Smithfield vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison

Smithfield vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed ComparisonSmithfield is originated from United Kingdom but American Eskimo Dog is originated from United States. Both Smithfield and American Eskimo Dog are having almost same height. Smithfield may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than American Eskimo Dog. Both Smithfield and American Eskimo Dog has almost same life span. Smithfield may have more litter size than American Eskimo Dog. Smithfield requires Moderate maintenance. But American Eskimo Dog requires High maintenance

History

smithfield - historyThe Smithfield is also known as the Smithfield, Smithy or Tasmanian Smithfield and is a herding dog found in Australia but originating in the UK. There is also the possibility that there was an Australian dog bred at a place known as Smithfield, near Texas which is just inside the Queensland border.

It is thought by some that the Smithfield is extinct. The dog was first introduced to the Land Down Under in colonial times.

The Smithfield isn’t recognised by the Canine Councils, but in 1862 the first Dog Show was held in Australia.

american eskimo dog - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
23 - 48 cm
9 - 19 inches
Height Female:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
23 - 40 cm
9 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
4 - 16 kg
8 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
3 - 12 kg
6 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
1 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Smithy, Tasmanian Smithfield
, Spitz
Colors Available:
grey or reddish brown., black, White
White with cream or biscuit markings
Coat:
Medium length, rough shaggy
Heavy, thick, double
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

smithfield puppy - descriptionThe Smithfield is a medium to large sized dog, strong and square-bodied with a wedge shaped head. Many people liken his looks to a Bearded Collie.

He has a rough, medium length coat. The coat has different colors such as white, black, grey or reddish brown. The coat is shaggy and in fact they are often clipped to give them a groomed look and to prevent grass and burrs clinging to the coat.

The tail of the dog can either be a natural bobtail or it could have a longer tail. When the tail is long it is carried low with an upward turn at the tip. The ears are mostly floppy and held close to the head.

He stands at between 46 to 53cm in height and weighs between 16 and 25kg. A bright, alert expression is a distinctive feature of the Smithfield.

Temperament:

The Smithfield is an active, robust dog and they have well balanced, stable personalities. They are often described as being laid-back.

You won’t find any signs of shyness or aggression with these dogs and they are known to be gentle and calm. They are self confident and well adjusted and also hard working.

They are devoted and loving to their human family and are also intelligent. When they’ve been trained and socialized they make splendid family pets, wonderful with children, just loving to run and play. These are dogs you can rely on to be consistent in nature.

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

smithfield dog - characteristicsThose who have owned a Smithfield love them and say that once you’ve owned one, you’ll want another.

These easy going dogs have all the characteristics necessary to ensure a good pet, playmate and companion. They are devoted to their human family, and given the chance will become a very special 4-legged member of any family who appreciates the friendship a such a dog offers.

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

smithfield puppies - health problemsThese dogs enjoy exceptional good health and can reach between 10 and 14 years of age.

You have to be careful with your pet however, because there are quite a few common dog illnesses that can plague your pet, and we look at a few -

Canine Distemper:

This is caused by a contagious virus. Infected dogs develop symptoms such as runny eyes, fever, coughing, vomiting and even seizures. Unfortunately this disease is often fatal. There is luckily a vaccine against it and it is highly recommended for your pet.

Canine parvovirus:

Also a very contagious disease which attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, vomiting and diarrhea. It is often spread by contaminated stools and feeding utensils of dogs. Many dogs die from parvo but there is also a vaccine against it.

Heatstroke:

This is terrible for your pet and is a huge risk for dogs during Summer. Never leave your pet in a car unattended, especially on a hot day. Remember that stub-nosed dogs such as Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are more prone to respiratory problems and heat can be deadly for them.

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

Exercise:

smithfield dogs - caringThe Smithfield has plenty of energy and loves nothing more than lots of games with the children. He will also look forward to a walk every day as well as other activities.

Grooming:

When it comes to grooming, you can save money by grooming your dog at home. Whether you have your pet’s hair cut or you leave it as is, get into the habit of brushing the fur at least twice a week. You can speak to your vet or groomer and get advice on what comb of brush to use on your Smithfield.

It you want to cut your pet’s hair, it is important to use the right equipment so you don't accidentally injure him. Certainly if you feel unsure about shaving your dog at home, leave this grooming aspect to the experts.

Have your pet’s nails trimmed.

Check your pet’s eyes. They must be clear and bright. Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Check inside his ears to make sure they aren’t red with infection.

Diet:

Your Smithfield is relying on you to provide him with good food. For convenience, it is always a good idea to have a packet of the best dry kibble there is. Check out the label and make sure to buy one that has a good balance of vitamins and minerals.

Give him some tasty homemade food too. Remember to keep it plain and simple. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are nutritious and tasty. This food can all be chopped up and small portions added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

You’ll never have to worry about digestion problems with your dog. A little bit of raw meat can also go a long way to ensuring his skin stays healthy and free of skin infections. Ensure that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

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

  1. Smithfield vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Smithfield vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Smithfield vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Smithfield vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Smithfield vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Smithfield vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Smithfield vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Smithfield vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Smithfield vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Smithfield vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Smithfield vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Smithfield vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Smithfield vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Smithfield vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Smithfield vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  17. Smithfield vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  18. Smithfield vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Smithfield vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Smithfield vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  21. Smithfield vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Smithfield vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Smithfield vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  25. Smithfield vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  26. Corgi vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Cardigan Welsh Corgi vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Shetland Sheepdog vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Toy Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Welsh Corgi vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Pomeranian vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Maltese vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Pug vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Boston Terrier vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Maltipoo vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Bichon Frise vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Dachshund vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Jack Russell Terrier vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Cockapoo vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Cavapoo vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Miniature Schnauzer vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Cavachon vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Mal-Shi vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. American Eskimo Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  47. American Eskimo Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. American Eskimo Dog vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. American Eskimo Dog vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds