Eskipoo

Canis lupus

Last updated: March 22, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Zeljka/Shutterstock.com

Eskipoos are called pookimos by the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and Designer Breed Registry.


Advertisement


Eskipoo Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Eskipoo Locations

Eskipoo Locations

Eskipoo Facts

Fun Fact
Eskipoos are called pookimos by the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and Designer Breed Registry.
Diet
Omnivore

Eskipoo Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • Black
  • White
  • Dark Brown
  • Cream
  • Light-Brown
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
10-13 years
Weight
10-20 lbs

Eskipoo as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Hypoallergenic
Yes
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Cold climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
$600
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
10-20 lbs
Female weight
10-20 lbs

This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world's species.

View all of the Eskipoo images!



Share on:

It takes most Eskipoos 15 to 17 months to become fully grown.

The Eskipoo is a designer dog achieved by crossing an American Eskimo Dog with a European poodle. Breeders developed this dog, which weighs around 15 pounds and stands about 11 inches tall, as a happy-go-lucky family addition. Most have a double coat, which may make them ideal companions on cold winter days. Almost all have the flappy ears of the European poodle. If you are looking for a new member of your family, consider the Eskipoo. They love to be with you all the time, and their antics will have you laughing frequently.

See all of our expert product reviews.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Eskipoos

Pros!Cons!
Family dogs: They love to be in the middle of everything, so whatever your family is doing is fine with them.Suffer separation anxiety: They suffer from more separation anxiety than most breeds.
Intelligent: They are very smart animals who want to please their owners.Stubborn: Sometimes these dogs want to do things their way.
Great snuggles: They love to snuggle with you, and their coat will help you stay warm as they take a nap on your lap.Energetic: They are energetic animals that need activities to keep them mentally stimulated.

6 Types of Eskipoos

The Eskipoo — which is also called the Pookimo, Eskapoo, Eskimopoo, and Eskidoodle — can have a long and thick coat like the American Eskimo dog, or it can have a short curly coat like the European poodle. Others fall somewhere in between. If you are worried that you will not have time to groom it properly, choose the poodle-type coat option. Since either option is very dense, these animals do better in cooler climates. You will find them in a variety of colors, including:

  • White: This is the typical color of an Eskipoo’s coat.
  • Black: Some Eskipoos are black all over, while on other animals black is mixed with another color. All different shades of black are possible, including those with a red or blue tint.
  • Cream: All different cream shades are possible, from very light off-white to a deeper tannish color.
  • Grays: These animals may be born with a gray coat, or it may turn that way before age five.
  • Apricot: These animals are a dull, saturated orange, very similar to an apricot’s color.
  • Brown: From light to dark, many different shades of brown are possible.
eskipoo standing in the grass

Eskipoos are typically white but can come in a variety of colors.

©Zeljka/Shutterstock.com

Evolution and Origins

As is the case with many hybrid dogs, the exact origin of the Eskipoo is unknown. However, it’s possible that it was developed when designer dogs started being bred in the 1990s and crossbreeds with poodles — such as the Pomapoo, Maltipoo, Yorkiepoo, Cavapoo, Labradoodle, Schnoodle, and Goldendoodle — became popular.

An Ekipoo’s appearance (particularly its coat), health, and temperament can vary depending on which of its parent breeds it takes after, so it’s instructive to take a look at the American Eskimo Dog and European poodle to better understand the Eskipoo.

Health and Entertainment for your Eskipoo

See all of our expert product reviews.

Both parent breeds come in three sizes — standard, miniature, and toy — with the miniature size of the American Eskimo Dog often used for breeding the Eskipoo. Both breeds have European roots, German ties, and circus performance experience.

Despite its name, the American Eskimo Dog has nothing to do with indigenous Inuit people but is descended from a Nordic breed of dog known as the German Spitz and is believed to have been brought to the U.S. by German immigrants in the early 1800s. These dogs gained popularity as show dogs due to their agility and intelligence, with the most famous being Stout’s Pal Pierre, known as the first dog to walk the tightrope, who performed with Barnum & Bailey Circus during the 1930s.

The poodle can trace its lineage to Germany in the 1400s when it was bred to assist in duck hunting. The French further developed the breed, which they called the Caniche, which translates to “duck dog,” and while the miniature poodle was often used by the nobility to hunt truffles, the toy poodle became a lapdog owned by royalty and the rich. Poodles were also once featured as circus performers and became especially popular as show dogs following a poodle named Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace winning Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1935.

Pomapoo

Like the Eskipoo, the Pomapoo is a poodle hybrid and is a crossbreed with the Pomeranian.

©Jimmy Gunawan/Shutterstock.com

Size and Weight

Eskipoos can stand between 9 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. There is little difference between the size of males and females.

Height (Male):9 to 15 inches tall
Height (Female):9 to 15 inches tall
Weight (Male):Typically 10 to 20 pounds
Weight (Female):Typically 10 to 20 pounds

Common Health Issues

Eskipoos are generally healthy animals, but there are some health issues that you may want to watch out for, including:

  • Cataracts
  • Digital squamous cell carcinoma
  • Luxating patellas.

While the vast majority of Eskipoos will not get these diseases, it is essential to learn about them and spot them early.

American Eskimo Dogs are particularly prone to cataracts, and they can pass this condition on to Eskipoos. In a mature cataract, the part of the eye that is typically black turns white. This condition can cause blindness. Since it is often hereditary, this is a question that you may want to ask the breeder about the parent. Many learn to adapt very well to being blind.

Another disease that American Eskimo dogs are prone to is digital squamous cell carcinoma, and it can be a problem for some Eskipoos. Several factors can cause these cancerous tumors on the dog’s paws, including exposure to too much sunlight. Watch your Eskipoos’ feet for crusted over or irritated places and get them checked out by a veterinarian.

Luxating patellas is a displaced kneecap. Watch your Eskipoo run across the yard, and you may see them running on three feet. Then, suddenly they are running on all four again. This is the most common sign of luxating patellas. This disease is also prevalent in Maltese, Chihuahua, French Poodle, and Bichon Frise breeds and may cause the dog to throw its leg out to the side when it runs. It can be surgically corrected if needed because it often leads to other bone and ligament issues.

Teacup Maltese

Like the Eskipoo, the Maltese is also prone to luxating patellas.

©Plernz/Shutterstock.com

Temperament

If you and your family are looking for a loyal companion, it is hard to beat the Eskipoo’s temperament. Like its parent breed the American Eskimo Dog, these dogs will gladly join in whatever way they can in anything that your family has planned. They have a very loyal temperament to your family, so they have a hard time adjusting if you are gone for even a couple of hours.

The Eskipoo is a high-energy dog. Therefore, you need to be sure that it gets plenty of playtime every day. If you don’t provide it, you can sometimes expect this dog to show a little destructive temperament.

As a breed, the Eskipoo is very sensitive, and it strives hard to fit in. If you are having a good day, then expect this dog to be active and happy. If life is not going your way, it is perfectly content to sit by you while you mope or cry. Getting an Eskipoo hug can be a great way to get to feeling better.

American Eskimo Dog laying in green grass

The Eskipoo takes after its parent breed the American Eskimo Dog in its family-friendly temperament.

©iStock.com/blendshapes

How to Take Care of Eskipoos

It is natural for new pet Eskipoo owners to be a little nervous that they will meet all their new dog’s needs. Thinking about several various factors can help ensure that you meet your Eskipoo puppy or older dog’s needs appropriately.

The Best Dog Food for Eskipoos

Full-grown Eskipoos are prone to obesity, like many other breeds, so ensure that you feed them high-quality food twice a day. Additionally, they may suffer from dental issues, so feed them dry kibble whenever possible.

Eskipoo puppy food: Feed the Eskipoo pup a combination of wet and dry dog food for the first 10 months. Then, switch over to totally dry dog food. Be sure to choose a high-quality food with a high amount of calcium as it can later help prevent bone and joint problems.

Eskipoo adult food: You should feed adult Eskipoos at least two meals a day. This is an active breed, so your dog may eat more than many dogs that are the same size, like the Pug or the Havanese. Watch to make sure that your dog does not become obese.

Because of Eskipoos’ propensity for digital squamous cell carcinoma, high-quality food with limited ingredients may remove potentially harmful additives from their diet.

Instinct Limited Ingredient Dog Food, Limited Ingredient Diet Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food may be the way to go.

Look at this food’s ingredients: Vitamin E, Niacin, Thiamin, Calcium, Vitamin A, Riboflavin, B12, D3, Folic acid, Zinc, Iron, Manganese, and more. Not only will your Eskipoo’s bones and joints be more likely to develop healthfully with a diet like this, but his or her skin, fur, eyes, immune system, metabolism, and beyond will be set up for success. Plus, this food leaves out a lot of the ingredients that can cause health problems in dogs.

Click the link below to get Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Natural Grain Free Food on Chewy and Amazon.

Best for Dogs with Sensitivities
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Lamb Freeze-Dried Raw Dry Dog Food
  • Limited ingredient recipe includes just one animal protein and one vegetable for pets with food sensitivities.
  • Made with grass-fed lamb, an easily digestible protein that provides all the essential amino acids your pooch needs.
  • Guaranteed levels of natural omegas and antioxidants promote healthy skin and coat, plus immune health.
  • Made in the USA using premium ingredients from around the world, with the pure nutrition of raw in every piece.
  • Never contains any grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives.


Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

The Eskipoo can inherit its coat from either parent. If it gets its coat from its American Eskimo parent, then you need to give it a bath weekly and comb its coat every day with a wide-tooth comb. It also needs to go to the groomer for a trim about once a month.

If the Eskipoo gets its coat from its European poodle parent, it still needs a bath weekly because it has a double coat. Brush the dog with a soft brush two or three times a week. Dogs with this coat need to go to the groomer about every two months.

combing poodle hair

If your Eskipoo inherits the coat of its poodle parent, brush the dog 2-3 times a week.

©Kristina Arba/Shutterstock.com

Training

The Eskipoo is easy to train if you rely on positive reinforcement. Like its parent breed the American Eskimo Dog, this breed is generally a people pleaser so that it can be easily trained. Some dogs, however, retain a stubborn streak.

American Eskimo Dog

Like its parent breed the American Eskimo Dog, the Eskipoo is easy to train with positive reinforcement.

©Scarlett Images/Shutterstock.com

Exercise

Like its high-energy parent breed the poodle, the Eskipoo is an active dog that needs regular exercise. Two 30-minute walks a day can benefit this dog, along with some time to romp in the backyard or engage with the family while they are doing an active activity.

White toy poodle playing in the garden

The Eskipoo is an active, energetic dog like its poodle parent breed.

©Rin Seiko/Shutterstock.com

Puppies

Your Eskipoo puppy must go to the veterinarian to check its health and get started on heartworm prevention and any other options to ensure healthy growth. Be sure to follow up regularly with your puppy’s health needs.

dewormer for puppies

Eskipoo puppies should be given heartworm-preventative medication.

©ThamKC/Shutterstock.com

Eskipoos and Children

Eskipoos make excellent dogs for families. Be sure to teach the child how to interact with the dog appropriately. If it is an Eskipoo pup, you may need to supervise playtime.

Dogs Similar to Eskipoos

Several dog breeds are about the same size as the Eskipoo, including:

  • Boston Terrier – With this breed, there is less grooming required than with the Eskipoo and these dogs prefer the same active lifestyle.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Some Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be more stubborn than the Eskipoo, but they suffer from the same separation anxiety.
  • Shiba Inu – Like the Eskipoo, this breed can suffer from separation anxiety. It is normally harder to train a Shiba Inu than an Eskipoo.
  • Shih Tzu – Like the Eskipoo, this breed hates hot weather, though the Eskipoo can make a better family dog than the Shih Tzu.
Calmest dog - cavalier king charles spaniel in fall leaves

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can also suffer from separation anxiety like Eskipoos.

©Sarune Kairyte/Shutterstock.com

Popular names for Eskipoos often include:

  • Zane
  • Ghost
  • Lady
  • Toby
  • Fluffy

View all 117 animals that start with E

Share on:
What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

Ashley Haugen is a lifelong animal lover and professional writer and editor. When she's not immersed in A-Z-Animals.com, she can be found hanging out with her dogs and birds.

Eskipoo FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a Eskipoo?

An Eskipoo is a cross between a European poodle and an American Eskimo dog.

How big is a Eskipoo?

An Eskipoo is a small dog that seldom weighs more than 20 pounds. It usually stands between 9 and 15 inches at the shoulder.

What does the Eskipoo look like?

Eskipoo are small dogs with round heads. They have a black nose and floppy European-poodle-style ears. Their eyes are often blue and set back on the head. This dog can have an American Eskimo-type coat or a European poodle-type coat. They come in a variety of colors.

How much does the Eskipoo cost to own?

In addition to the $600 initial price required to get a full-grown Eskipoo, you can expect ongoing expenses. Depending on the dog’s coat, you can expect the price to be about $50 every two to three months for grooming. You can also expect it to cost about $500 a year to feed the dog.

Are Eskipoos good with kids?

Eskipoos make outstanding dogs for kids as long as you set boundaries. They love all the activity that comes with an active family. Introduce the dog and child so that they know not to be too rough with this dog.

Do Eskipoos make good family dogs?

Eskipoos make outstanding family dogs if someone is home most of the time, or you take your dog with you wherever you go. They suffer a lot from separation anxiety.

How long do Eskipoos live?

Eskipoos usually live for about 10 to 13 years.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. petplace.com, Available here: https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/breeds/dog-breeds/eskipoo-choosing-eskipoo/
  2. doglime.com, Available here: https://doglime.com/eskipoo/#:~:text=Puppies,Cute%20little%20Eskipoo%20puppy.&text=Cost%3A%20The%20average%20cost%20of,between%20%24500%2D%24700%20USD.
  3. petplace.com, Available here: https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/breeds/dog-breeds/eskipoo-choosing-eskipoo/#:~:text=Regardless%20of%20which%20type%20of,recommended%20for%20owners%20with%20allergies.
  4. dog-learn.com, Available here: https://www.dog-learn.com/dog-breeds/eskipoo/#:~:text=A%20small%2Dsized%20breed.,and%20weigh%2010%2D20%20pounds.
  5. resources.bestfriends.org, Available here: https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/cataracts-dogs-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment
  6. vcahospitals.com, Available here: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/squamous-skin-cell-carcinoma-in-dogs
  7. globaldogbreeds.com, Available here: http://globaldogbreeds.com/Eskipoo.html

Newly Added Animals

A Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Cobalt blue tarantulas spend most of their time in self-dug burrows and only emerge when it's time to eat

A Dried Fruit Moth
Dried Fruit Moth

In the event of adverse environmental conditions, dried fruit moth larvae will become dormant and stop developing.

Most Recently Updated Animals

A Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Cobalt blue tarantulas spend most of their time in self-dug burrows and only emerge when it's time to eat

A Dried Fruit Moth
Dried Fruit Moth

In the event of adverse environmental conditions, dried fruit moth larvae will become dormant and stop developing.