To our knowledge, the only spitz breed created and developed in America is the American Eskimo Dog, though the breed is descended from the white German Spitz dogs brought by German immigrants to American shores in the early 19th century. As such, it was originally referred to as the American Spitz by the United Kennel Club. In 1926, “American Spitz” was changed to “American Eskimo Dog.” Why? We don’t honestly know. Some sources say it was a nod to native Eskimo people who developed the large, Nordic dogs associated with the “Eskie,” but other sources says it was coined by Eskie breeders, Mr. and Mrs. F.M. Hall who also made it their kennel name.
As you can see from the picture below, there’s a reason the breed of these 3 week old youngsters above is nicknamed, “The Dog Beautiful.”
In the “did you know” department, the first United Kennel Club Grand Show Championship was won by an American Eskimo Dog in 1978. That dog was PR Richardson’s Keta Shelton (PR being an acronym for Purple Ribbon.)
Puppy picture by Sandra Wingert; Adult picture by Lynn McBride McClure
Great pix which are representative of the American Eskimo dog. The dogs on the deck are standard sized Eskies. I can’t say for sure WHAT size the adorable Eskie puppies are. Eskies are recognized in UKC as two sizes: Standard and Miniature.