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Pet Insurance for American Eskimo dogs

Find out all about American Eskimo dogs and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 14th, 2023       

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Price range

$250–$800

Height

38–51cm (standard size)

Weight

8.5–16kg (standard size)

Personality

Intelligent, alert, playful

Coat length

Long

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

13 - 15 years

American Eskimo Dog

Overview

The American Eskimo dog, often called the ‘Eskie,’ is known for its fluffy white coat and charming personality. Despite its name, this breed has German origins and was only introduced into American in the 19th Century. They have nothing to do with the indigenous people of Siberia and Alaska! They are closely related to the German Spitz, White Pomeranian and White Keeshond, and come in three different sizes.  

Eskies are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easily trainable and suitable for obedience and agility shows. In the past they were used as circus dogs, trained to perform tricks like jumping through hoops and tightrope walking.

Their thick double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting, and they shed a great deal. They do not tolerate heat well, and need to be kept cool and given plenty of shade and fresh water to drink in hot weather. They are known for their alertness and make excellent watchdogs, but they have a tendency to bark a lot. American Eskimo dogs are well-suited for families who can provide constant companionship and the mental stimulation and exercise they need.  

Common American Eskie diseases and conditions

  • Hip Dysplasia: This common orthopedic condition affects the hip joint's development and can lead to discomfort and mobility issues.
  • Luxating Patella: A condition where the kneecap can dislocate, potentially causing discomfort and lameness.
  • Skin issues and allergies: Due to their long, thick coat, American Eskimo dogs can be prone to skin issues and allergies. Regular grooming including brushing and coat maintenance is essential to prevent these problems.

Breed-specific issues:

These dogs can be reserved around strangers, so early socialisation is essential. Their high intelligence can lead to boredom if not mentally stimulated, potentially causing non-stop barking and destructive chewing and digging behaviour. 

How much does pet insurance cost for an American Eskimo dog?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your American Eskimo dog, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.  
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about American Eskimo dogs

Are there different sizes of American Eskimo dogs?

Yes, there are three different sizes of American Eskimo dogs as recognised by the American Kennel Club, toy (2.7kg to 4.5kg), miniature (4.5kg to 9kg) and standard (11kg to 16kg.)  

Are American Eskimo dogs suitable for apartment living?

This breed is known for its heavy shedding and tendency to bark a great deal, so they may not make an ideal pet for an apartment with many neighbours. However, small American Eskimo dogs can adapt to apartment living, as long as they have constant companionship and mental stimulation to stop them getting bored.  

Are American Eskies safe with young children, cats and other pets?

American Eskimo dogs are generally safe with children, cats and other pets when properly socialised from an early age. Their friendly and affectionate nature often allows them to coexist harmoniously with many other animals.  

Are the American Eskimo and the Samoyed the same breed?

No, the American Eskimo and Samoyed are not the same breed; they are distinct breeds with different origins and characteristics. While they share physical similarities, such as their fluffy white coats, they have separate histories. Samoyeds are larger and originate from Russia, where they were used for herding and sledding. American Eskimo dogs have German and Nordic heritage, and were primarily companion dogs known for their intelligence and agility. 
 

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American Eskimo Dog

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