Eskimo Schnauzer (American Eskimo & Schnauzer Mix): Info, Pictures & More

When you mix the intelligent and performative American Eskimo dog with the tireless and charming Miniature Schnauzer, the resulting charisma and presence of the Eskimo Schnauzer will blow you away!

Calm, sensitive, loving, and obedient the Eskimo Schnauzer is the active family’s dream dog. They love kids, are affectionate and playful companions, and are highly competent watchdogs to boot.

We can get a more in-depth look at the Eskimo Schnauzer’s history by studying the parent breeds.

Breed Overview

Miniature Schnauzers are bred from the all-purpose and well-loved European farm dog, the Standard Schnauzer. Their origins may span as far back as the 15^th century when German farmers bred the Standard down to a mini – all the better to work as a brave barnyard ratter.

These miniature exterminators also have breeds like the Affenpinscher and Poodle in their lineage. Their ratting days are behind them now, but they are still prized as charming and dapper companions.

The American Eskimo dogs are descended from the Nordic breed, the German Spitz. These dogs were used in the late 1800s as all-purpose farm dogs, but by the 1900s their beautiful coats and highly trainable nature brought them into show business.

This breed was a favorite of the vaudeville troupes, traveling circuses, and Wild West shows that roamed America in the days before television. They got a name change during World War I, when anti-German sentiment was high, and became the “American Eskimo” dog.

Eskimo Schnauzer Characteristics

Eskimo Schnauzer Puppies

Playful and bright-eyed, Eskimo Schnauzers are energetic and endearing puppies. Their personalities may mellow slightly with age but retain a distinct love of entertaining. One thing that will not mellow until significantly later in life, however, is their tireless energy!

So, before you go falling in love with eight different Eskimo Schnauzer puppies, ask yourself some questions about your living situation and suitability as a dog owner.

Do you have access to fenced-in exercise areas that a dog could use every day? How much time do you spend at work on a typical day/week? Do you have the finances and time to care for a needy animal, in good health or poor, for a decade or more?

If you go to a breeder, try talking to them about what it's like living with Eskimo Schnauzers. They should be more than happy to give you further considerations, advice, pointers, and tips.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Eskimo Schnauzer

The Eskimo Schnauzer is a fearless, friendly, and fun-loving breed. It may take a moment for an Eskimo Schnauzer to decide whether they like someone, but once you’re in, you are in for life!

Eskimo Schnauzers are bright-minded, alert, and loving. They make wonderful companions for families with children and can even be trained as highly capable watchdogs.

These versatile dogs are often small enough to fit nicely in an apartment or city home, but at the same time have the energy and curiosity to patrol an entire farm! Appropriate exercise and activities together are a must for these bold, loving dogs.

In fact, the Eskimo Schnauzer fairly insists on having an active family. They are social and eager creatures that can develop poor behaviors when neglected and undertrained. Luckily, they are the very definition of eager to please.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

This breed makes a particularly devoted and loving family dog. Eskimo Schnauzers are highly social and relish attention and inclusion in family activities.

The sturdy, agile, and vigorous Eskimo Schnauzer also loves children. The calm nature and lack of aggression in the Eskimo Schnauzer make this dog a great playmate for any child that has been taught how to act around pets.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Overall, Eskimo Schnauzers are incredibly friendly with other animals. They get along great with dogs, and with a little socialization will likely have an easy relationship with the family cat too.

It would be unwise to assume that this social nature extends to smaller pets and prey animals, however. Don’t forget that Eskimo Schnauzers do have some pest extermination and hunting instinct, after all!

Better to let Mr. Wiggles the guinea pig have his solitude, rather than try to make friends when the odds of it going well are not in his favor.

Things to Know When Owning an Eskimo Schnauzer

You may be wondering what daily life could be like with an Eskimo Schnauzer. Well, you’re in luck, because this section is all about what sort of routines and daily needs a canine companion like the Eskimo Schnauzer needs to be happy and healthy.

Food & Diet Requirements

Making sure your Eskimo Schnauzer gets all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need may sound daunting. But dedicated dog food manufacturers have been making it easy and affordable to provide a balanced diet to your pup for generations.

Look for brands that include whole foods in the ingredients, contain few grains, and do not have any by-products. If you don’t recognize the items listed on your dog’s food, rethink purchasing that brand.

As an energetic, but smaller breed you should take care not to overfeed your canine pal. Unnecessary pounds can impact a small dog’s ability and desire to get active, and for the lively Eskimo Schnauzer, that would truly be a shame.

Lean proteins are an excellent way to fuel your dog’s active life and protect against obesity. Fowl like turkey, chicken, or other game birds are great choices. Fish are another excellent source of protein, as well as fatty acids that nourish a dog’s joints, skin and fur, and even brain functioning.

For the curious Eskimo Schnauzer, a variety of food is an excellent way to feed their body and mind! Try including a new fruit or veggie in their meal from time to time – spinach, cooked sweet potato, or even some melon will do right by them.

Exercise

Eskimo Schnauzers have a compact frame that belies their true vigor and energy. Yes, they certainly can fit in an apartment, but that does not mean they should spend most of their time indoors.

These dogs are active and highly inquisitive, which necessitates multiple outdoor excursions per day at the very least. Access to a fenced-in yard is highly recommended, but a nearby dog park can suffice if you also take your pup out for sufficient outdoor activities throughout the week.

As a highly social breed, Eskimo Schnauzers will literally leap at any chance to be included in family activities! Hiking, swimming, running, biking – bring it on! You’ll be able to take these obedient, upbeat dogs out almost anywhere with you and they will love every moment.

Training

Eskimo Schnauzers are keen, intelligent dogs that are highly trainable. Most of all, this breed loves to please their owner and family! Positive reinforcement training will suit these eager, good-natured dogs well and have you communicating well in no time.

As both the parent breeds have been bred as watchdogs and pest control helpers, you can expect your Eskimo Schnauzer to be an alert, watchful canine. Their natural tendency is to bark to alert the family of intruders, whether it be uninvited guest, mailman, or raccoon.

If you have neighbors or are noise sensitive yourself, it would be wise to take steps to discourage excessive barking and teach these smart pups when it's appropriate to use their voices.

Grooming ✂️

Eskimo Schnauzers require a moderate amount of attention to keep their coats and mustaches clean and looking tip-top. They have dense fur that is either fluffy or smooth, both of which should receive regular brushing to prevent mats.

If your Eskimo Schnauzer has the iconic Schnauzer stache, don’t forget to give it a trim once every two months or so. If left too long your pup could go from dapper gent to Fu Manchu in a matter of months!

Ears, toenails, and teeth are another part of the Eskimo Schnauzer grooming routine. Nails ought to be clipped or filed gently if your pup doesn’t wear them down naturally. Unattended nails can crack, split, and get caught in carpeting and clothing.

Clean your pooch’s ears at least once a week to avoid infections. And regular teeth cleaning will keep your dog’s chompers strong and gums healthy. Many vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth about twice a week.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Eskimo Schnauzers are sturdy, robust dogs. Though they are technically susceptible to any of the common ailments that pester either parent breed, most are much healthier than either of the pure lines they come from.

Male vs Female

The male Eskimo Schnauzer is larger, and sturdier in build. He is more likely to develop behaviors like humping and territory marking as he reaches maturity.

The female, on the other hand, is usually a bit daintier. She will likely be a quieter, more reserved dog than a male Eskimo Schnauzer, but she is still friendly and sweet.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Eskimo Schnauzer

1. An American Eskimo Dog Was A Famed Barnum & Bailey Circus Performer

Back in the time when animal performers would cross the country with traveling troupes and win the hearts of Americans everywhere, Pierre was king.

Pierre, an American Eskimo tightrope walker, was one of America’s most famous doggy performers in the 1930s. He worked with Barnum & Bailey Circus and was the first recorded canine tightrope walker in the world!

2. The Fancy Facial Hair of The Miniature Schnauzer Isn’t Just for Show

The iconic, dapper mustache and eyebrows of the Miniature Schnauzer serve a purpose for their farm work. When killing rats and other vermin, their thick facial hair acts as armor between their prey and their skin. Thus, the hair was often thickest around sensitive parts like eyes, nose, and lips.

Additionally, their wiry double coat is incredibly thick and resists dirt or briars catching. This coat is handy when the Miniature Schnauzer needs to dig into the ground for pests, and helps them stay clean.

3. Eskimo Schnauzers Can Be Hypoallergenic

If an Eskimo Schnauzer favors the Miniature Schnauzer parent for their coat, these loving creatures can be better for your sinuses too.

The hypoallergenic Eskimo Schnauzer sheds very little but needs some special care to keep their sensitive skin happy. No baths for these guys unless absolutely necessary, because the oils in their fur help keep them clean and hydrated.

Final Thoughts

So, is the Eskimo Schnauzer the dog for you?

If you live alone and spend all day away from home or are not interested in a breed with high social and exercise needs, perhaps not.

But if you’ve got an outdoorsy lifestyle, desire a “total package” dog, or have kids that would respect and appreciate a dog, then the extroverted Eskimo Schnauzer could be an excellent match!

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Featured Image Credit: Pxfuel