American Eskimo Dog Lifespan: How Long Do These Dogs Live?

Also known as “Eskie,” the American Eskimo dog breed is nothing short of adorable. The striking appearance of their furry coat will have you surprised to hear that there is no relation to the Eskimo culture. 

This dog breed is incredibly smart, eager, and easy to train. Whether you already have an American Eskimo pup or you’re looking to adopt, it’s essential to know how long these dogs can live. 

Keep on reading to learn all about this spitz breed, their lifespan, and what you can do to keep them living a long and happy life. 

American Eskimo Dog Lifespan

The life expectancy of an American Eskimo dog is between 13 and 15 years. Did you know that pet parents play a huge role in how long a dog can live? Giving them proper care, routine vet visits, and plenty of exercise can extend your furry friend’s life. 

Health Issues of American Eskimo Dogs

One thing about this breed is that it is susceptible to a myriad of health issues. Believe it or not, many dogs are! Here is an in-depth look at what you should be aware of when owning an American Eskimo pooch.

Vision Issues

One of the main health issues American Eskimo dogs experience is eye-related. For starters, Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited disease that can eventually lead to blindness. 

While most dog breeds are at risk for this disease, Eskies have a slightly higher chance. Your furry friend may not experience any pain from the PRA. It generally starts with night blindness when they’re between three and five years old. 

Older American Eskimo dogs may get cataracts. Check your dog’s eyes as they get older. If they start to look cloudy, you can ask your veterinarian about cataract removal surgery options. 

Hip Dysplasia 

Many dog breeds can suffer from hip dysplasia. This is an inherited disease that leads to hip joints growing incorrectly. Eventually, it leads to arthritis typically in the hind legs. Juvenile American Eskimo dogs are likely to experience something similar called Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. 

While it’s not entirely understood what causes this issue, it leads to the femoral head becoming brittle. Be on the lookout for this issue when your pooch is between six and nine months old. 

Because hip dysplasia and other joint issues can lead to arthritis, it’s best to catch them sooner rather than later. If you see your dog struggling to get up from lying down, you may want to take them in for x-rays. 

Hypothyroidism

Another health issue that Eskies are prone to experience is hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. A few common signs of this disease are dry skin, hair loss, aggression, weight gain, and anxiety. 

You can ask your vet to run a series of labs to test your pooch. Hypothyroidism is treated with replacement hormones that may need to be taken for life. 

Retained Testicles

If you have a male dog, they may have this condition. Some vets may notice it at birth, but it may not be noticeable until your dog is a few months old. Retained testicles are when one or both of the testicles don’t drop into the scrotum. 

When a testicle stays in the abdomen, it can lead to health problems, including cancer, down the road. Vets commonly remove the testicles if a dog is believed to have this condition. 

How to Keep American Eskimo Dogs Healthy

Just like humans, dogs can lead a healthy lifestyle to prevent a myriad of health issues. It’s a great idea to start their lifestyle off right as soon as you bring your spitz home. Here are some things you can do to help them live a healthy, long life. 

Diet 

Having a proper diet is essential for this breed. When an Eskie is a puppy, they should be given food specifically made for puppies. You’ll want to feel them four meals a day until they’re 12 weeks old. 

Gradually reduce the amount of food until they’re at two meals per day. Check the ingredients on the dog food you buy. Avoid anything with fillers, colors, or unnecessary ingredients. If you have the time and resources, making dog food yourself is the ideal option. That way you know exactly what they’re eating! 

Of course, give them plenty of water and have it freshly available at all times. 

Exercise

American Eskimo dogs may only reach 35 pounds, but they still need plenty of exercise. They should go on a long walk or short run every day. Make sure you have plenty of toys available to keep them mentally stimulated as well. 

This breed does well with other dogs and may enjoy afternoons at the dog park.

Grooming

Believe it or not, proper grooming can prevent health issues down the road. Because Eskies have fluffier coats, you’ll want to brush them no less than once a week. Be sure to clean their ears at least once a week as well. Lastly, Eskies have a lot of dental issues. You’ll have to brush your dog’s teeth three times a week at a minimum. 

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