American
Eskimo Dog History
The
American Eskimo is a descendant of the White German Spitz
dog. "Spitz" is not a breed of dog, but
rather a group of breeds with similar characteristics.
It is believed Spitz dogs lived in the late stone age
(approximately 3000BC), and were
called the dog of
the
lake settlement,
or the Peat Bog dog, referring to the locations where skeletal
remains were discovered. One 18th century German historian
claimed that the Spitz was the ancestor of all domestic
breeds.
The first documented recording of the term
Spitz (meaning “sharp
point”) was in the 1450s.
Early fiction writers from this period noted the Spitz
as valiant defender of the. There are statues in Germany
honoring the Spitz as the guardians of the fields. Watch
dog duties were one of the earliest characteristics to
develop in the Spitz breed. Guardians for human settlements,
they alerted their owners to the presence of wild animals
and other intruders. They were commonly seen as watchdogs
on German farms and were specifically bred to guard the
farmers family and property.
White Spitzes were popular in Pomerania
and in the coastal regions of Germany. Sailors traded
the white dogs throughout
Europe. By 1700's, the White Spitz became the fashion of
British Society when Queen Charlotte of England acquired
several white Spitzes. The German's disapproved of the
erroneous term “Pomeranian” being used to describe
the White Spitz dog. These were not the same dog which
is recognized today as the Pomeranian.
The German Spitz dog came to the United States before
the turn of the century by way of immigrants from Europe,
and German settlers. No one can pinpoint exactly when the
breed arrived in America, but it is speculated to be in
the late 1600's.
The United Kennel Club began registering
the American Eskimo in 1913. The pre-World War I political
climate was
very tense and may well have contributed to the name change
of the White German Spitz in the United States to “American
Eskimo”.
Because of his superior intelligence, the breed was used
widely in Circuses and Rodeos, most notable among these
was Barnum and Bailey Circus, whose troupe of Eskie performers
delighted audiences across the country. This keen intellect
has enabled this hardy breed to excel in Obedience. Having
a sensitive and affectionate nature, the Eskie has an uncanny
ability to understand people and human tone, thereby adapting
himself to the various personalities of the household.
He is a lovable and friendly dog in their presence. Evolving
from a foundation stock of dogs who ate and slept close
to their masters he must become a member of your family.
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