Those Eskies Blog - Living with American Eskimo Dogs

My Dogs Woofdays

2019-03-07T16:37:00.000-06:00

Happy 3rd Woofday Angie!

Angie is 3 years old today!

Are you celebrating your dog Birthdays? How? Are you buying presents? We buy them toys/balls to play or bones to keep them busy. We also give them what they like the best probably - take them to a long walk in the forest, so they can run as much as they want and make us really tired ;)

I made myself a calendar-type reminder:

As well as a graphic version for both dogs:

Angie was born: 03/07/2016

Buddy was born: 09/02/2017

Short Video with my Eskies

2019-02-28T18:24:00.001-06:00

Today just short video which is a compilation of my American Eskimo dogs pictures: Angie and Buddy.

American Eskimo Dogs and Winter Snow

2019-02-22T03:17:00.001-06:00

Winter is my Eskies favorite time of year. There is cold enough for outside activities, no heat that makes them suffer and the most important thing during winter: snow! You can run in the snow, play, chase each other, eat snow. So many things you can do!

Just being in the snow is fun!

Of course, I don't take my dogs for long walks when it's very cold, like this year in Chicago, when we had polar vortex(wrrr.) The temperatures dropped to -24F and with the wind, you could feel as cold as -50F. It was chilly, even my car's battery died. My dogs weren't walked for 2 days in a row during that time. But normal winter snowy days seems totally different for us: lots of fun outside!

Eating snow is fun!

When it's snowing, my Eskies rarely drink water from their dishes, they just love to chew snow!

Digging in snow: maybe there are hidden treasures ;)

Buddy often tends to dig in the snow, sometimes he refuses to leave his "treasure place" until he gets to the bottom. Most times the hidden treasures he finds out are grasses.

Snow is fun at night too!

During the night time, when it's colder, my American Eskimo dogs love to walk and run in the snow and it doesn't matter what's the time. The only negative experience of snow for dogs its time, when is a lot of salt that is bothering their paws. I always try to find places salt and other chemicals free, but it's not possible during quick walks.

Eskies waiting for snow :)

Dutchy Brand Leashes for My Eskies

2019-02-13T19:51:00.001-06:00

Have you ever tried to keep two active dogs on retractable leashes at the same time? I have nothing against retractable leash if you have one dog, but I found out hard to control both dogs at the same time. I feel like in some situations you are losing control over the dog(s). For example, when one of your dogs suddenly see a squirrel and decides to chase her ;) Sounds familiar?

Leashes from Pet Lovers 6 Ft long

When Buddy's retractable leash broke I was searching for a good replacement. Sure we have a couple of cheap leashes for a forest walk or other activities, but I needed something for every day walk: strong, solid and not expensive. I found out Dutchy brand from Amazon, and I decided to give it a try: Pets Lovers Club Heavy Duty Dog Leash

First I ordered the black one for Buddy(for medium to large size dogs) and after a couple of walks, I ordered another one- this time red for Angie(for small to medium size dogs).

Angie leash

Now I can walk comfortably with two dogs and can control them at the same time!

* We did not receive any compensation for this review, it's based only on our own opinion about Pet Lovers' leashes.

Cleaning My Eskimo Dog's Teeth with Coconut Oil

2019-01-26T14:22:00.000-06:00

Some time ago I have read an article online about cleaning dogs teeth naturally on my favorite blog: Sit Stay. Other very usuful information you can find in published by Sixty Formula in here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c387vmprhwI

The author - Grant Withers - teach us how to clean our dog's teeth with coconut oil. Why do that? Simply to avoid dental diseases and tartar buildup on our pooch. Coconut oil can work as toothpaste and consists of acids that works antibacterial and antifungal. We can do it at home and don't have to put our dog through anesthesia.

Coconut oil and dogs toothbrushes

The author of the original article suggested of use natural 100% organic virgin coconut oil for dogs, I found out the same product, with the same ingredients in my grocery store and it cost me much less.

Coconut oil and dogs toothbrushes

We had already dog's toothbrushes, which was purchased on eBay. I only had to sign them to know which one is for which dog. And we were ready to start. At first, dogs were unhappy and try to run away from me and toothbrush, but after 3rd repeated cleaning they got used to. And results? I am happy to have more healthy dogs!

Now I can smile, my teeth are white!

American Eskimo Dogs Enjoying Snow

2019-01-16T18:45:00.000-06:00

A couple of days ago we had finally snow in Chicago. We went for a long walk to the nearest forest, where Angie and Buddy could run free and enjoy the snow. I posted photos here and below is the short video from that day.

Check also: My Eskies and Snowy Forest Walk

Eskies and Snowy Forest Walk

2019-01-12T16:16:00.000-06:00

We live in Chicago and usually, we have a lot of snow in winter time. This year winter wasn't so bad so far, but... there were almost no snow days.

Today we had finally snow and that's when my Eskies have a fun! First I took them for a walk around the neighborhood, but seeing how much they enjoy the weather, I took them to a forest.

Eskies paws on the snow:)

I know that forest makes them happy, plus snow ... super happy dogs! We have a lot of fun, both Angie and Buddy was running in the forest, chewing snow, rolling in the snow, chasing each other. In short: happy time!

Angie and Buddy in forest

We don't take a leash from Angie, because once in a while she likes to play "I run and you catch me" game. It happened in the past, so we decided to let her walk with leash in case if she will decide to run. It's easy to catch the dog with the leash.

Angie in a forest with her leash

Buddy never runs away and even when he is in a chasing mode(chasing squirrel or deer), he always comes back to us.

Where are you guys? And walk faster!

They run occasionally eating the snow, digging in the snow and rolling themselves. Sometimes they also chase each other.

Maybe there are hidden treasures?

You can say they both enjoy forest walk, they have fun and their daily dosage of exercises. After all, they are Eskies, they love being outside!

Can you spot the dog?

And if we are lucky enough, we see couple deer searching for food. People often bring them food, so deer and squirrels and other forest animals search for it.

Deer searching for food in a forest

Lola - American Eskimo Dog

2019-01-10T20:23:00.000-06:00

Lola is a miniature American Eskimo, 7 years young and she is living with her family in Glenview, IL

Being a typical Eskie, Lola is very devoted to her family, but not to strangers. That's why on each attempt to make her picture, she just simply ignored me...

Those Eskies!

Lola - American Eskimo miniature

Lola decided to stay comfortable in her safe place, where she sleeps with her human Mom.

Lola in bed

It Wasn't Me! (Eskie Edition)

2019-01-04T06:36:00.001-06:00

How many times have you seen that face, the innocent dog face that seems to say: "It wasn't me..." and at the same time it's like admitting to guilt?
Something similar to our Buddy on the picture below.

Mom, it wasn't me...

So today I decided to publish: "It Wasn't Me!" pictures of our Eskies.

Buddy was trying to tell me, that it wasn't him that chew our couch, even if all evidence was against him :) I know that he likes to chew and destroy things and one day we had a serious conversation about that. He was scared and to my surprise, Buddy never touched couch again.
The conversation was really convincing I guess but check below what Buddy was capable to do.

It was...neighbor's dog!

Other time I walked to the bathroom and there was the art of my dog: toilet paper on the floor. Angie liked to do it since she was a puppy, so for about a year or longer, we kept toilet paper out of her reach.
She was old and mature enough, or I thought so, and I decided it's about time to put toilet paper roll on its place. Results? Check by yourself:

This is how we roll!

But Mom, it wasn't me!

Guilty as charged!

Eskie Meets Hedgehog

2019-01-02T20:30:00.001-06:00

I know it's not a new video, but it is a way too cute to miss it!
American Eskimo dog (Nimbus) meets African Pygmy Hedgehog (named Poki). Hm, my Eskies would most likely chase that little cutie-pie and I woudn't risk it, but as you can see below, Nimbus is a true lady Eskie!

Buddy DNA Test

2018-12-30T16:51:00.000-06:00

Buddy was purchased as an American Eskimo standard size dog, but very shortly we started to figure out he is not acting like a typical Eskie, and he doesn't look like one.
I obviously fell in love with that funny dog, but I wanted to check what other dogs he is mixed with.
Wisdom Panel was the most recommended dog DNA test, even by our veterinarian, so I decided to buy it and check who Buddy really is.

Wisdom Panel Dog DNA

Doing the test was very easy, the worst part was waiting for results! And when they came...

I knew that he is in some % American Eskimo

So that part I knew, I wasn't sure how many % is Eskie blood in our Buddy. He is 62.5% American Eskimo and 37.5% Mixed Breed Groups dog.

Now I know how much % of Eskie is in my Buddy

And below was part I was waiting for: the breed his ancestors was crossed with. Ok, so Buddy is

It would be nice to know what kind of breed is that magic mix

And here is the part I am very confused. I bought the DNA test to make sure what particular breed except American Eskimo make Buddy being Buddy. "American Eskimo Dog Mix" or "Mixed Breed" don't seem to clear this up.

That we knew a long time ago

That we learned as a test result

Hm, so we can narrow it down to a couple of breeds: Akita, Canadian Eskimo Dog, Japanese Shiba Inu, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Klee Kai, Chinese Shar-Pei, Korean Jindo, Tibetan Mastiff, Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Samoyed. Only 11 dogs bread to guess, thank you Wisdom Panel!!!

The whole experience was fun, but it hasn't completely fulfilled my expectations. I knew from the beginning that Buddy is an American Eskimo mix and I wanted to know who is he mixed with.

For me, Buddy is the funniest and most goofy dog I have ever had in my life, and I love him of course. Maybe one day we will find out his origin, not that we can't live without it ...

* We did not receive any compensation for this review, it's based only on our own opinion about Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test.

Tennis Balls from eBay

2018-10-11T17:04:00.007-05:00

Do your dogs like to play with tennis balls? Angie loves them. Buddy wasn't into them at first, but watching older sister he learned running after balls. Of course destroying toys and chewing wood sticks seems like more fun for him... boys!


Inspector Angie must check what's inside;)

We like to keep our dogs entertained, they go for a walks on daily basis, they go to the forest often. I also want to keep them busy and happy when we are inside apartment. Busy dog is a happy dog!

So I ordered slightly used, in nice condition balls from eBay for my dogs. I was positively surprised, when they came in really decent condition, almost like new. My tails will have fun - I thought right away.

Check by yourself:

That looks like fun!

Shortly after Buddy joins the game!

Are you gonna play with us, mom?

And guess who was cleaning later...

Dog Bandanas from Amazon

2018-10-05T18:36:00.006-05:00

I don't like dressing my dogs, except...bandanas. I ordered from Amazon two kinds:

Bandanas from Amazon

Dog Bandanas, 4PCS Segarty Triangle Bibs Reversible Plaid Printing Dog Kerchief Set, Scarfs Accessories for Small to Large Dogs Cats Pets by Segarty

and

TAOBABY 8pcs/Pack Classic Pet Dog Bandanas Washable Triangle Plaid Adjustable Dog Scarf Bow Ties by Taobaby

I wasn't sure if my white monsters gonna wear them, so I bought the only couple basic red and blue color bandanas. Yes: red for Angie and blue ones for Buddy.
Buddy after short, a couple of minutes of struggle with his bandana, was okay. Angie was wearing proud hers, after a soft argument that "she looks soooo beautiful".

Since we look so cute, we deserve some treats!

It was so worth the money, and now we gonna dress our dogs so they can proudly wear their bandanas!

Okay, I will get used to that bandana ;)

* We did not receive any compensation for this review, it's based only on our own opinion about dog bandanas from Amazon.

I am an American Eskimo! Therefore I am not....

2018-09-30T20:47:00.000-05:00

There are so many myths about me, that being American Eskimo dog, I decided that it's about time to tell everybody who I am not!
First things first, I am an American Eskimo dog named Angie. I live with my bigger brother Buddy and our human mom in Chicago. When we go for a walk, people often confuse us with different dog breeds or even other animals.

I am an American Eskimo! Therefore I am not...

I am not a little Samoyed!


Samoyed / Picture Credit: Pixabay

I have to admit we look so similar, but no, that's not me. We both belong to the Spitz family, but we are different dogs.
Samoyeds are a larger size, herding, working dogs. We (Eskies) are smaller in size and we are companion dogs(not hunting).

I am not white Pomeranian!

Pomeranian / Picture Credit: Flickr

How many times have you heard: "O, what a cute Pomeranian!". Nnoooooo, I am an American Eskimo, not Pom! Pomeranians and Eskies belong to the Spitz family, but they are different dogs. In many counties Poms are known as "Dwarf-Spitz", and because of their size, they are classed to a toy bread. My mom says that I am as moody as Pom - no mom, I am a good dog!

I am not a polar bear!

Polar Bear / Picture Credit: Flickr

I must say, my bigger brother Buddy, looked just like one when he was a puppy. People often turned heads on us and compared him to a polar bear. Now, when he is an adult, he sleeps like a white bear sometimes and momma says it looks so funny.

I am not an arctic fox!

Arctic Foxes / Picture Credit: Pixabay

You have to give me a credit, I can be like chameleon and look like one of those foxes :) I even have read the story about lady in China, who thought she bought white puppy American Eskimo, but later cute Eskie turn magically into white fox and she had to gave "puppy" up to the zoo ;) My mom sometimes calls me: white fox ;)

I am not the dog, who was living among Eskimos!

Igloo / Picture Credit: Flickr

Eskimos had nothing to do with the founding of the breed. I am a companion dog, not sled type. That credit should go to Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Huskies. But because I am white, fluffy, have lots of hair and love snow people came to the wrong conclusion.

I am not really American!

Photo by Fischer Twins on Unsplash

My origin name was German Spitz and (as you can now easily guess) I came from Germany. German name was changed to "American Eskimo" Dog, after the name used by a Spitz breeding kennel in Ohio.

Therefore I am an American Eskimo
(aka German Spitz, Eskimo Spitz, American Spitz, Eskie)

Angie, an American Eskimo dog

Angie's Vet Visit

2018-09-29T20:03:00.003-05:00

Once or twice a year - if we have no other health problems - we go to the vet for a standard check-up and shots. This time it was time for Angie. I always take both dogs with me, so they can feel better together and not go suspicious and then scared before even reaching the building.
My dogs go to Companion Animal Hospital in Norridge. There are a couple of good veterinarians, but we always ask about Dr. Tomasz Krystek, DMV, young, passionate and very human and dog-friendly veterinarian.

Smelling, searching...

In the beginning, both dogs were nervous, new smells, unknown barks, unmarked territory...

Angie with tail down...

But after a short while, when the doctor gave them tons of treats, they stopped worrying and asked for more... Yeah, my dogs never have enough. And we found out they both have a couple of pounds to lose. Angie weights 22 lb, and Buddy 33lb - No surprise I was so tired during the fire emergency lately. I was carrying 55lb together!

Where they keep all those treats?

Angie had all of her shots without even realizing, eating treats meanwhile ;) Uf, until December, when it will be Buddy's turn for those pleasures.

* We did not receive any compensation for this review, it's based only on our own opinion about Companion Animal Hospital and specifically Dr. Tomasz Krystek.

Fire in the Building!

2018-09-17T21:29:00.002-05:00

Last Sunday, there was a fire in the apartment building, we are all living.
I quickly grabbed dogs and tried to go down with them, but it wasn't as simple as you can think.
Elevators were busy, we are on the 7th floor, time was running, no choice left I had to take stairs.
My dogs weren't trained to use stairs, they could do a couple steps, but not entire floors...

Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
Here is the link from Chicago Suntimes.

People were running down fast, there was laud, dogs got disoriented and nervous. I had no choice, I somehow grabbed 22lb Angie on the left and more than 30lb Buddy on the right, and through the smoke managed to get downstairs. It wasn't easy with 2 dogs, I was slower but we made it sound and safe.

When we came out from the building, there was our neighbors and teams of firefighters doing their job. I realized how lucky I was and made a decision, that I have to teach dogs to walk on stairs- it's never too late! I'm sharing that story with you because you never know what's gonna happen in life and in such a situation we are responsible for our pets.

Eskies and Bathtime :)

2018-09-10T16:49:00.002-05:00

It's September in Chicago and finally, temperatures lowered to the level, that you can turn air-conditioners off, open the windows, have normal, long walk with the dogs, give them a bath and let them air dry. Finally!

I waited for this so long, that today we give them both shower. First, we washed Angie and after her, it was Buddy's turn. It was a lot of fun for us and the dogs.
Pluses: they avoid stress going to groomers, we save money and we all have fun- especially after the shower when dogs go nuts! :)
Minuses: hair all over the apartment, everywhere!

Mom, we sure deserve treats after that shampoo!

First, we towel dry them, then they roll all over and look like they have been tortured, but shortly after it's time to have fun: absolutely misbehave and chaise each other!

Now we can play like crazy!

Or even faster, try to make a good picture :)

Finally after a long day, full of excitement, long walks and play time, they can relax and give me couple minutes to myself ... until they will charge their batteries and will be ready for next walk ;)

Sleeping Eskie

2018-09-06T15:22:00.001-05:00

So guess who is on the pictures below ;) Sleeping American Eskimo Mix: Buddy.
How he manages to really sleep those weird positions - I don't know, but he looks so funny! Sometimes he is snoring, crying or running(his legs are moving) during the night.

Sleeping Monster-Bear: Buddy Smiling

Can you sleep upside-down? I can do it! And I can show my teeth :)

I only need you to sing: Lula Baby ;)

O I feel very comfy in your bed :)

Dreaming about a long walk...

That's how long I am!

Really tired, goodnight! Time to sleep.

Can your dog sleep in so many positions? Buddy can change spot couple times during 15 minutes - like he has restless legs syndrome ;)

Angie - Miniature American Eskimo - Loves Forest!

2016-09-22T13:21:00.001-05:00

I am Angie, American Eskimo miniature.

I was born on March 10, 2016.

As a true Eskie, I love to boss around my people, play with them and go for long forest walks. When I see the forest from far, I am excited right away. There is so much interesting things you can find there :)

You can run and run for miles and never be tired, occasionally take a smell of everything around, chaise deer once or twice - o I love it!

I like to be off-leash so I can go wherever I want, but my humans don't trust me. They say I'm escape artist - of course, I am! I love misbehaving, I am true Eskie, why should I be a good dog?!

I like running away from them and watch them chase me, they still think they have a chance to get me :) Let's be real here: no human can be as fast as Eskimo!

I have to go, I see a squirrel and I'm gonna have fun chasing her :) See you next time!

Angie

I Had a Dream...

2016-09-22T13:12:00.002-05:00

Yes, that's how all started. A dream...

My boyfriend has had an American Eskimo dog and when she passed away I wanted to have a dog. I almost adopted small, cute Maltese, almost...
In short, our neighbor was walking with beautiful, furry creature named Rex and I fell for him. At that time, he didn't know what kind of breed Rex was exactly, just American Eskimo mix.

Knowing that dog is long years commitment, but on the other side lifetime love, I couldn't help myself, I started searching for an American Eskimo miniature dog in my area.
I wasn't sure if I should bring a home puppy or adopt the dog, but I knew that he or she will be Eskie!
So one day the dream came true!

Sleeping Beauty

Sweet and innocent girl!

I always wanted to have two dogs, so about 1 year and six months later, I and Angie both decided to choose her friend- Buddy :)

Buddy, sleeping puppy. He looks sweet, isn't he?

Puppy ready for new adventures

I have had experienced with American Eskimo dogs before, and I was owned by a different breed of dogs in my life, but Angie and Buddy are the very first my own Eskies in my life. No regrets :)