Unlike other American cities, Chicago has not historically been credited with developing any single popular dog breed. Nevertheless, the city is strongly associated with the American Eskimo Dog (often called an “Eskie”). This breed was frequently featured in Chicago’s circus acts during the early 20th century, according to chicagoname.
History of the Breed’s Development
There is no definitive information on exactly how the Eskimo Dog was developed. However, the breed remains one of the most popular in the U.S. Researchers have determined that these animals belong to the Nordic spitz group.
They share many similarities with the European spitz of the same name. The dogs were brought to America by German and Austrian immigrants who traveled to the U.S. with their pets. These imported spitz dogs were effectively the ancestors of the modern breed.
The Eskimo Dogs quickly gained popularity among local residents thanks to their appealing looks and their ability to perform a variety of circus tricks. The dogs were frequently bought and bred by theater and circus owners. After some time, the breed was simply named the American Spitz.
The official name of the breed, “American Eskimo Dog,” appeared somewhat later, in 1917.
It’s worth noting that in the 20th century, Chicago became a hub for circus activity, and Eskimo Dogs were key performers in many acts. These dogs were easily trained for various tricks and weren’t afraid of audiences. Specifically, the spitz dogs would walk tightropes, jump through hoops, and interact with spectators.
As a large American metropolis, Chicago was one of the main centers for the breed’s popularization. Eventually, American Eskimo Dogs began to be bred in many U.S. cities.
Appearance and Temperament of American Eskimo Dogs
Dogs of this breed are small-to-medium sized with a fluffy, snow-white coat. Due to its thick and dense fur, the American Eskimo Dog initially resembles a small teddy bear. The dogs also have pointed ears and short legs. Their elongated muzzle somewhat resembles a fox.
Eskimo Dogs come in three sizes: miniature, toy, and standard. Typically, the animals’ coat is pure white, but representatives with a color resembling biscuit cream also appear.
An exceptionally developed intellect has made American Eskimo Dogs some of the most popular pets worldwide. Scientists believe that these animals are capable of having their own opinions and possess a keen awareness of the world around them.
Interacting with Children and Adults
American Eskimo Dogs can’t stand idly by during arguments or conflicts and will try to resolve the situation in their own sweet way.
The dogs can easily memorize commands and learn how to behave properly in the home. However, it is strictly forbidden to use any form of aggression toward an Eskie, as it can achieve the opposite effect and permanently turn your pet against you.
The American Eskimo Dog is a very social animal and therefore requires training and socialization from an early age. This pet should not be left alone for an entire day, as it develops a strong bond and attachment to its owners and may express distress without proper care and attention.
To spend leisure time with these dogs, various games, walks, and physical activities are recommended. Eskies respond well to love and care and always reciprocate good treatment toward their owner.
The dogs interact well with children. Interestingly, they often express their emotions through voice, possessing a diverse vocal repertoire.
Training and Grooming American Eskimo Dogs
Not all pet breeds are amenable to training and command learning, but this certainly isn’t true for the American Eskimo Dog. The dog understands its owner wonderfully. The main character traits of the breed are intelligence, friendliness, and gentleness.
Therefore, American Eskimo Dogs are usually distinguished by excellent behavior, provided time and effort are devoted to training. Thanks to their excellent memory, the dogs grasp and understand even the most complex commands easily.
It’s not recommended to be overly strict with Eskies, as the dogs have a gentle nature and perceive their owner as a close friend. To train the animal and achieve positive results, it’s enough to follow three main principles: consistency, persistence, and positive reinforcement for successful command execution. These dogs still remain star performers in circus shows.
The secrets to grooming an American Eskimo Dog are quite simple. The dogs have fluffy fur that should be thoroughly brushed at least once a week using a special brush purchased from a pet store. The pet should be bathed once or twice a week. You also need to monitor secretions from the eyes and ears and trim their claws regularly. With good care, American Eskimo Dogs are not prone to frequent illnesses.
Showbiz and Social Media Stars
Their high level of intelligence and ability to memorize complex commands have allowed American Eskimo Dogs to become stars in films, TV series, theatrical, and circus shows. For example, dogs of this breed were quite often featured in old Hollywood movies. Their cute appearance and friendly nature allowed them to quickly become public favorites. In the 1920s, an Eskie named “Snowflake” gained wide recognition, often seen in circus performances.
American Eskimo Dogs win fans not only through traditional means—via television screens—but also through social media. Some pets have millions of followers on social networks and attract attention with funny videos and photos.
The most popular spitz on Instagram is Jiff Pom. The number of followers on his page exceeds 9 million. The dog also holds an entry in the Guinness World Records as the fastest dog running on two legs. The Eskie was invited to star in a music video for the popular American singer Katy Perry.
For many years, the status of the world’s most famous spitz was held by the American pet named Boo. His owners bought the pet in 2006. Three years later, for fun, they decided to create a page for Boo on Facebook, whose main slogan was the inscription: “My name is Boo. I am a dog. Life is great.” The public learned about the cute spitz’s page after singer Kesha shared a link to the dog’s page, joking in her post that he was her “new boyfriend.”
After that, Boo’s account quickly gained popularity. In total, over ten years, the cute spitz’s page was followed by more than 16 million people.
Boo became a genuine TV star in the States: he was often invited to talk shows and even had mobile games created with his character. His owners published a book describing the life of the “cutest dog in the world.” However, the beloved American pet passed away in 2019.
As for Chicago, the most popular local account belongs to Osiris, a therapy dog who helps local residents overcome various psychological problems. In his free time, Osiris enjoys fun games with friends and catching bubbles. Photos and videos of the therapy dog’s daily life can be viewed on his Instagram page osirisandfriends.