Dogs listed as Eskimo Dogs in shelters are almost always American Eskimo Dogs, a white spitz breed with no real link to the Arctic. Its ancestors were German Spitz farm dogs brought to the American Midwest by immigrants, and their looks and cleverness later made them stars of circus and trick-dog acts. The name changed from American Spitz after World War I. The rare Canadian Eskimo Dog, a large sled breed, is a different animal.
Eskies come in toy, miniature and standard sizes, all with a dense, sparkling white double coat, a lion-like ruff and a plumed tail curled over the back. Many are bright, playful and devoted to their families, yet reserved with strangers and quick to bark. They tend to need daily exercise, mental challenges and company, and their heavy shedding makes regular brushing part of life.