Australian Eskimo

35-52 lbs
19-23"
United States
American Eskimo
Australian Shepherd

The Australian Eskimo is a mix between an American Eskimo and an Australian Shepherd. They are usually white with brown or black markings which are often speckled or spotted. Their coats are quite wavy and a bit harsh so they do need regular grooming to keep looking neat and they are moderate shedders. The Australian Eskimo has good herding instincts from the Australian Shepherd side, but they are more companion animals who are very affectionate and love to play. They are not known to bark at intruders so aren’t necessarily the best watchdogs though, but are good with children and very loving toward their owners. They can be trained but owners may need a bit of patience to see results. They are not weather sensitive so thrive in hot or cold climates.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
1990s
ancestry Ancestry
Australian Shepherd, American Eskimo

Australian Eskimo Health

Average Size
Male Australian Eskimo size stats
Height: 19-23 inches Weight: 35-60 lbs
Female Australian Eskimo size stats
Height: 19-23 inches Weight: 35-52 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Addison's Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Dental Disease
Occasional Tests
  • Hip And Eyes
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Dental Examination

Australian Eskimo Breed History

The name comes from the parent breeds - Australian Shepherd and American Eskimo - but details on their origin are quite limited. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was bred in the United States in the 1840s to herd livestock and is still very much a working dog. They are very intelligent and loyal dogs whose ancestors were the Spanish Sheepdogs taken to America by Basque shepherds when they emigrated to America in the 19th century. Many of them are registered with the Australian Shepherd Club of America. They are known as Aussies or Little Blue Dogs and were bred to be working dogs. They are prized for their good temperament. American Eskimos originated in Germany and are members of the Spitz family. They were known as the American Spitz until 1917 but the name was then changed to American Eskimo. It is believed that the name change was an attempt to distance the breed in America from its German origins. They were very popular for doing tricks in circuses and are called “the dog beautiful” by some for their good looks. They increased in popularity for being able to dance to music and interacting with clowns at the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Also known as Eskies, they come in Toy, Miniature and Standard sizes but are known for their big-dog attitude. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1995. They were originally bred to be working dogs on farms and are very agile with excellent herding instincts. Some are used as guard dogs and for narcotics detection.

Australian Eskimo Breed Appearance

The Australian Eskimo is a fairly large dog with males weighing up to 60 pounds with a height of up to 40 inches. Their coats are quite harsh and usually wavy and they often have a variety of markings which can be speckled. Your pet is likely to take on many of the characteristics of the parent breeds. Australian Shepherds have bright, expressive, almond-shaped eyes which are either brown or amber although some can have blue eyes. The ears are moderately sized, triangular and with a slightly rounded tip. They have strong white teeth and a muzzle which tapers slightly toward the rounded tip. Their paws are oval in shape and the tail is straight or can be docked. The medium length coat comes in blue or red merle, red or black tricolor, all with white and/or tan markings.  American Eskimos have white fluffy, straight double coats, black eyes  which are slightly oval in shape and erect triangular ears. They often have tear stains below their eyes which are medium to dark brown. The American Eskimo is known for its alert, keen and bright expression. The muzzle is broad and the jaw strong with close fitting teeth. Their paws are oval and tails carried up over the back.

Australian Eskimo Breed Maintenance

The Australian Eskimos are fairly easy to take care of but do need regular brushing to keep them looking good. Try to brush them at least twice a week. It’s a good idea to trim the fur in summer and make sure the dog’s tick and flea medication is up to date so the dog doesn’t scratch because they are prone to allergies. Neither of its parent breeds are hypoallergenic and nor is the Australian Eskimo. All dogs need good dental care so it is important to brush your dog’s teeth daily starting young so it becomes a habit. Regular ear cleanings and clipping of the nails should be a regular part of maintaining your Australian Eskimo.

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Australian Eskimo Temperament

Australian Eskimos are intelligent and loyal dogs. They are full of energy and very playful and known to be affectionate towards their owners. They are not regarded as the best watchdogs to have as they don’t necessarily bark at strangers. Because of their Australian Shepherd ancestry, they do have a herding instinct but are more fun-loving and good family pets. Like any new dog entering a family, it will be a good idea to take them for training to help them develop good socialisation skills with other animals. Australian Eskimos are regarded as moderate when it comes to training but if owners persevere they will be rewarded. Considering the Australian Eskimo is a combination of an Australian Shepherd and an American Eskimo, their temperament will be quite similar. Australian Shepherds thrive on human companionship and love to please, while American Eskimos are good with other dogs, cat friendly and good for new owners. They are also very good with children.

Australian Eskimo Activity Requirements

Your Australian Eskimo will need a lot of exercise and playtime to keep fit and are happy in any weather and all climates. They are full of energy and very playful dogs so daily walks are a must. They would do best in a home with a fenced in yard but they could be kept in an apartment provided they are taken out daily for exercise. Children will be able to help keep your dog busy. Both parent breeds need plenty of exercise with the American Eskimo needing enough activity to prevent boredom setting in and the potential for destructive behavior. Australian Shepherd’s love games such as frisbee or playing fetch and also enjoy mental stimulation.

Australian Eskimo Owner Experiences

Apollo
8 Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Fetch
I recently got him and he is a bundle of joy!
2 years, 7 months ago
Winnie
3 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My dog is my dog. She is very shy to other people, In fact she neeps people in the back of their legs when they turn around. She hates other dogs except my daughters dog who we have had Nesta all of Winnies life.I think she thinks Nesta is her mom. Winnie sticks here nose in Nesta's mouth a lot,what does that mean,do you know? (Nesta is a big Husky). Winnie got out of our yard onbe day for a second,and bite my neighbors dog. So now mine is now labeled as dangerous. And shes not. Is their anything I can do to change it? The owners dog is really mean to Winnie and I think she took it out on their dogs. And then too, you said her breed doesn't bark. Winnie barks at everything. What can I do about that?
5 years, 9 months ago
Hat Trick (Hattie)
6 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Puzzle Toys
Hiking
Frisbee
Agility training
Hide & Seek
Wonderful companion, very smart (knows about 100 words and 10 signs). Hyper alert and barks at intruders but never nipped or bit anyone. A bit shy around some young men but has been awesome with children and women. Recently tore her cranial cruciate ligament and meniscus - that’s been her only health problem.
5 years, 7 months ago
Koda
2 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Hike
Chase
Fetch
chasing rocks
Boating
He is a mini, so weighs 12 lbs. He has tons of energy, and we have to go on a walk or run every day. Very intelligent, and has learned the rules, tricks, and hand signals very quickly. But also quite stubborn. Now that he is a little older, he likes to see how far he can push. He is very loyal and a companionship dog might be an understatement. He wants to be right next to me, always! He doesn't run away and has always just stayed by my side. We will be walking around a store and he will stay by me and I never have to look down. He wants to please us, and if he thinks he has maybe done something wrong he gets very sad and fast. He doesn't like it when we are gone a lot, or doing other things. He wants to be the center of attention. The herding is a strong instinct, and even when kids are running around I haven't been able to train him to not chase them. He tries to bite their shirts that hang down, I think as if it is a toy. He doesn't do well with new people, and barks at everything and everyone. And is the best guard dog I know. He will even bark at us, his owners, if he can't tell it is us quite yet. Depends on the moment, but he can either be best friends with other dogs or not like them at all. The only time he has been aggressive is with little kids. He growls and has nipped once. But he is the most affectionate dog, he wants to sleep right next to me and gives me kisses. He always wants to make sure we are safe, and it has brought a lot of happiness in our family.
5 years, 7 months ago
Chase
5 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Fetch
Puzzle Toys
Walks
Running
I figure I give my experience so far for my 5mo old boy. He's only 5 months but he's so advanced and smart already! Very quick learner - but also very stubborn. Now that he's finding his independence, all he wants to do is what makes him happy. He is attached to his people and never want to leave our side (unless he's outside exploring, then we don't exist). I don't know why this breed is listed as not being a good watch dog because mine also barks at everything new. He's very friendly though and barks when he's excited mainly. He's very playful and VERY happy. I'm looking forward to how he grows more into himself but just wanted to share my puppy experience with my Aussiemo! Love this little guy.
5 years ago
Babou
5 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
experience is amazing listens really well. Ours is a great watch dog he barks and pays attention very well
4 years, 11 months ago
Zoey
10 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Car ride
Playing, fetch
Zoey is amazingly affectionate, very loving. Zoey has great communication skills as she is very smart. She always lets me know what she wants! She’s a good ball, sleeps upside down or complelty sprawled out. She enjoys watching and barking at squirrels and hearding our cats all around the house.
4 years, 11 months ago
Everest & Bailey
7 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have 2 female litter mates and my sister got one as well, all three are highly intelligent and motivated. They love praise as much as treats which makes rewards easy and results as fast as you can think of things to teach them. By 10 weeks they already sit, stay, lay down and come 10 out of 10 times. Truly the smartest and most obedient dogs I've ever seen.
4 years, 7 months ago
Charlie
8 Months
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug Fetch walking and running
Loving but head strong.. Very smart and learns his toys fast... Wants his way all the time.. Picky eater and had hard time finding right dog food that he is not allergic to. Loves chicken and hamburg Wants to try what you are eating... Loves pig ears but fave is pizzle Loves his chew treats and loves freeze dried chicken which I used as training treats which he still wants after going to bathroom out side..He is very loving to me and loves petted and hugs and belly rubs.. He is so sweet and smart and when i tell him no with my finger he takes his paw and pushes it away.. Can not get him to stop jumping up and biteing my clothes when walking and having to leave another dog or person that he loves.. Sill working on it. Love this dog and he is the best thing for me as Husband just passed away.He is so pretty, smart and the sweetest dog ever. Does not like brushing and will bite me when he does not like what i am doing to him but the bites are not going to open my skin.. Would never give him up...Oh and he is a kisser and he snores
3 years, 10 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd