Have you heard of the Eskipoo dog? No worries if you haven’t! To be completely honest, I haven’t either until a few months ago. However, it’s great you clicked on this article because you’re about to meet one of the best dog breeds out there!
The Eskipoo’s other popular names include Pookimo, Eskapoo, Eskidoodle, Eski-poo, and even Eskimopoo. This is a small-sized dog and a crossbreed between the American Eskimo and Poodle.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the Eskipoo’s personality, temperament, health and so much more. We’re also going to answer the question of whether the Eskipoo makes a good family dog and how they are with children.
Eskipoo Breed Overview
The Eskipoo is a fantastic companion dog who will cling to you like glue while still playing like a puppy well into adulthood. They have a pleasant demeanor that makes them a joy to be around, especially when children are present. This gentle and loving breed will kiss and love your child from their dirty heads to their soiled little fingers, and will adore them until the end of their days.
Because of their small stature, this breed is great for living in a house, condo, or apartment, as long as they have enough time to walk outdoors and get some fresh air and sunshine. Apartment dwellers require daily exercise in the form of a stroll, as well as a session or two of indoor games in the form of catch, tug of war, and other activities.
The sole disadvantage of this breed is their proclivity to howl and bark in response to unusual sounds, smells, and faces; however, with correct training, the number of times they do so can gradually diminish with time.
They may also develop anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. While they are great first pets because they don’t require much upkeep, they do require a lot of love and attention to keep their spirits up. The Eskipoo is ideal for retirees or seniors who want a dog that is friendly and enjoyable while still challenging them to be moderately active during the day.
Origins of the Eskipoo
For the past two decades, combining two breeds to produce a new breed has been all the rage. While we know the beginnings of several designer dog breeds, we don’t know how or when the French Poodle and American Eskimo combination came to be. We do, however, know the origins of each of these breeds.
Poodles began as hunting dogs who accompanied their human masters on hunting journeys – in essence, they were water dogs! In fact, the German word “pudel” alludes to the splashing this dog makes when recovering waterfowl and the like, and “poodle” is only the English translation. That explains the meaning behind their popular names.
White Spitz-type dogs were initially discovered in German immigrant settlements in 19th-century America. They were descended from German Spitz, white Keeshonden, or white Pomeranians who had immigrated from Germany. These pooches gained popularity in the late 1800s and were dubbed the American Spitz. They were bred to be multi-purpose farm working dogs. Despite having no origin or relation to Eskimo culture, the American Spitz was dubbed the American Eskimo in 1917. Because of their beautiful coat, incredible agility, and ease of training, they were popular as trick dogs in traveling circuses.
The problem with crossbreeds
The concept of hybrid breeds (hybrid dogs) or designer dogs sounds good in theory. Experts are combining two breeds, and the resulting breed will have the best characteristics of the parent breeds.
In reality that’s not at all how it works. We can’t be sure that the hybrid will have only the best characteristics of both parents. Of course, there are some things scientists can control.
Uncertain results of designer dogs
Let’s take the Labradoodle as an example. Labradoodles are a mix between the Poodle and the Labrador. The idea was to get a dog that is low-shedding like the Poodle. But also a dog that has all the amazing characteristics of the Labrador, such as their temperament and personality.
Firstly, the issue with this is that poodles come in three different sizes. So that’s the first characteristic you can’t control. You will not know how large the dog will be.
Secondly, you can’t know if your Labradoodle puppy will be more like one parent or the other. They might have more traits of the Poodle than the Labrador, and vice versa.
And lastly, a designer dog breed does not have the breed standard an already formed breed has. We want to stress one more time. Hybrid breed puppies can differ a lot based on the dominance of their parent breeds.
We are not saying that at some point all of these won’t be predictable. Breeders are working on perfecting the hybrid breeds. But in the end, it will likely take several years and decades until that happens.
Eskipoo looks and appearance
Eskipoo mixes aren’t as big as you might think. The Poodle genes are visible in this dog’s appearance, but they tend to preserve the smaller stature of their Spitz ancestors.
When fully grown, an Eskipoo will weigh 13-20 pounds and stand 9-15 inches tall.
The genetic leanings of the dog – if they are more like the Poodle than the Eskimo Dog – and the sex will determine the diversity in Eskipoo weight and height.
Other major anatomical traits that you will find in many of these pups are the result of these crossed genes. Round heads, floppy ears, and short muzzles are among them.
Blue eyes are also a possibility in the Eskimo Dog DNA, but it isn’t very likely. In most cases their eyes will be round and brown. We will talk more about their coat later when we get a bit more into their grooming.
Eskipoo temperaments
If you want the sweetest dog ever, then get an Eskipoo mix. I’m not kidding! The Eskipoo is kind, loving, gentle, and loyal. They are very cheerful and are overall happy dogs who love spending time with their owners.
All of these characteristics make them the perfect family dog and would be great companions for people in retirement.
It’s also important to mention that the Eskipoo dog has a lot of energy. So, it does need plenty of exercise and playtime. If they don’t get enough exercise, they might become a little destructive.
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The Eskipoo might also get a little destructive if they don’t get enough attention. Yep, you read that right. Eskipoos love attention (real attention seekers!), they love it when the whole family is paying attention to them and what they are doing.
Are they good family dogs?
This designer dog is actually one of the best family dogs that you could get. This is a cute puppy who likes to be the center of attention. They desire continuous attention and engagement with family members due to its eagerness to please.
The Eskipoo is a very intelligent dog. Like its Poodle parent dog, the dog can be taught a variety of dog tricks and is quick to obey new commands. Children would appreciate learning how to train a Eskipoo puppy and having one in their house. They also love to be around kids as well!
Because some Eskimo Poodle puppies are smaller than others, you should keep an eye on them around children and furniture to avoid injuring their fragile bodies. Never let kids play with dogs unsupervised.
This dog is also an excellent companion for persons who live in dorms or small apartments. Because the Eskimo-Poodle mix thrives in an indoor setting, it should not be left alone for long amounts of time on a daily basis.
They love to be in the company of their owners! That’s why this crossbreed is an ideal companion for senior citizens or retirees who spend the majority of their time at home. Furthermore, this Poodle mix might be able to adapt to a wide range of climates and temperatures.
The dog gets along well with other dogs and animals due to its sociable nature. They will do just fine with other dogs and cats in your household as long as they are socialized from an early age!
Eskipoo Health
While it is believed that crossbreeds are generally healthier than purebred dogs, they can still get sick. Any health issues inherited from their parent breeds can be passed along to this designer breed of dog.
Cataracts and other eye diseases, such as eyelash irregularities, retinal dysplasia, glaucoma, and corneal ulcers, are common health problems in poodles. Poodles are also prone to cancer, and one of the most common types is digital squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the toenails.
Although American Eskimos are generally healthy, they are susceptible to luxating patellas, hip dyslasia, diabetes, juvenile cataracts, Legg-Calve-Perthes syndrome, allergies, and tear staining.
Progressive retinal atrophy can affect both the Poodle and the American Eskimo.
Thankfully, most of these dogs are generally speaking healthy. The average lifespan of an Eskipoo is 10-12 years.
Most common health issues
Deafness
Some Eskipoos lineages have been linked to heritable deafness. If his ears are fine but he’s still ignoring you, a more complete hearing examination may be required.
Living with and training a deaf dog takes patience and effort. But there are various tools on the market to help. Because this is a hereditary issue, you should inform the breeder. That way changes can be made to the breeding program.
Diabetes Mellitus
The Poodle carries a gene that puts him at risk for developing diabetes mellitus. This is exacerbated by being overweight and when females are not neutered. Make sure to keep your Pugapoo slim and healthy.
Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint becomes unstable as a result of both developmental and environmental factors. Dogs are prone to this bone and joint disorder. The femur does not meet the pelvic bone appropriately, causing the bones to wear out prematurely.
Later in life, your dog may develop arthritis, which can be excruciatingly painful. This ailment shows itself as a peculiar walk, shaky posture, or limping, all of which are plainly seen in your beautiful pup. To preserve your dog’s quality of life, discuss care with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Patellar Luxation
This is a condition in which the kneecap isn’t properly anchored, which makes it slip out of position and mechanically lock the leg. After a few steps, the kneecap ‘unlocks’ allowing the dog to carry on. While mild cases can be managed with pain control, some dogs will require surgery.
Allergies
Allergies to pollen, mold, and dust cause people to sneeze. Instead of sneezing, allergies in dogs produce itching. Atopy is a name used to describe a common skin allergy in these puppies. The feet, tummy, skin wrinkles, and ears are the most commonly affected locations. Symptoms normally emerge between the ages of one and three, and they can get worse as time goes on. Licking the paws, stroking the face, and recurring ear infections are the most prevalent allergy symptoms. The good news is that these diseases can be treated in a number of different ways.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye ailment that might have a negative impact on the quality of life of your dog. This usually happens later in life as a result of retinal degeneration. Retinal dysplasia is the name for the early-onset type, which is observed in puppies. This is when the retinal cells do not mature properly.
The dog becomes partially or completely blind in both cases. While the disease isn’t unpleasant, it can have a significant influence on your dog’s quality of life. Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s alternatives, as well as what to do if he becomes blind.
Epilepsy
Unfortunately, dogs too can develop epilepsy and seizures. Recurrent seizures with no known cause or abnormal brain damage characterize epilepsy. To put it another way, the brain appears normal on the outside but functions strangely on the inside. Twitching, shaking, tremors, convulsions, and/or spasms are all symptoms of a seizure.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
This is one of the most prevalent blood clotting problems in humans, and you might be surprised to learn that it can also affect your dog. Von Willebrand’s disease is caused by a lack of the von Willebrand Factor, a protein that aids in blood clotting.
In the event of even a minor cut, this can result in significant bleeding. This disease is difficult to detect because your dog may appear to be in perfect health for their whole life, unless they have an injury. Other signs and symptoms may appear in some dogs. Nosebleeds, blood in the feces or urine, and easily damaged skin are examples.
If you and your dog are both careful, this ailment will not have a significant impact on your dog’s quality of life. Inquire with your veterinarian about treatment options for the condition. It’s critical to have your puppy checked for this problem as soon as possible, as certain medications, such as aspirin, might make it worse.
Cataracts
In older canines, cataracts are a common cause of blindness. The lenses of his eyes become more opaque—in other words, hazy rather than clear. Many dogs adapt well to losing their vision and live happily ever after. Surgical removal of cataracts and restoration of vision may also be a possibility.
Addison’s Disease
This is another health condition to which Poodles are especially prone to. Addison’s Disease means the body doesn’t produce enough natural steroid hormone and therefore struggles to cope with stress. This condition could get worse over time and even be life threatening. But it can be managed with steroid supplements.
Coat colors and grooming
Because the Eskipoo is a designer dog, it’s quite unpredictable how the dog might look. For example, it can have a long thick coat, or a short curly coat, they can even have a combination of both. All of this, how they look and their personality, depends on how much they take from each parent.
Generally speaking, the Eskipoo comes in six different shades:
- White – most common color of an Eskipoo’s coat.
- Black – Eskipoos can be black all over. They can also be black and mixed with another color. They can have a red or blue tint to them for example.
- Cream – Another very common color of Eskipoos. All cream shades are possible, from very light off-white to a deeper tannish color.
- Grays – Some Eskipoos are born with a gray coat. It can also happen that your dog’s coat turns gray before your puppy is five.
- Apricot – A somewhat rare color is a dull, saturated orange color, almost like an apricot.
- Brown – A very common color among this designer breed. Many different shades of brown are possible, from very light to dark.
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In order to keep your dog’s coat looking shiny and healthy, regular brushing is a must! So invest in a high-quality dog comb or brush! But let’s now talk more about how to take care of Eskipoos.
Grooming requirements of an Eskipoo
Grooming will be different for different types of Eskipoos. Not all of them have the same coat. Despite the fact that the Eskipoo can have two different coat kinds, his fur is going to be thick. It’s because of this that you should brush their coat at least 4-5 times every week. Using a wide-tooth comb and a soft brush is the best way to brush it.
Furthermore, you should only bathe your dog every 2-3 months and only when you can plainly see dirt in its coat to prevent any natural oils from being stripped away. However, you should take this dog to a professional groomer every 2-3 months and for trims on a regular basis (if it takes after the Poodle).
Using a warm moist towel or cotton ball, clean your ears once a week. Your veterinarian can advise you on which ear cleaning solution is best for you.
Your dog’s nails should also be trimmed. Use a dog-specific nail clipper and take special care not to cut too deeply into the skin or blood vessels.
To make things easier, you can have it done by your veterinarian or a professional groomer. Brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week. This will prevent dental issues such as periodontal gingivitis.
Are they hypoallergenic?
You might be wondering if Eskipoos are hypoallergenic because of their coats. You’re in luck if you have allergies because Eskipoos are hypoallergenic. However, this is only true if they received their Poodle parent’s DNA. But remember that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
Because Eskipoos are crossbred, their coat is more likely to come from their American Eskimo father. Prepare to shed some tears if this is the case. In-between seasons are when you’ll notice the most shedding. They will have a thicker coat and lose more hair if they have an American Eskimo dominant gene.
To be safe, inquire about the Eskipoo’s pedigree with the breeder first. If you have allergies, choose the puppy whose Poodle parent’s genes are more prevalent. Similarly, you can test it for a few days to see how it affects your allergies.
Training
Because this is such an intelligent breed of dog, they can often be very stubborn. Owners may need to seek expert assistance, especially if behavioral issues begin to appear. Early training is critical, particularly in the areas of separation training and socialization.
They are unbelievably prone to separation anxiety, and because they love their owners so much, if not properly socialized they could become overly-protective.
Begin educating your puppies before they reach the age of 16 weeks, as this is when they are most accepting of new faces. Teach them tricks and socialization skills, but utilize positive reinforcement strategies such as food prizes and compliments.
Eskipoos are easy to train because they are people pleasers. They do, however, require a coach who can teach them with patience and persistence. If you are a first time dog owner think about hiring a dog trainer.
Positive reinforcement does wonders for them. As a result, when training them, you should give them goodies like food and even verbal accolades if they perform a good job.
These crossbreed dogs are quick learners, which makes training them a breeze. But because they need a lot of mental stimulation and are so stubborn, training will be a never-ending process.
Their parents are both working dogs, which means they thrive in situations where they are given a task to do. And they frequently succeed in pleasing their owners.
Food & nutrition
The Eskipoo is a surprisingly small dog breed. That’s why these dog require dog food specifically designed for smaller breeds. A balanced diet of carbs, fats, and proteins should be consumed by the dog once a day in the amount of a one to one and a half cup. You can combine high quality wet and dry dog food. Always remember that the best dog food contains good amounts of protein.
Some dog owners prefer to feed their dogs with a raw diet. If this is also your choice, make sure you feed your pup health meats such as chicken, turkey and fish. You can also give them beef and other types of meat, but they could also contain a higher amount of fats.
Don’t overfeed them as they are prone to obesity. One cup divided into two meals will be completely fine. If you overfeed them, they may gain weight and become obese, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
For little dogs, even a small quantity of overeating can result in significant weight gain. Make sure your Eskipoo isn’t eating more than it needs by keeping an eye on its consumption. Because these dogs will continue to eat if the food is available, it is up to you to just offer what they require and then cut them off.
Pros and Cons of owning an Eskipoo
The Eskipoo is such an amazing dog, simply to wish for! However, there are a few pros and cons you should consider before getting this designer breed.
The pros of getting an Eskipoo:
- Make great family pets because they love attention and being in the middle of everything.
- They have a friendly personality.
- These dogs are very, very smart and will learn every trick and command quickly.
- Love to snuggle and just cuddle with you.
- The Eskipoo barks rarely.
Cons of getting an Eskipoo:
- Might get destructive if left alone for long periods of time. Have separation anxiety.
- Tend to be very stubborn and want to get everything their way.
- They are an active breed and have a lot of energy, which means playtime and daily exercise are a must.
What does an Eskipoo cost?
Eskipoo prices will always fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including the breeder, region, and, of course, supply and demand.
If you reside in an area where Eskipoos are popular but there are only a few breeders, the cost of each pup may rise, especially if you want a healthy and high-quality dog.
Some breeders charge more if an Eskipoo has unique traits like blue eyes or apricot and brown coloring.
An Eskipoo puppy costs $600 on average, with top-quality puppies costing between $1,700 and $5,300.
It’s crucial to understand the costs of owning a puppy before purchasing or adopting one.
Food, deworming, heartworm, immunizations, vet costs, flea treatment, grooming, spay/neuter expenses, dental care, training, and other items such as a leash, collar, crate, bowls, bed, bones, and toys should all be factored into your budget.
Each of these costs can quickly mount up, so set aside $500 to $2000 for the first year and $500 to $1000 for the subsequent years.
Where to get an Eskipoo puppy?
If you wish to possess an Eskipoo, you can get one from a respected and reliable breeder. If you choose to look for Eskipoos in rescue centers, your chances of finding one are good.
This is due to the fact that many of these owners are unaware of how much energy and time it takes to care for this cross-breed.
Some owners may find that Eskipoos’ incessant desire for affection, entertainment, and play is too much, especially when the dogs become disruptive and sad when left alone. As a result, they are more likely to abandon them and place them in a rescue center.
If you wish to adopt an Eskipoo puppy from a shelter, you should first learn about their personality and needs, and then consider whether you have the time and resources to meet those demands.
Final thoughts
The Eskipoo is a smart, easy-to-train dog. It has a lot of energy bursts and needs a big house with a nice backyard to live in. In addition, this breed gets along well with both the elderly and kids, making it an excellent addition to any household.
Furthermore, he comes in a variety of coat colors and is usually a hypoallergenic breed. Because of its double coat, the Eskipoo is not a good breed to own if you live in a hot climate.
Poodles are recognized for being extremely bright dogs, and this cross is no exception. The Eskipoo has IQ levels that are normally above average.
These dogs are also highly affectionate and playful. They desire to be near to their partner at all times, playing together or cuddling together. As a result, they’re not well-suited for individuals unless they’ll be at home for the majority of the time and can be a true companion to their dog, as seniors frequently are.
Lastly, don’t forget that this is a pricey dog to both buy and own. That’s why you should make sure to have enough money set up to purchase it, as well as pay for its vet bills, food, and toys.
Either way, this designer dog could be a great addition to your family. Leave us a comment below and tell us your thoughts on the Eskipoo.