American Eskimo Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison

American Eskimo Dog vs Africanis - Breed ComparisonAfricanis is originated from South Africa but American Eskimo Dog is originated from United States. Africanis may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than American Eskimo Dog. Africanis may weigh 29 kg / 64 pounds more than American Eskimo Dog. Africanis may live 3 years less than American Eskimo Dog. Africanis may have more litter size than American Eskimo Dog. Africanis requires Low Maintenance. But American Eskimo Dog requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
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South Africa
United States
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
23 - 48 cm
9 - 19 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
23 - 40 cm
9 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
4 - 16 kg
8 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
3 - 12 kg
6 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
1 - 5
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
Bantu Dog, African Dog, Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi, Khoikhoi Dog, Hottentot Hunting Dog, Zulu Dog
, Spitz
Colors Available:
Tan, White, Black, Brown and Black & Tan
White with cream or biscuit markings
Coat:
Short, Hard and Thick
Heavy, thick, double
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Friendly, Independent, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

africanisAfricanis is one of the original African breeds. This breed was not shaped by humans, but they went through the process of natural selection. Humans did not affect this breed by standard breeding practices. Through the history, this breed became stronger and stronger because only the strongest of the breed survived. Africanis descent is the early dog that is originally from ancient Egypt. Approximately 4500 BC was the period of first data about this breed.

As time passes through, Africanis became more and more popular through the whole continent. This breed migrated with people for thousands of years, and now, a modern Africanis is similar to Greyhound dog. The original Africanis can be found in tribes and more traditional people. One of the oldest breeds in the world is one of the lasts that has been recognized by Kennel Union of Southern Africa.

american eskimo dogThe American Eskimo is derived from the Nordic Spitz breed and most closely related to the German Spitz in particular. There were many German Spitzes in the United States at the time of the second World War and anti-German sentiment caused its name to change to the American Eskimo Dog. However, as the breed developed over time in the States, the American Eskimo became its own separate breed. In addition to the German Spitz, the American Eskimo is also related to the white Keeshond, the Samoyed, the white Italian Spitz and the white Pomeranian. The history is beginning to show that the Spitzes that were brought to the US in the early 1900’s was white. This color was not popular in Europe but was quickly the favorite in the United States. They were originally working dogs on farms and ranches. They have excellent herding instincts, make goo watch and guard dogs, and good law enforcement sniff dogs. However, their first introduction to the American public was through the Cooper Brothers’ Railroad Circus and Stout’s Pal Pierre at the Barnum and Baily Circus. Eskimo puppies were sold after the circus show.

It was then that the breed became one of America’s favorite breeds and they quickly became house pets. Following World War II, Japan exported the Japanese Spitz into America and it was crossed with the Eskimo also. The American Eskimo Dog breed was not recognized by AKC until 1985. Still in 1958 there was no official breed club in the States but there were growing numbers of the dogs. It was not until 1970 did the National American Eskimo Dog Association (NAEDA) come into being. They collected the pedigrees of the first 1750 dogs to be AKC registered.

Since the American Eskimo Dog is not recognized internationally, those wishing to participate in international competition such as England’s prestigious Cruft’s Dog Show must register their dogs a German Spitz. Despite this the American Eskimo and German Spitz remain two very different breeds.

Description

africanis puppy - descriptionAfricanis origins from South Africa. The average Africanis weights 25-45 kg, with a height of 50-60cm, while females are slightly smaller. They are medium sized dogs who are friendly, but also independent and territorial. They can are good pets for training, but it requires persistent work.

The lifespan of Africans is 10-12 years, but lifespan always depends on health, genetics, and care of the dog. Therefore, if they are healthy and well cared they can live longer than average.

Litter Size variates a lot, so female can have 2-8 puppies.

american eskimo dog puppy - descriptionThis small to medium dog is beautiful and resembles a miniature Samoyed. There are three sizes of American Eskimothe standard, miniature, and the toy. The Eskimo’s head is wedge shaped with tall, triangular, erect ears. It has a heavily plumed tail with a sharp curl over the back. The Eskimo can burst into bold action due to their good legs and feet.

The coat is a double one with a harsh outer coat and plush inner one. The coat is always white or white with cream or biscuit markings, and visible skin in gray or pink. The American Eskimo’s ruff or mane is very heavy, and the nose, eyelids, pads and gums are black. They have dark eyes and blue are not allowed.

Characteristics

africanis dog - characteristicsAfricanis is a very good and healthy breed. They are very intelligent and friendly breed. They are not an aggressive breed, but they tend to protect the master. Africanis is a natural guard dog. This breed is used to being alone because for the centuries they migrated close to humans, but they also have been independent.

Training Africanis is not very hard. They tend to learn very quickly. Positive training with awards is the best way to train your Africanis. The old-fashioned way of training dogs with punishment is not recommendable for Africanis. They are intelligent breed who requires patience and constancy.

They are very good with other animals too, but they need proper socialization. Africanis requires daily exercise so if you keep your dog in the apartment it should have few daily walks. Africanis can live in the apartments though.

Overall, they are very healthy breed, so with regular vet checks and proper care, they are perfect pets for the whole family since they are great and gentle with small children and kids.

american eskimo dog dog - characteristicsThe Eskimo is affectionate, playful and love children of all ages. They are intelligent and want to please you. They can be trained easily and are champions of the obedience trial. They are fun and confident. At the same time, they need a confident pack leader. He is prone to Little Dog Syndrome where the dog thinks they oversee the home and display all sorts of behaviors. Under these circumstances the American Eskimo can become obsessive, aggressive, and engaging in obsessive resource guarding and barking.

Health Problems

africanis puppies - health problemsThe great thing about Africanis is that this breed is very healthy. Thousands of years of evolution made this breed one of the toughest breeds in the world. They can survive very tough conditions. Africanis has a very healthy immune system too. It evolves so strong that there are no internal or external parasites that can harm the dog.

american eskimo dog puppies - health problemsThe American Eskimo Dog is prone to hip dysplasia. Their eyes and tear ducts are potential issues with progressive retinal atrophy. They are allergic to fleas and have a tendency to be overweight.

We deal with PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) in greater detain in a following section but it is not as destructive as it used to be. It is much more treatable now.

There are potentially some dental issues that some American Eskimo Dogs are prone to.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the Africanis

africanis dogs - caringAfricanis has used to eat everything, so this breed does not require any special treatments. 2-2.5 cups of dry high-quality food would be more than enough to have healthy and well feed the dog. But have in mind that feeding the dog depends on daily activity and size. If the dog is more active, an extra cup wouldn’t be a problem for a dog to eat.

Feeding Africanis puppy

Africanis puppy should eat more times per day than an adult dog. 3-5 meals per day of quality dry food are good measure to feed your puppy Africanis.

Grooming Africanis

Since Africanis has short hair they are very easy to groom and care. Few brushes on a weekly basis with occasional bathing would be more than enough to have a clean and healthy dog.

Feeding

american eskimo dog dogs - caringYour American Eskimo Dog needs a high quality food so they will not get overweight. Make sure you know how much is appropriate for your particular dog and her specific age. The puppies should be fed twice a day but adults only once.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American Eskimo Dog is prone to eye issue such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy or (PRA) – this disease is inherited and used to cause blindness as the rods in the retina died. New medical discoveries mean this is no longer a hopeless disease. Their eyes are also susceptible to other issues so make sure you check them and the tear ducts regularly.

Like so many other breeds the American Eskimo is also susceptible to hip dysplasia and a moving patella in the knee. For this reason watch their weight. They can also be very allergic.

Exercise and games

This small dog has more energy than his size can handle. He needs a lot of exercise and a place to run. If he will become hyperactive and destructive. They are prone to disturbing behaviors such as spinning (spinning in circles) when they don’t get enough exercise. The American Eskimo Dog is smart and agile, Play games like catch or agility. They are also great at herding, competitive obedience or detection.

Comparison with other breeds

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  3. American Eskimo Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. American Eskimo Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. American Eskimo Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. American Eskimo Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. American Eskimo Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. American Eskimo Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Eskimo Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Eskimo Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. American Eskimo Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. American Eskimo Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. American Eskimo Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. American Eskimo Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. American Eskimo Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. American Eskimo Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. American Eskimo Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. American Eskimo Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. American Eskimo Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
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  22. American Eskimo Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. American Eskimo Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
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  25. American Eskimo Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Africanis vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Africanis vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Africanis vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Africanis vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Africanis vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Africanis vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Africanis vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Africanis vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Africanis vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Africanis vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Africanis vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Africanis vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Africanis vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Africanis vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Africanis vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Africanis vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Africanis vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Africanis vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Africanis vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Africanis vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Africanis vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Africanis vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Askal vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Atlas Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  50. Aussie Poo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison