American Eskimo Dogs: Higher Insurance Risk?

The American Eskimo dog is a clever, playful, and vocal breed that makes for a great companion. They are highly trainable, affectionate, and social, but require plenty of exercise and attention. While they are generally healthy, they are prone to certain health issues, such as hip and joint problems, and may develop behavioural issues if not properly trained or stimulated. The cost of healthcare for an American Eskimo dog can range from $600 to $1,500 per year, and pet insurance can help reduce these expenses. This raises the question: do American Eskimo dogs drive up insurance costs?

American Eskimo dogs are prone to certain health issues

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another common health issue in American Eskimos. PRA is an inherited condition that causes the gradual deterioration of the retina, leading to impaired vision and sometimes blindness. Regular eye checks are essential for early detection. Additionally, American Eskimos are known to be vocal, and barking can become a problem, especially when left alone for extended periods. They require frequent mental stimulation and exercise to prevent destructive behaviour.

American Eskimos are also susceptible to Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP), a joint condition that results in decreased blood supply to the head of the femur, causing bone cell death and potentially leading to a break in the femur. Severe cases of LCP may require hip replacement surgery. Furthermore, these dogs have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat and skin. They are also known to be affectionate and highly adaptable, but they can develop behavioural issues such as separation anxiety if they are neglected or undertrained.

Pet insurance can help with veterinary costs

Pet insurance is designed to help you cover the costs of veterinary care for your furry friend. It can reimburse you for eligible veterinary costs, including illnesses, injuries, or emergency care. The best time to get pet insurance is when your pet is a healthy puppy or kitten, and most plans start 14 days after your application is approved.

The cost of pet insurance varies depending on the coverage you choose, your pet's breed and age, and your location. For example, in North America, the average monthly premium for dogs is $56, while it's $32 for cats. You can also choose an accident-only policy, which costs about $17 per month for dogs and $10 per month for cats. These plans will cover treatment for accidents but won't pay for illnesses.

When selecting a pet insurance plan, consider how much medical care your pet is likely to need based on their breed and whether you want coverage for preventive care. You can often customize your plan with a lower deductible or a higher reimbursement rate, but your premium will increase accordingly.

Pet insurance can provide peace of mind and help you give your pet the best possible healthcare. In some cases, it could even save your pet's life by covering the cost of expensive treatments that you might otherwise be unable to afford. For example, American Eskimo dogs are more likely than mixed-breed dogs to have costly genetic conditions, so pet insurance can be especially valuable for owners of this breed.

The breed's characteristics

The American Eskimo dog, or "Eskie", is a breed that originated in Germany and was later brought to the American Midwest by German farmers and immigrants. They are known for their fluffy white coats, curly tails, and alert, intelligent, and friendly personalities. They are highly trainable, affectionate, and social, making them excellent companion dogs for families.

Eskies are active dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and rally. They are also known for their strong bonds with their owners and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. It is important to provide them with regular opportunities for exercise and mental challenges to prevent destructive behaviour.

The breed has three recognised sizes: toy (weighing 6 to 10 pounds and standing 9 to 12 inches tall), miniature (11 to 20 pounds and 12 to 15 inches tall), and standard (20 to 40 pounds and 15 to 19 inches tall). The smaller varieties may be content with shorter walks or active play in a yard.

American Eskimo dogs are generally healthy but can be prone to certain genetic health issues, such as Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP), a joint condition that can lead to stiffness and pain. They are also known to have thick coats, which help them withstand harsh winters, but this requires special attention to grooming and shedding management.

The costs of owning an American Eskimo dog

The American Eskimo dog, or "Eskie", is a playful, clever, and beautiful breed of dog. They are known to be friendly, loving, and loyal companions. They are also highly trainable and energetic, requiring regular exercise and frequent mental challenges.

The cost of owning an American Eskimo dog can vary depending on several factors. The initial cost of acquiring the dog can range from $600 to $2,000, with puppies from a champion bloodline costing between $1,000 to $2,000. The annual cost of owning an American Eskimo can range from $1,160 to $3,420, excluding significant health issues. This includes expenses such as food, veterinary care, and grooming.

Food costs for an American Eskimo typically range between $30 and $60 per month, depending on the brand and type of food chosen. Veterinary care can include routine visits for vaccinations, check-ups, and preventive treatments, costing around $200 to $500 per year. However, unexpected health issues can significantly increase this cost. Grooming for the American Eskimo's thick white coat is necessary every 4 to 6 weeks and can cost between $50 to $100 per visit.

The lifetime cost of owning an American Eskimo is estimated to be between $20,000 and $30,000, including potential expenses for food, beds, supplies, and unexpected medical conditions. Adopting an American Eskimo from a rescue centre can help reduce initial costs as these dogs often come with vaccinations, are spayed or neutered, and have undergone health screenings.

The history of the American Eskimo dog

The American Eskimo Dog, or "Eskie", is a breed of companion dog that originated in Germany. They are members of the Spitz family, with German Spitz progenitors. The breed was renamed from German Spitz to American Eskimo Dog due to anti-German sentiment during the First World War. The name ""American Eskimo" was chosen to honour an Ohio breeding kennel of the same name. The breed's name is somewhat misleading as, despite their resemblance to the Samoyed, a fluffy white breed from Siberia, they are not from America and were not bred to be sled dogs.

The American Eskimo Dog was originally used as a herder, livestock guard, and hunting dog. In the late 19th century and into the early 20th century, they became popular in circuses and other forms of entertainment, performing tricks and walking tightropes. Their beautiful coats, alert expressions, and trainability made them crowd-pleasers, increasing their popularity as family pets.

The breed was first officially recognised as the "American Eskimo" as early as 1919 by the American United Kennel Club (UKC). The first written record and history of the breed were printed in 1958 by the UKC. In 1970, the National American Eskimo Dog Association (NAEDA) was founded, and single dog registrations ceased. In 1985, the American Eskimo Dog Club of America (AEDCA) was formed with the goal of registering the breed with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AEDCA collected the pedigree information from 1,750 dogs, which formed the basis of the AKC-recognised breed. The American Eskimo Dog was recognised by the AKC in 1995.

The American Eskimo Dog is a small to medium-sized dog, coming in three varieties: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. They are usually white, with white and biscuit colouring also accepted by the AKC. They are double-coated, with thick, straight fur and a ruff around the neck and shoulders. Their tails are heavily furred and generally curl over their backs.

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