bred for three types of jobs depending upon where they were developed. These jobs included pulling, herding and hunting.

There are very powerful and large Spitz breeds that pull or hunt large game. Examples of these breeds are the Swedish Elkhound, the Akita Inu, the Norwegian Elkhound and the Karelian Bear Dog. The smaller sized breeds like the Samoyed hunted small mammals and birds, while the Finnish Lapphund, Lapponian Herder, and Swedish Lapphund herded, hunted and pulled small sleds.

The three largest spitz also pulled sleds throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. In most places the Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Alakan Malamute and the Greenland dog were used in sled racing and fur trapping while in Canada and Alaska the Siberian Husky was used for the same things.

Recently there have been genetic tests that show a large number of dogs that are considered Spitz type so share many strong ancestral ties and DNA similarities with wild wolves. It is now believed that a lot of these breeds were intentionally mated with wolves and some were accidental. Both domestic and wild dogs are included in this history.

Most spitz are made for cold weather, even today’s lapdogs, like the Pomeranian, do not do well in hot climates.

american eskimo dog - historyThe American Eskimo is derived from the Nordic Spitz breed and most closely related to the German Spitz in particular. There were many German Spitzes in the United States at the time of the second World War and anti-German sentiment caused its name to change to the American Eskimo Dog. However, as the breed developed over time in the States, the American Eskimo became its own separate breed. In addition to the German Spitz, the American Eskimo is also related to the white Keeshond, the Samoyed, the white Italian Spitz and the white Pomeranian. The history is beginning to show that the Spitzes that were brought to the US in the early 1900’s was white. This color was not popular in Europe but was quickly the favorite in the United States. They were originally working dogs on farms and ranches. They have excellent herding instincts, make goo watch and guard dogs, and good law enforcement sniff dogs. However, their first introduction to the American public was through the Cooper Brothers’ Railroad Circus and Stout’s Pal Pierre at the Barnum and Baily Circus. Eskimo puppies were sold after the circus show.

It was then that the breed became one of America’s favorite breeds and they quickly became house pets. Following World War II, Japan exported the Japanese Spitz into America and it was crossed with the Eskimo also. The American Eskimo Dog breed was not recognized by AKC until 1985. Still in 1958 there was no official breed club in the States but there were growing numbers of the dogs. It was not until 1970 did the National American Eskimo Dog Association (NAEDA) come into being. They collected the pedigrees of the first 1750 dogs to be AKC registered.

Since the American Eskimo Dog is not recognized internationally, those wishing to participate in international competition such as England’s prestigious Cruft’s Dog Show must register their dogs a German Spitz. Despite this the American Eskimo and German Spitz remain two very different breeds.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Russia
United States
Height Male:
21 - 70 cm
8 - 28 inches
23 - 48 cm
9 - 19 inches
Height Female:
20 - 65 cm
7 - 26 inches
23 - 40 cm
9 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 40 kg
4 - 89 pounds
4 - 16 kg
8 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 37 kg
4 - 82 pounds
3 - 12 kg
6 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 16 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 19
1 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
numeroud breeds
, Spitz
Colors Available:
all
White with cream or biscuit markings
Coat:
double coated undercoat is coarser
Heavy, thick, double
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Cheerful, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

spitz puppy - descriptionMost of the spitz breeds share a “look” that includes erect ears, stocky heavy, usually double coats, a pointed muzzle, thick, fluffy ruffs and a heavy curled tail carried high over the body. Build for northern climates they are insulated by a undercoat that is waterproof and dense and a less dense topcoat. Their ears are small to prevent frostbite and their paws have thick fur to protect them in the frigid, icy terrain.

Many still have wolf-like looks and tendencies. Some are very difficult to train to be companions – the Akita, Chow and especially the Karelian Bear Dog – fall into this category. Many mixed breed dogs are also considered members of the Spitz family. These dogs are easy to recognize as spitz because of these physical characteristics

american eskimo dog puppy - descriptionThis small to medium dog is beautiful and resembles a miniature Samoyed. There are three sizes of American Eskimothe standard, miniature, and the toy. The Eskimo’s head is wedge shaped with tall, triangular, erect ears. It has a heavily plumed tail with a sharp curl over the back. The Eskimo can burst into bold action due to their good legs and feet.

The coat is a double one with a harsh outer coat and plush inner one. The coat is always white or white with cream or biscuit markings, and visible skin in gray or pink. The American Eskimo’s ruff or mane is very heavy, and the nose, eyelids, pads and gums are black. They have dark eyes and blue are not allowed.

Characteristics

Characteristics

spitz dog - characteristics1.Children friendliness excellent with almost all the breeds. Be careful of size. Smaller breeds may not be as friendly and larger may knock down small children.

2.Special talents stamina

3.Adaptability excellent

4.Learning ability excellent

american eskimo dog dog - characteristicsThe Eskimo is affectionate, playful and love children of all ages. They are intelligent and want to please you. They can be trained easily and are champions of the obedience trial. They are fun and confident. At the same time, they need a confident pack leader. He is prone to Little Dog Syndrome where the dog thinks they oversee the home and display all sorts of behaviors. Under these circumstances the American Eskimo can become obsessive, aggressive, and engaging in obsessive resource guarding and barking.

Health Problems

spitz puppies - health problemsIt is a little harder to characterize the health issues of a family of dogs than it is a .will overheat in hot climates due to their double coats. Here are some propensities of dogs in the Spitz family.

  • Haemolytic anemia – heritary anemia can be mild to life threatening.

• Thrombopathia bleeding disorder with the risk of a hemorrhage, platets don’t clot.

  • Epilepsy – medication can manage this well.
  • Cancers for different types.

• Larger breeds are affected by Elbow and Hip dysplasia that can cause arthritis and lameness.

american eskimo dog puppies - health problemsThe American Eskimo Dog is prone to hip dysplasia. Their eyes and tear ducts are potential issues with progressive retinal atrophy. They are allergic to fleas and have a tendency to be overweight.

We deal with PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) in greater detain in a following section but it is not as destructive as it used to be. It is much more treatable now.

There are potentially some dental issues that some American Eskimo Dogs are prone to.

Caring The Pet

spitz dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy The Spitz family has high energy needs but in a slow-release so they need protein more than grain. Puppies should be fed 3-4x a day in small meals. Don’t overfeed them.

2.Feeding the adult – The Spitz type dog stores their energy to use in extended periods when working or playing. They will become obese if overfed or if they don’t get enough exercise. Feed 2-3X a day in small or medium sized meals, even the larger breeds because of their storage of calories.

3.Points for Good Health endurance and stamina

4. Games and Exercises – Having been bred for endurance and stamina most Spritz breed need plenty of exercise, lots of space and lots of play. They love to run, jog, or play games. They are outdoors types who love to hike, and run or walk for long times over long distances. They are great in cold, wet weather but not so good in the heat. How much exercise they need depends on the size and history of the specific breeds. Most love to play with other dogs, so dog parks and dog day care can both be good choices for most of them. Agility, barnhunt, field trials, pulling games are all good choices.

Feeding

american eskimo dog dogs - caringYour American Eskimo Dog needs a high quality food so they will not get overweight. Make sure you know how much is appropriate for your particular dog and her specific age. The puppies should be fed twice a day but adults only once.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American Eskimo Dog is prone to eye issue such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy or (PRA) – this disease is inherited and used to cause blindness as the rods in the retina died. New medical discoveries mean this is no longer a hopeless disease. Their eyes are also susceptible to other issues so make sure you check them and the tear ducts regularly.

Like so many other breeds the American Eskimo is also susceptible to hip dysplasia and a moving patella in the knee. For this reason watch their weight. They can also be very allergic.

Exercise and games

This small dog has more energy than his size can handle. He needs a lot of exercise and a place to run. If he will become hyperactive and destructive. They are prone to disturbing behaviors such as spinning (spinning in circles) when they don’t get enough exercise. The American Eskimo Dog is smart and agile, Play games like catch or agility. They are also great at herding, competitive obedience or detection.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Spitz vs Other - Breed Comparison
  2. Spitz vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  3. Spitz vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  4. Spitz vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Spitz vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  6. Spitz vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  7. Spitz vs Sapsali - Breed Comparison
  8. Spitz vs Peruvian Hairless - Breed Comparison
  9. Spitz vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Spitz vs Lottatore Brindisino - Breed Comparison
  11. Spitz vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Spitz vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  13. Spitz vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  14. Spitz vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  15. Spitz vs Perro de Presa Mallorquin - Breed Comparison
  16. Spitz vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  17. Spitz vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  18. Spitz vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Spitz vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  20. Spitz vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  21. Spitz vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  22. Spitz vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Spitz vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  24. Spitz vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Spitz vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  26. Corgi vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Shetland Sheepdog vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Toy Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Welsh Corgi vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Pomeranian vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Maltese vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Pug vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Boston Terrier vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Maltipoo vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Bichon Frise vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Dachshund vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Jack Russell Terrier vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Cockapoo vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Cavapoo vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Miniature Schnauzer vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Cavachon vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Mal-Shi vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. American Eskimo Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  47. American Eskimo Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. American Eskimo Dog vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. American Eskimo Dog vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds