How to Groom an American Eskimo Dog

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Natural bristle brush
Pin brush
Metal combs
Scissors
Thinning shears

Step 1:
Brush out the cottony coat at least twice a week with a natural bristle brush. If needed, use a pin brush and metal combs to remove tangles or knots. When they are shedding, brush your American Eskimo Dog every day. In general, they shed an average amount of hair.
Step 2:
Clip the whiskers with scissors if you desire. This isn't necessary, but many prefer the whisker free look.
Step 3:
Trim stray hairs from the feet to the hocks with thinning shears. Trim hairs underneath the feet with scissors.
Step 4:
Check the inner ear canal for overgrown hair, which you should pluck. Don't trim the hair on the outer ear, as this provides protection.

Tips & Warnings

The American Eskimo Dog is a Nordic dog which is closely related to the German Spitz. In fact, they were brought to the U.S. as German Spitzes, but the anti-German sentiment during World War I caused them to be re-named. These days, dog fanciers consider them an entirely separate breed.
American Eskimo Dogs have a life expectancy of at least 15 years.
Pay special attention to the dog's eyes and tear ducts.
American Eskimo Dogs are especially susceptible to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. If you don't check it carefully, this dog's coat can become infested with fleas which causes dermatitis.

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