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Are you looking to adopt a friendly, active, loving dog? If so, you may want to consider the Australian Eskimo dog! The what? Yes, we got the name correct!
The Australian Eskimo dog is a relatively new dog breed. If you’ve not heard of it before, that’s probably why. This was a new one for us, too.
We’ve gathered information about the Australian Eskimo dog so you can learn more about them. We’ll cover what the dogs look like, their personalities, and much more. Let’s get started!
What is an Australian Eskimo Dog?
The Australian Eskimo dog is a hybrid dog breed that’s a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the American Eskimo. Because these are hybrid dogs, they can vary in looks and personality traits. Even puppies of the same litter can look and act quite differently from one another. However, they are beautiful dogs that can make excellent family companions.
Not much is known about the history of this hybrid dog breed, so we’ll take a look at both purebred parents to learn more about the Australian Eskimo dog.
The Australian Shepherd
Many people believe the Australian Shepherd was first developed in Australia; however, that’s not the case. This is an American dog breed that was taken over to Australia. The dogs were originally developed in the US to help farmers and ranchers in the West. These dogs performed many jobs, from herding cattle and guarding the ranch, and more.
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent, energetic dogs. This is a dog that has the endurance and energy to go all day long. They are excellent herders and will tackle a flock of sheep with no problem. What’s more, these dogs love to participate in dog sports of all kinds.
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Ask a Vet Live NowThe American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo dog belongs to the Spitz family of dogs. They are Nordic dogs that have foxlike faces, thick coats, and tails that curl over their backs. The dogs are highly intelligent and love their families. The dogs are loving, too, though they can get pretty rowdy at times.
This is a dog that’s an independent thinker, and he loves to use his brain. These dogs enjoy activities that make them think, including obedience training, learning tricks, dog agility competitions, and more. They also make excellent watchdogs! And they love to “talk.” American Eskimo dogs also love to chew and need plenty of chew toys to keep them busy.
These dogs make great family companions, and they get along with kids, other dogs, cats, and more! The dogs are also pretty, with white coats that may feature brown or black spots. However, they can also be speckled or have a merle pattern.
With parents like these, how could an Australian Eskimo dog go wrong?
The Australian Eskimo dog usually stands between 19 to 23 inches and weighs 35 to 52 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Australian Eskimo Temperament
The Australian Eskimo is a companion dog that loves their family, is friendly, and is active. They’re also highly intelligent and learn new tricks easily. This is a dog that’s eager to please and very loyal to its pet parents.
The dogs are large, yet not aggressive. They are kind, gentle canines. And because they’re so friendly, they may not make a good watchdog. Australian Eskimos can also have a strong prey drive.
These are very active dogs that need plenty of mental stimulation. They love to be out exploring and playing.
Are Australian Eskimo Dogs Good for Families?
The Australian Eskimo dog is an amazing family companion. They love kids and have the energy to play with them all day long. However, it’s never a good idea to leave your kids and dog unsupervised (that goes for all dogs and kids).
Do Australian Eskimo Dogs Get Along with Other Pets?
Yes, they usually do get along with other pets and dogs. They also make friends with other dogs and are great at sharing their toys! The dogs also get along with smaller animals, such as cats. However, the Australian Eskimo can have a strong prey drive. So, they may want to chase other animals, such as birds, squirrels, and small pets. They’re not aggressive with small pets but may want to chase and herd them. That can be pretty stressful for smaller animals.
Australian Eskimo Food Requirements
The Australian Eskimo needs dog food formulated for large, active dog breeds. They need plenty of protein, fat, and fiber to maintain their energy levels and beautiful coats. The dogs are also prone to joint issues as they age, so choosing a dog food with fish oil, omega fatty acids, and glucosamine can be helpful.
In addition, these dogs can be prone to food allergies. Your fur baby could develop skin rashes, stomach trouble, excess gas, itchy eyes and ears, and more. If your fur baby shows these symptoms, it’s best to take him to the vet for a checkup. The vet can determine if these are caused by food allergies and suggest the right dog food to keep your canine companion happy and healthy.
Exercise
Australian Eskimo dogs need plenty of exercise. They need at least an hour of activity a day, though some dogs may need more.
These dogs can adapt to living in an apartment; however, it’s essential to ensure they get enough exercise to release all that pent-up energy! They do best in a larger home that has a fenced backyard.
The dogs also need plenty of mental stimulation, such as dog toy puzzles. They also enjoy learning new tricks, obedience training, agility courses, and more.
Training
Australian Eskimo dogs are highly intelligent and quickly learn almost anything. And this is a dog that does best when training is made fun. They’re not very appreciative of serious training sessions. They do best with positive reinforcement training methods that are fun, with praise and treats included!
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! The Australian Eskimo dog is a hybrid mix of the Australian Shepherd and the American Eskimo dog. These dogs are highly intelligent and friendly and make great family companions. They get along with kids, adults, and other pets, too! Remember that the Australian Eskimo may have a strong prey drive. They may not be aggressive with small pets, but they may try to herd and chase them.
We’re pretty sure if you adopt an Australian Eskimo dog, you’ll have many years of love, fun, and plenty of exercise, too!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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