American Eskimo

Match the diet to the dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), and a food formulated for small breeds is worth considering. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Some Eskies are prone to gaining weight, so watch calorie intake and body condition. Measure out meals instead of free-feeding.

Feeding amounts vary from dog to dog, depending on size, metabolism, neuter status, and activity level. A typical schedule looks like this:

• Adults: two to three measured feedings per day
• Puppies: three to four small meals per day on a regular schedule, which helps maintain stable blood sugar

Your veterinarian can calculate specific caloric needs, and the feeding guide on the food package gives a useful starting point. Eskies need a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to stay lean, and a food that meets AAFCO standards covers their nutritional needs.

Some Eskies may benefit from added omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, certain skin and joint supplements, and some formulated dog foods. These fatty acids support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart.

The Eskie's white double coat has a short, dense undercoat below a longer outer coat, and it stays surprisingly clean. The oil on the fur keeps dirt from sticking, so a good brushing usually removes it.

Even so, Eskies shed almost constantly. Brush two or three times a week to pull dead hair before it lands on your floors and to prevent matting, and brush more often during heavy shedding in spring and fall. Professional grooming is not required, which can reduce grooming costs.

Bathe an Eskie only every few months. The natural oils in the coat repel dirt, and frequent bathing dries the skin and strips the coat of its shine. Use lukewarm water and a gentle approach, and talk to your vet if you notice skin changes such as flakiness or redness.

Trim the nails regularly. Clean the ears every two weeks to help prevent ear infections, and see your vet if debris or redness develops. Eskies need no special eye care, but tear staining can appear in the corners of the eyes; a daily wipe with a gentle eye wash helps. Because the breed is prone to progressive retinal atrophy, contact your vet if you notice changes to the eyes or vision.

Good dental hygiene supports long-term health, so start during puppyhood to make it a lifelong habit.

The Eskie is active, quick, and curious, with energy to spare. This breed needs plenty of exercise and mental challenges. An Eskie left alone or under-exercised can turn destructive fast, may bark excessively, and some develop separation anxiety.

A securely fenced yard and a set of toys help, but the Eskie should not be left in the yard alone all day. Despite the warm coat, this is an indoor dog. The American Eskimo bonds strongly with its people and is happiest interacting with them.

Beyond regular walks, consider dog sports such as agility, flyball, or musical canine freestyle, which blends obedience, tricks, and dance. Keep the mind busy too, with new tricks or puzzle toys to satisfy a curious nature.

Eskies tend to slow down after middle age and need less exercise than younger pups.

The American Eskimo Dog is among the most trainable of all breeds. Back when traveling circuses, vaudeville troupes, and Wild West shows crisscrossed the map, Eskies were mainstays of trained-dog acts, and it is no surprise they excelled as performers, mastering basic commands quickly and learning complicated tricks, even walking a tightrope.

Eskies are highly intelligent and eager to please. They learn new commands fast, sometimes just by watching other dogs, and that is not always a good thing. Get a head start on training so this focus goes somewhere positive, because untrained or under-socialized Eskies can develop behavior problems and may turn destructive.

An Eskie craves companionship and interaction. Use positive reinforcement such as praise and treats to reward good work, and lean on training games to channel a playful nature. Once your dog masters sit, stay, and come, move on to more complicated tricks to keep the mind working.

When socialized early, most Eskies are patient with children who are taught how to interact with small to medium dogs. Socialization also helps your dog stay comfortable among new people, pets, and surroundings. With proper care, exercise, and early socialization, the Eskie fits in with kids, other animals, and single adults alike.