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Is Keeshond American Eskimo Mix Right for You?

Is Keeshond American Eskimo Mix Right for You?

If you are into super-fluffy, friendly, alert, and happy medium-sized dogs, you have probably already considered the cute Keeshond. With a long, double-layered coat, this beauty is the fluffiest member of the canine family. Her feathery tail curls and sits beautifully at the back, making her the more delightful. The American Eskimo dog boasts the same striking features with a clever and quick mind. The mix is no doubt a delightful breed. Sadly, like all other breeds, she comes with challenges of her own. If you are wondering whether to own one, here’s a rundown of the good and the bad of the Keeshond American Eskimo mix.

The Keeshond Dog at a Glance

The Keeshond, formerly known as the Dutch Barge Dog, is a medium-sized Spitz-type breed with origins in The Netherlands. The breed was bred to keep watch over barges in the rivers and canals of The Netherlands. It is closely related to other Spitz dog breeds such as the Norwegian Elkhound, Pomeranian, and Samoyed.

Besides a coat of fluff, the breed is famous for the unique eye markings that give her the appearance of a dog on tiny glasses. The average height is 18 inches for males and 17 inches for females while the weight is approximately 35-45 pounds. Keeshond’s profuse mane extends over the shoulder ending in a super-plumed tailed that is raised high over the back. The coat boasts a harsh texture of different colors including cream, black, and gray. 

The American Eskimo At A Glance

American Eskimo dog price

Despite the name, the American Eskimo Dog, also known as Eskie, originated from Germany. She is a descendant of the German Spitz and was originally used as a livestock guard, herder, and hunting dog. She comes in three different sizes – toy, miniature, and standard. Weight is anywhere from 10-30 pounds.

The Pros Of Owning A Keeshond American Eskimo Mix

Both the Keeshond and American Eskimo dogs are charming breeds. From temperament to training to maintenance, here is the good of the mix.

1. Good Temperament

Bright, lively, and cheerful, the Keeshond will always put a smile on your face. There’s not a dull moment with her. After hanging around humans for a long time, the dog has become deeply people-oriented. The American Eskimo is equally active and playful. She is gentle, curious, and affectionate. As long as she is around her owners, she will display her happy-go-lucky attitude. If you want a dog that loves and craves human attention, a cross between the two fits the bill.

2. Adaptability

Certain dog breeds cannot thrive unless they have a big yard to burn off their energy in. The Keeshond American Eskimo mix is luckily not one of them. No matter where you live, she will be happy to fit right in without a hassle. That makes her ideal for apartment living. Both parents are content being indoor pets. As long as you take her for a 30-40 minute daily workout, she will be her lively self every day.

3. Easy To Train

Of all Spitz-type dogs, the Keeshond is the less dominant. Stubbornness is not a common trait within the breed. This means she can maintain her focus throughout the training sessions. On the other hand, the Eskie is an intelligent breed meaning she grasps commands easily. Plus, her eagerness to please you makes her a great dog to train. The mix is nothing short of trainable. Of course, you want to keep the training sessions short and sweet. Like most breeds, she can get bored easily.

4. Alert Watchdog

As mentioned before, the Keeshond is an excellent watchdog. After watching over barges in Dutch waterways, she has perfected the art of watching and protecting her owners. The Eskie was bred to be a herder and guard dog, meaning she also makes a good watchdog. The mix will always bark to warn you of impending danger.

5. Good Family Dog

From kids of all ages to elderly owners and other pets, the American Eskimo Keeshond mix will get along with everyone. Her spirited and friendly personality makes her a great company for kids. The breed is also patient and tolerant. If you have cats at home, she will exist peacefully with them as well.

6. Minimal Grooming Needs

With a long, fluffy coat, one would imagine that both the Keeshond and the American Eskimo are high-maintenance dogs. It is quite the opposite, actually. All you have to do is brush the coat using a pin brush twice a week to reduce matting. The coat needs no shaving except for trimming around the hocks and feet which happens on demand. Other grooming needs are the usual – check the ears often, clip the nails, and brush the teeth.

Cons

1. Excessive Barking

One of the undesirable qualities of both Spitz-type dogs is too much barking. No doubt, these are some of the most vocal dog breeds out there. The mix is likely to inherit the trait. She will bark at passersby, strangers, loud noises, you name it. When you come home in the evening, she will show excitement by barking. If she gets bored, she will let the anxiety out by making a lot of noise. Granted, training can help her bring down the trait but it can only go so far. If you are not ready for a loud canine friend, leave the Keeshond alone.

2. Moderate to Heavy Shedders

Keeshonds and Eskiesare considered to be moderate shedders. However, they move to the ‘heavy shedder” category twice a year. This is when you will find heaps of dog hair everywhere. This means you must stay on top of cleaning to take care of the problem.

3. Separation Anxiety

Last but not least, the Keeshond American Eskimo mix doesn’t like being left alone for too long. She loves human company too much to go for hours without it. If you have to go to work from morning till evening, organize for a sitter to watch over the dog.

Parting Thoughts

That’s it with the good and bad of owning the Keeshond American Eskimo mix. The advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. If you can handle excessive barking, shedding, and get a sitter for the dog, you will be rewarded with a friendly, loyal, trainable, and low-maintenance furry friend. The breed isn’t particularly cheap, so prepare to part with a pretty penny for one puppy.

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Last Updated on May 23, 2021 by

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