Eskipoo

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Get to Know Eskipoos

  • Brains on Both Sides: Eskipoos inherit high intelligence from both parent breeds, often excelling at obedience, tricks, and puzzle toys. Many learn commands quickly but also pick up habits just as fast—good or bad.
  • Varied Coats: Their coat can range from fluffy and spitz-like to curly and poodle-textured, even within the same litter. This variability makes grooming plans very individual to the dog.
  • Naturally Watchful Companions: Thanks to the American Eskimo Dog’s watchdog instincts, many Eskipoos are alert barkers who quickly notice changes in their environment. This makes them excellent little “alarm systems” without being aggressive.
  • People-oriented: Eskipoos tend to form very strong bonds with their families and often prefer being involved in everything happening at home. They can struggle if left alone for long periods without mental stimulation.
  • Great for active households—not couch potatoes: While they’re not hyper, they thrive when given daily walks, games, and training challenges. A bored Eskipoo may invent their own entertainment, which owners don’t always appreciate.

Breed History

The Eskipoo is a modern companion cross developed in North America by combining the American Eskimo Dog’s alertness and family devotion with the Poodle’s intelligence and trainability. Like many designer mixes, the goal was to create a smaller, highly intelligent companion with a potentially low-shedding coat and adaptable temperament. While not a standardized breed, Eskipoos have gained popularity among families seeking a smart, affectionate dog suited to both urban and suburban lifestyles.

Personality and Behaviour

  • Highly Social & Bonded: Eskipoos often follow their people from room to room and thrive on companionship. They do best in homes where they’re treated as part of the family.
  • Quick Learners with Opinions: Training is usually enjoyable because they learn fast, but consistency matters—these dogs can test boundaries if rules aren’t clear.
  • Alert but Friendly: They may be cautious with strangers at first, using their voice to announce arrivals, but typically warm up quickly once they sense no threat.

Care

  • Exercise: Daily walks plus mental enrichment (training games, puzzle toys) keep them balanced and content.
  • Training: Early, positive reinforcement training helps channel their intelligence and prevents nuisance behaviors like excessive barking.
  • Grooming: Regular brushing (several times per week) is essential to prevent matting, especially in curlier coats.

Eskipoo Summary

weight iconWeight
15-25 lbs
lifespan iconLifespan
12-15 years
exercise iconExercise
Moderate
trainability iconTrainability
Difficult
temperament iconTemperament
Intelligent
Affectionate
Alert
grooming iconGrooming
High

What to ask your breeder?

It’s important to ensure your breeder conducts thorough health screenings on the two dogs that were bred for the litter. Reputable breeders should perform genetic laboratory testing and also orthopedic evaluations. There’s no way to guarantee every puppy in every litter is 100% free from health problems, but responsible breeding practices greatly reduce the risk.

Here’s a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:

American Eskimo Dog Health Testing

ScreeningConsiderations
Hip DysplasiaOne of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation, min age 16 weeks. Results registered with OFA.
ACVO Eye ExamEye Examination once 24 months old. Results registered with OFA
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA TestDNA based prcd-PRA test from an approved lab
Cardiac Evaluation(Optional) Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Results registered with OFA. Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam
Elbow Dysplasia(Optional) OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation
Patellar Luxation(Optional) Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA.
Autoimmune thyroiditis(Optional) Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA.
Legg-Calve-Perthes(Optional) OFA Legg-Calve-Perthes Radiographic Evaluation

Poodle Health Testing

ScreeningConsiderations
Hip DysplasiaOne of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA.
Patellar LuxationVeterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age 1 year.
ACVO Eye ExamACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)DNA-based prcd-PRA (Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration) test from an approved laboratory; results registered with OFA

How Much Does It Cost to Own an Eskipoo Per Year?

Determining the cost of owning an Eskipoo is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.

The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator

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