General Appearance
The American Eskimo Dog, a
loving companion dog, presents a picture of strength and agility,
alertness and beauty. It is a small to medium-size Nordic type dog,
always white, or white with biscuit cream. The American Eskimo Dog is
compactly built and well balanced, with good substance, and an alert,
smooth gait. The face is Nordic type with erect triangular shaped ears,
and distinctive black points (lips, nose, and eye rims). The white
double coat consists of a short, dense undercoat, with a longer guard
hair growing through it forming the outer coat, which is straight with
no curl or wave. The coat is thicker and longer around the neck and
chest forming a lion-like ruff, which is more noticeable on dogs than
on bitches. The rump and hind legs down to the hocks are also covered
with thicker, longer hair forming the characteristic breeches. The
richly plumed tail is carried loosely on the back.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size.- There are three
separate size divisions of the American Eskimo Dog (all measurements are heights at withers): Toy, 9
inches to and including 12 inches; Miniature, over 12 inches to and
including 15 inches; and Standard, over 15 inches to and including 19
inches. There is no preference for size within each division.
Disqualification:- Under 9 inches or over 19 inches. -Proportion.-
Length of back from point of shoulder to point of buttocks is slightly
greater than height at withers, an approximate 1.1 to 1 ratio. Substance.-
The American Eskimo Dog is strong and compactly built with adequate
bone.
Head
Expression- is keen,
intelligent, and alert. Eyes- are not fully round, but slightly
oval. They should be set well apart, and not slanted, prominent or
bulging. Tear stain, unless severe, is not to be faulted. Presence of
tear stain should not outweigh consideration of type, structure, or
temperament. Dark to medium brown is the preferred eye color. Eye rims
are black to dark brown. Eyelashes are white. Faults: amber eye color
or pink eye rims. Disqualification: blue eyes.- Ears-
should conform to head size and be triangular, slightly blunt-tipped,
held erect, set on high yet well apart, and blend softly with the head.
Skull -is slightly crowned and softly wedge-shaped,
with widest breadth between the ears. The stop is well defined,
although not abrupt. The muzzle -is broad, with length not
exceeding the length of the skull, although it may be slightly shorter.
Nose -pigment is black to dark brown. Lips- are thin and
tight, black to dark brown in color. Faults: pink nose pigment or pink
lip pigment. The jaw- should be strong with a full complement
of close fitting teeth. The bite- is scissors, or pincer.
Neck, Topline, Body
The neck -is carried
proudly erect, well set on, medium in length, and in a strong, graceful
arch. The topline -is level. The body- of the American
Eskimo Dog is strong and compact, but not cobby. The chest is deep and
broad with well-sprung ribs. Depth of chest extends approximately to
point of elbows. Slight tuck-up of belly just behind the ribs. The back
is straight, broad, level, and muscular. The loin is strong and
well-muscled. The American Eskimo Dog is neither too long nor too short
coupled. The tail is set moderately high and reaches approximately to
the point of hock when down. It is carried loosely on the back,
although it may be dropped when at rest.
Forequarters
Forequarters are well
angulated. The shoulder is firmly set and has adequate muscle but is
not overdeveloped. The shoulder blades are well laid back and slant 45%
with the horizontal. At the point of shoulder the shoulder blade forms
an approximate right angle with the upper arm. The legs are parallel
and straight to the pasterns. The pasterns are strong and flexible with
a slant of about 20%. Length of leg in proportion to the body. Dewclaws
on the front legs may be removed at the owner's discretion; if present,
they are not to be faulted. Feet are oval, compact, tightly knit and
well padded with hair. Toes are well arched. Pads are black to dark
brown, tough and deeply cushioned. Toenails are white.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are well
angulated. The lay of the pelvis is approximately 30¡ to the
horizontal. The upper thighs are well developed. Stifles are well bent.
Hock joints are well let down and firm. The rear pasterns are straight.
Legs are parallel from the rear and turn neither in nor out. Feet are
as described for the front legs. Dewclaws are not present on the hind
legs.
Coat
The American Eskimo Dog has a
stand-off, double coat consisting of a dense undercoat and a longer
coat of guard hair growing through it to form the outer coat. It is
straight with no curl or wave. There is a pronounced ruff around the
neck which is more noticeable on dogs than bitches. Outer part of the
ear should be well covered with short, smooth hair, with longer tufts
of hair growing in front of ear openings. Hair on muzzle should be
short and smooth. The backs of the front legs should be well feathered,
as are the rear legs down to the hock. The tail is covered profusely
with long hair. THERE IS TO BE NO TRIMMING OF THE WHISKERS OR BODY
COAT AND SUCH TRIMMING WILL BE SEVERELY PENALIZED. The only
permissible trimming is to neaten the feet and the backs of the rear
pasterns.
Color
Pure white is the preferred
color, although white with biscuit cream is permissible. Presence of
biscuit cream should not outweigh consideration of type, structure, or
temperament. The skin of the American Eskimo Dog is pink or gray. Disqualification:
any color other than white or biscuit cream.
Gait
The American Eskimo Dog shall
trot, not pace. The gait is agile, bold, well balanced, and
frictionless, with good forequarter reach and good hindquarter drive.
As speed increases, the American Eskimo Dog will single track with the
legs converging toward the center line of gravity while the back
remains firm, strong, and level.
Temperament
The American Eskimo Dog is
intelligent, alert, and friendly, although slightly conservative. It is
never overly shy nor aggressive, and such dogs are to be severely
penalized in the show ring. At home it is an excellent watchdog,
sounding a warning bark to announce the arrival of any stranger. It is
protective of its home and family, although it does not threaten to
bite or attack people. The American Eskimo Dog learns new tasks quickly
and is eager to please.
Disqualifications
Any color other than white or
biscuit cream
Blue eyes
Height: under 9" or over
19"
Approved: October 11, 1994
Effective: November 30, 1994
