“AMERICAN ESKIMO DOGS WERE ORIGINALLY USED FOR PROTECTION OF THEIR HOME AND FAMILY.”
possible absence on the lips and eye rims as well. It should be noted that the head is only part of the total dog combined with structure and movement. One important thing for a judge to note is that white is the preferred color, but white with biscuit cream is permissible. If a judge must choose between a pure white dog of lesser quality, than a dog with bis- cuit cream, the judge must choose the bis- cuit cream dog due to its quality in regard to type, structure and movement. Breeders have been striving for many years to present an animal with a temper- ament deserving of the breed. American Eskimo Dogs should be intelligent, alert and friendly, although slightly conserva- tive. It is never overly shy or overly aggres- sive. A judge needs to remember that the breed is conservative. A judge should not approach an American Eskimo Dog from the rear, bend over or touch a dog on the fl oor, especially if the judge is a man that is over 6 feet tall or should they approach a dog on the table completely out of the animal’s peripheral vision. American Eskimo Dogs were originally used for protection of their home and family. Th e dog will form this protective bond with
its owner/handler or its handler. It is very important that a judge take this into con- sideration so as not to startle the dog. Th e American Eskimo will not threaten to bite or attack, but may show its conser- vatism if startled which may convey the wrong message to the judge. It is of immense importance that judges be aware of the temperament expected by responsible breeders whether it be the American Eskimo Dog or any other breed for that matter. I was asked to de fi ne the perfect Amer- ican Eskimo Dog. As we all know, there is no perfect dog. I would love to see a perfect Nordic head with the ears and oval eyes the proper width apart, a good stop that is not abrupt, beautiful black points and a good bite than conforms to the breed standard. Structure and move- ment are very important to me, so my perfect dog would have a great length of neck tapering into a well laid back shoulder with a level top line. Th e rear would be well angulated with well bent sti fl es and well let down pasterns. Th e tail would be set moderately high and would reach the point of hock when down. Th e coat would be full and luxurious and
not trimmed. Th e perfect dog would have tight feet, with reach and drive to die for. Most importantly to me, he would be able to single track on a dime and never put a foot wrong. Th at is my idea of a perfect American Eskimo Dog.
BIO Debbie Mitchell is the Judges’ Education Committee Chairper- son for the American Eskimo Dog Association of America. She and her
husband Rick have owned, bred and exhib- ited American Eskimo Dogs since 1983. Th ey bred their first litter in 1989; the breed has become her passion. Since that first lit- ter in 1989, 18 American Eskimo Dogs of Debbie’s breeding have finished to their AKC Championship, 1 of which she finished to his AKC Grand Championship. She fin- ished 9 from the Bred by Exhibitor class. Debbie has a BS in Chemistry and is currently a practicing Certified Paralegal in the State of Texas. She is also the current “Gazette” col- umnist for the American Eskimo Dog, as well as a member in good standing of the American Eskimo Dog Association for more than 20 years. In addition, Deb- bie is the Corresponding Secretary for the National American Eskimo Dog Associa- tion, Secretary/Treasurer for the North- east Texas American Eskimo Dog Associ- ation and Treasurer for the North Texas Non-Sporting Association. Also, she is a judge for the United Kennel Club. Debbie feels it is her privilege to have the American Eskimo Dogs, to have the opportunity to write about them and to have made so many dear friends because of them.
“STRUCTURE AND MOVEMENT ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO ME so my perfect dog would have a great length of neck tapering into a well laid back shoulder with a level top line.”
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