Eskidor
Hybrid Breed Description
The Eskidor is a cross between the American Eskimo and the Labrador Retriever. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing an Eskidor. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
American Eskimo
The American Eskimo Dog is a beautiful small to medium-sized Nordic breed that comes in three distinct size varieties recognized by kennel clubs. Toy Eskimos stand between nine and twelve inches tall and weigh five to ten pounds, while miniature varieties measure twelve to fifteen inches in height and weigh ten to twenty pounds. The standard size ranges from fifteen to nineteen inches tall with a weight of eighteen to thirty-five pounds. This sizing flexibility makes the breed adaptable to various living situations while maintaining their characteristic sturdy, well-balanced proportions. The Eskie's most striking feature is their magnificent pure white double coat, though white with biscuit cream markings is also accepted within breed standards. The coat consists of a dense, plush undercoat protected by a longer, harsher outer coat that stands away from the body without curling or waving. A pronounced lion-like ruff encircles the neck and chest area, particularly prominent in male dogs, while the legs feature distinctive feathering. The breed's signature otter-like tail curves gracefully over the back, covered thickly with the same dense white fur. Other distinctive physical characteristics include a wedge-shaped head with a domed forehead, erect triangular ears set high on the skull, and large dark eyes rimmed in black that convey an intelligent, alert expression. The muzzle and skull are approximately equal in length with a moderate stop. Black is the preferred color for the nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads, creating a striking contrast against the white coat. The breed moves with a bold, energetic gait that reflects their confident and agile nature, presenting an overall picture of a compact, well-muscled dog that is slightly longer than tall.
Key Characteristics
American Eskimo Dogs possess vibrant, engaging personalities characterized by intelligence, playfulness, and a strong desire to bond closely with their human families. Often described as eager to please, Eskies are among the most trainable breeds and excel at learning both basic commands and complex tricks quickly. Their circus performing heritage is evident in their natural showmanship and ability to pick up behaviors simply by watching other dogs. However, this intelligence comes with an independent streak, and without proper training and socialization from puppyhood, they can become willful and develop unwanted behaviors. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with this sensitive breed. Eskies are naturally social dogs that thrive on human companionship and interaction, earning them the nickname of being devoted family members. They form intense bonds with their owners and prefer to be included in all household activities rather than being left alone for extended periods. When isolated or neglected, they may develop separation anxiety and resort to destructive behaviors or excessive barking. The breed is generally friendly and good with children when properly socialized, making them excellent family companions for households that can provide adequate attention and engagement. While affectionate with their families, American Eskimos can be reserved or wary around strangers initially, though they typically warm up once properly introduced. This natural suspicion makes them excellent watchdogs who will alert their families to visitors or unusual activity with their vocal nature. However, they are not aggressive dogs. Their high energy levels and curious minds require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related issues such as spinning, excessive barking, or destructive chewing. Activities like obedience training, agility courses, and interactive play sessions help channel their boundless enthusiasm positively while strengthening the human-dog bond.
American Eskimo Dogs are generally healthy with a lifespan of twelve to fifteen years, though they are predisposed to certain breed-specific health conditions that owners should monitor. Progressive Retinal Atrophy represents one of the more serious inherited conditions affecting Eskies, causing gradual deterioration of the retina that can lead to blindness. Symptoms typically begin appearing between three and five years of age with night blindness or dilated pupils. While not painful and incurable, genetic testing is available to identify carriers. Hip dysplasia, though less common in smaller breeds, can still affect American Eskimos, causing improper hip joint formation that leads to arthritis and mobility issues over time. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, occurs with some frequency in the breed and can cause intermittent lameness or difficulty moving. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, affecting the hip joint's blood supply in young dogs, may also develop. Eye problems beyond PRA include juvenile cataracts, which can appear before breeding age, and general eye injuries due to their prominent eye structure. The breed also shows susceptibility to allergies, tear staining, and dental problems that require regular preventive care including daily teeth brushing. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for American Eskimos, as obesity can exacerbate joint problems and reduce overall lifespan. The breed has a tendency to become overweight easily if not properly exercised or if overfed. Regular veterinary checkups, appropriate nutrition, consistent exercise, and early intervention when health issues arise can help Eskies live long, healthy lives. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings including hip evaluations, eye examinations, and PRA genetic testing to reduce the incidence of hereditary conditions. Prospective owners should request health clearances and ask about the health history of both parents before acquiring an American Eskimo puppy.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium to large-sized sporting dog with a well-balanced, athletic conformation that reflects its heritage as a versatile working retriever. Males typically stand between twenty-two and a half to twenty-four and a half inches tall at the shoulder and weigh sixty-five to eighty pounds, while females are slightly smaller at twenty-one and a half to twenty-three and a half inches in height and fifty-five to seventy pounds. The breed presents a sturdy, solid appearance with a compact, muscular body that is nearly square in proportion, though slightly longer than tall. Despite their substantial build, Labs maintain an agile, graceful quality that enables them to work efficiently in various environments. The breed's most distinctive physical features include a broad skull with a well-defined stop, powerful jaws, and kind, friendly eyes that express intelligence and good temperament. Labs have medium-sized, pendant-shaped ears that hang close to the head, and their nose is wide with large nostrils, typically black in black and yellow dogs or brown in chocolate Labs. The famous otter tail serves as the breed's signature characteristic—thick at the base and gradually tapering toward the tip, extending no longer than to the hock, and covered thickly all around with the Lab's short, dense coat. This tail completes the flowing line from the head to the tail tip and aids significantly in swimming. Labrador Retrievers possess a distinctive short, dense, weather-resistant double coat that provides protection from water and harsh conditions. The coat lies relatively flat against the body and comes in three solid colors: black, yellow ranging from light cream to fox red, and chocolate from light to dark brown. Their webbed feet enhance their exceptional swimming ability, a trait that reflects their origins as fishing dogs. The breed moves with a free, effortless gait showing good reach in front and strong drive behind, with legs moving in straight lines and the topline remaining level. This efficient movement, combined with their athletic build and water-repellent coat, makes Labs perfectly suited for retrieving work in various terrains and conditions.
Key Characteristics
Labrador Retrievers are renowned worldwide for their exceptionally friendly, outgoing, and even-tempered personalities that make them one of the most beloved family dog breeds. Labs are highly social animals that thrive on human companionship and form strong bonds with their families, often displaying remarkable patience and gentleness, particularly with children. Their affectionate nature extends to strangers as well, as Labs typically greet new people with enthusiasm rather than suspicion, though they will alert their families to visitors. This universal friendliness, combined with their non-aggressive temperament, makes them unsuitable as guard dogs but excellent as therapy and assistance dogs where their gentle, reliable nature is invaluable. The breed's intelligence and eagerness to please make Labradors highly trainable, which accounts for their success in numerous working roles including service dogs, search and rescue, drug detection, and hunting companions. Labs possess a strong retrieving instinct bred into them over generations, resulting in a natural desire to carry objects in their mouths and fetch items. This oral fixation means Labs may develop chewing habits, particularly in puppyhood, requiring appropriate outlets through sturdy chew toys and regular exercise. Their biddable nature and food motivation generally make training straightforward, though their enthusiastic energy and strength necessitate early obedience training to prevent jumping or pulling on leash. However, Labrador Retrievers are extremely high-energy dogs that require substantial daily exercise—typically at least one to two hours of vigorous activity—to maintain physical and mental health. Without adequate exercise and mental stimulation, Labs can become destructive, digging, chewing excessively, or barking. They particularly excel in and enjoy activities involving water, retrieving games, long walks, and dog sports such as agility and dock diving. Labs generally get along well with other dogs and pets when properly socialized, though their boisterous play style and size may overwhelm smaller animals. While their friendly, patient nature makes them wonderful family companions, their exuberance requires supervision around very young children to prevent accidental knocking over.
Labrador Retrievers have an average lifespan of ten to thirteen years, with some color variations showing different longevity—chocolate Labs typically live slightly shorter lives at around 10.7 years compared to black and yellow Labs who may live closer to twelve years. The breed is predisposed to several significant health conditions that owners should monitor throughout their dog's life. Hip and elbow dysplasia represent the most common orthopedic concerns, occurring when these joints develop abnormally, leading to arthritis, pain, and mobility problems. Responsible breeders conduct OFA or PennHIP screenings on breeding dogs, and maintaining a healthy weight helps minimize stress on affected joints. Obesity stands as perhaps the single most significant health challenge facing Labrador Retrievers, with genetic research identifying a POMC gene mutation affecting appetite regulation in approximately one in four Labs. This genetic predisposition, combined with the breed's food-motivated nature, makes weight management critical. Overweight Labs face increased risks of diabetes, joint deterioration, heart disease, and reduced lifespan by up to two and a half years. Progressive Retinal Atrophy, an inherited eye disease causing gradual vision loss and eventual blindness, typically develops between three and nine years of age, with genetic testing available to identify carriers. Exercise-Induced Collapse affects some Labs, causing sudden muscle weakness in the hind legs following intense activity. Other health concerns include ear infections due to their pendant ears that trap moisture, particularly after swimming; bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists; and various cancers including hemangiosarcoma that becomes more common as Labs age. Labs also show predisposition to hypothyroidism and allergies causing skin irritation. Regular veterinary checkups, maintaining optimal body condition through portion control and daily exercise, keeping ears clean and dry, and being vigilant for early signs of health issues can significantly improve quality of life and longevity. Prospective owners should ensure parents have appropriate health clearances including hip and elbow evaluations, eye examinations, and genetic testing for known conditions.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Eskidor may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the American Eskimo and Labrador Retriever to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.