Eskipoo

The Eskipoo is a cross between the American Eskimo Dog and the Poodle — combining two of the most intelligent and trainable breeds in the AKC’s registry to produce an alert, affectionate, and highly capable small to medium companion. The American Eskimo’s circus-performance heritage and the Poodle’s working retrieving intelligence combine to create a dog of remarkable trainability and genuine charm. Available in different sizes depending on whether a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle is used, the Eskipoo is adaptable, family-friendly, and genuinely entertaining company.

The Eskipoo emerged from the North American designer dog movement, combining the American Eskimo Dog — itself descended from German Spitz dogs brought to the US by 19th-century immigrants, who rose to fame as circus performers for their extraordinary trainability and striking all-white appearance — with the Poodle, a German and French retrieving breed celebrated for centuries for its intelligence and minimal-shedding coat. The AKC recognized the American Eskimo Dog in 1994; the Poodle has been AKC-recognized since 1887. The Eskipoo is not AKC-recognized.

The Eskipoo is a small to medium dog typically standing 30 to 46 cm at the shoulder and weighing 7 to 14 kg. The appearance varies depending on which parent’s coat genes dominate: individuals with strong Eskimo influence carry the white, fluffy double coat typical of the American Eskimo; those with stronger Poodle influence carry a wavier or curlier, lower-shedding coat that may be cream, apricot, or white. Most Eskipoos fall between these extremes, with a soft, wavy, moderately shedding coat that benefits significantly from regular grooming attention.

The Eskipoo is cheerful, affectionate, and reliably friendly with people of all ages. The American Eskimo’s circus-performer sociability combines with the Poodle’s warm, people-oriented nature to produce a dog that genuinely enjoys interaction, forms close bonds with its family, and adapts well to different household environments and lifestyles. The Eskie’s watchdog instinct contributes a vocal alertness that requires early training management; the Poodle’s emotional sensitivity makes the Eskipoo highly attuned to its owner’s mood and responsive to calm, positive handling.

The Eskipoo is one of the most trainable small to medium crossbreeds available. Both parent breeds consistently rank at the top of canine intelligence assessments, and the Eskipoo inherits this remarkable responsiveness to training. Commands are learned quickly, retained reliably, and delivered with the enthusiastic engagement that makes training genuinely fun. The breed excels at AKC trick dog competitions, obedience, and agility.

Vocal management is the most important early training investment: the Eskipoo’s alertness means it will announce visitors, sounds, and schedule changes with enthusiasm. Training “quiet” on command from the first weeks home significantly reduces nuisance barking.

The Eskipoo is an outstanding family dog for households with children of all ages. Both parent breeds have well-established family-friendly temperaments, and the Eskipoo reliably inherits warmth, patience, and genuine affection for children. The breed’s manageable size makes it safe around younger children while remaining robust enough for active play with older kids. Its trainability makes it easy to manage around busy family environments.

The Eskipoo may inherit health conditions from both parent breeds. PRA is a concern in both the American Eskimo and Poodle lines; DNA tests are available and both parents should be tested clear. OFA hip evaluation of the American Eskimo parent (an AKC CHIC requirement) and OFA CAER eye evaluation are advisable. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is relevant for smaller size variants. Thyroid dysfunction has been recorded in the American Eskimo line; thyroid function assessment of the Eskimo parent is worthwhile. A healthy Eskipoo typically lives 12 to 15 years.

The Eskipoo is adaptable to apartment, suburban, and family home living. Its primary care needs are socialization (to manage the Eskimo’s natural wariness with unfamiliar people), vocal training (the Eskie’s watchdog tendency), and consistent grooming. Separation anxiety requires gradual alone-time conditioning from puppyhood. Routine dental care, ear cleaning, and grooming complete the care requirements for this otherwise manageable and rewarding breed.

Grooming requirements depend on coat type. Curlier Poodle-influenced coats need daily brushing and professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Wavier or Eskimo-influenced coats need brushing three to four times weekly and the same professional grooming schedule. The white coat shows dirt readily; bathing every three to four weeks keeps it fresh. Ear cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing complete the routine.

The Eskipoo requires 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. Both parent breeds are active but not extreme in exercise demands. Brisk walks, off-leash play in a safely enclosed yard, training sessions, and interactive indoor games meet the breed’s daily needs effectively. The breed excels at agility and trick training, which provide excellent combined physical and mental workouts.

Eskipoo puppies in the United States typically cost between $500 and $1,000. The breed is not AKC-recognized; health testing standards vary. Breeders who health test both parents appropriately — CHIC documentation for the American Eskimo parent, PRA DNA tests for both — provide significantly better value despite potentially higher prices. Lancaster Puppies features Eskipoo listings from established US breeders.

Request OFA hip evaluation documentation and CHIC certification for the American Eskimo parent, PRA DNA test results for both parents, and OFA CAER eye certificates. A well-tempered, sociable American Eskimo parent — not shy or reactive with strangers — is one of the strongest predictors of a well-balanced adult Eskipoo. American Eskimo Dog Club of America rescue programs occasionally place Eskipoos in suitable homes.