Your guide to finding and caring for an American Eskimo Dog in Iowa City
An American Eskimo Dog is ready for you
While we don't have enough dogs near Iowa City, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
M, 3-7 y., 1 mile
American Eskimo Dog
F, 3-7 y., 68 miles
American Eskimo Dog
F, 3-7 y., 168 miles
American Eskimo Dog
F, 8 y. +, 214 miles
American Eskimo Dog
F, 3-7 y., 214 miles
American Eskimo Dog
F, 3-7 y., 214 miles
American Eskimo Dog
M, 3-7 y., 214 miles
American Eskimo Dog
F, 3-7 y., 219 miles
American Eskimo Dog, Australian Shepherd
M, 2 y., 253 miles
American Eskimo Dog
M, 3-7 y., 275 miles
American Eskimo Dog, Cattle Dog
Despite its name, the American Eskimo Dog has no ties to Arctic sled dogs. It descends from white German Spitz dogs that immigrants brought to the United States in the early 1900s, and anti-German sentiment around World War I led to the new name. Eskies became circus stars in the 1920s and 1930s, performing tricks that showed off their quick minds, and they come in toy, miniature and standard sizes, from roughly 6 to 35 pounds.
With a brilliant white double coat, lion-like ruff and plumed tail, Eskies are striking, and many are bright, playful and eager to please. They also tend to be alert watchdogs that bark readily and can be reserved with strangers. Prospective adopters should plan for heavy shedding, regular brushing, daily activity and plenty of companionship, since bored or lonely Eskies may become noisy.
Having an American Eskimo Dog in Iowa City
An Eskie's appeal lies in its sharp mind, showy white coat and devotion to its family. Those same traits bring real care needs, from barking and wariness of strangers to frequent brushing and daily mental work, that are worth understanding before adoption.
American Eskimo Dogs tend to be intelligent, lively and affectionate with their families, often following their people closely. Many are reserved or suspicious with strangers and quick to bark at anything new. They usually respond well to positive training. Without socialization and companionship, some become anxious, overly vocal or snappy, so a dog's history matters.
Eskies usually need daily walks plus active play, with standards often needing more than toys. Their quick minds benefit from trick training, puzzle toys and dog sports like agility or rally. Mental stimulation helps prevent nuisance barking and chewing. Many love cold weather outings but need shade, water and shorter sessions in heat.
American Eskimo Dogs are often long-lived, but conditions seen in the breed include progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, kneecap luxation, juvenile cataracts and diabetes, with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in smaller dogs. Tear staining and skin allergies also appear. Have a veterinarian check the eyes and joints and keep up regular veterinary checkups to catch problems early.
Toy and miniature Eskies often adapt well to apartments, while standards may prefer a home with a fenced yard, though both depend on daily exercise. Barking can be a challenge with close neighbors. Eskies do best living indoors with their family, not left alone for long hours, with cool resting spots in warm weather.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $20 to $45 per month | $240 to $540 |
| Pet insurance | $35 to $70 per month | $420 to $840 |
| Routine vet care | $200 to $400 per year | $200 to $400 |
| Other* | $490 to $1,290 per year | $490 to $1,290 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,350 to $3,070 | |
Other costs are national averages for American Eskimo Dogs; we don't have costs specific to Iowa City yet.
* Flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, a dog license, toys and bedding, and frequent brushing and baths for a heavy-shedding double coat; costs run lower for toy-sized Eskies and license fees vary by city.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have American Eskimo Dogs available.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Iowa City area where you can find American Eskimo Dogs and other dogs available for adoption.
American Eskimo Dogs typically live about 13 to 15 years, and some reach their late teens. Smaller toy and miniature Eskies often live slightly longer than standards, as is common in dogs. Good nutrition, a healthy weight, dental care and regular veterinary checkups help, and early screening for eye disease and diabetes can catch problems before they become serious.
American Eskimo Dogs come in three sizes. Toys stand about 9 to 12 inches and weigh roughly 6 to 10 pounds, miniatures stand 12 to 15 inches and weigh about 10 to 20 pounds, and standards stand 15 to 19 inches and weigh around 25 to 35 pounds. Shelter Eskies of unknown background may fall between these ranges.
Yes, American Eskimo Dogs shed a lot. Their thick double coat drops hair year-round and sheds heavily, often called blowing coat, about once or twice a year. Brushing several times a week, and daily during heavy sheds, keeps loose fur and mats under control. Expect white hair on clothes and furniture even with good grooming.
An American Eskimo Dog is a white spitz-type companion dog descended from the German Spitz and developed in the United States. It comes in toy, miniature and standard sizes and belongs to the AKC Non-Sporting Group. Eskies are known for their fluffy white coat, foxlike face and curled plumed tail, along with intelligence, alertness and a strong watchdog bark.
You can trim an American Eskimo Dog's hair lightly, but shaving is generally not recommended. The double coat insulates against both cold and heat, and shaving can cause sunburn, temperature problems and uneven or patchy regrowth. Tidying the feet, around the rear and stray long hairs is fine. If mats are severe, a groomer or veterinarian can advise on safe removal.
To trim an American Eskimo Dog, focus on neatening rather than cutting the coat short. Brush thoroughly first, then use rounded scissors to tidy hair between the paw pads and around the feet, and carefully trim the hygiene area. Leave the body coat, ruff and tail at natural length. Many owners prefer a professional groomer for nail and paw work.
Yes, American Eskimo Dogs generally handle cold weather well. Their dense double coat comes from northern European spitz ancestors and protects them in snow and chilly temperatures, and many love playing in winter. Toy Eskies lose body heat faster than standards, so limit long exposure in extreme cold. Like any dog, they should live indoors rather than outside full-time.
Grooming an American Eskimo Dog centers on regular brushing. Use a slicker brush and undercoat rake several times a week, working down to the skin to remove loose undercoat, and brush daily during heavy shedding. Trim nails every few weeks, clean ears, brush teeth and gently wipe tear stains. Baths are needed only occasionally, and the coat must dry fully afterward.
Many American Eskimo Dogs are cuddly and affectionate with their families, often preferring to stay close and join in whatever their people are doing. Some enjoy lap time, especially toys and miniatures, while others show affection through play. They can be more reserved with strangers, so an Eskie may be cuddly at home yet cautious with visitors.
We have 1 rescue with American Eskimo Dogs available: Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. You can see every rescue with American Eskimo Dogs available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the American Eskimo Dogs near Iowa City.
Expand your search to find American Eskimo Dogs available for adoption near Iowa City.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other dogs available for adoption in Iowa City.
