Eskimo Pit
The Eskimo Pit is a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Eskimo Dog. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Eskimo Pit. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built dog that combines strength with athleticism in a powerful yet agile package. Males typically stand eighteen to twenty-one inches at the withers and weigh between thirty-five and sixty pounds, while females are somewhat smaller at seventeen to twenty inches tall and thirty to fifty pounds. The breed presents a well-balanced appearance with smooth, well-defined musculature that speaks to its athletic heritage. The body is slightly longer than tall, with the length of the front leg from elbow to ground approximately equal to half the dog's height at the withers. Quality and proportion are emphasized over size, and dogs should never appear bulky, overdone, or rangy. The coat is short, close, and stiff to the touch with a glossy sheen that reflects good health. All colors and color patterns are acceptable except merle, with common patterns including solid colors, tuxedo markings, and various combinations. The skin is thick but fits smoothly without wrinkles except when the dog is concentrating. The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in virtually every color found in dogs, from solid black, blue, red, and fawn to brindle patterns and various combinations with white markings. The short coat requires minimal grooming but provides little protection in extreme weather conditions. The head is of medium length with a broad, flat skull and a wide, deep muzzle that is shorter than the skull and tapers slightly toward the nose. Viewed from above, the skull narrows toward the stop, with a deep median furrow running from the stop toward the occiput. The jaws are well-developed and powerful, with cheek muscles that are prominent but not exaggerated. Eyes are medium-sized, round to almond-shaped, and set low and wide apart. Eye color varies with coat color, though blue eyes are a disqualification. Ears are small to medium in size, set high on the head, and may be natural or cropped. The tail is relatively short, set low, thick at the base, and tapers to a point, never carried over the back.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Contrary to their sometimes intimidating appearance, American Pit Bull Terriers are typically extremely friendly toward humans, including strangers, which actually makes them poor guard dogs despite their protective instincts toward family members. Aggressive behavior toward people is highly uncharacteristic of the breed and considered a serious fault. These dogs do best with experienced owners who understand the importance of consistent boundaries, ongoing socialization, and positive reinforcement training. Their natural agility makes them capable climbers and escape artists, necessitating secure fencing and supervision. When properly raised and cared for, the American Pit Bull Terrier proves to be a devoted, entertaining, and loving family companion.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited eye condition that can lead to blindness, with early symptoms including night blindness and dilated pupils typically appearing between three and five years of age. Cataracts may develop with age or as a result of other health conditions. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis is a progressive neurological disease found in this breed. Some American Pit Bull Terriers may have a weaker immune response to parvovirus vaccination, making additional boosters potentially necessary. Dental disease, knee problems including cranial cruciate ligament tears, and various allergies round out the common health concerns. Regular veterinary care, appropriate exercise, maintaining healthy weight, and obtaining dogs from health-tested parents help minimize these risks.
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is a small to medium-sized Nordic breed that presents a picture of strength, agility, and beauty in a compact frame. This breed comes in three distinct size varieties to suit different living situations: the toy stands nine to twelve inches tall, the miniature ranges from twelve to fifteen inches, and the standard measures fifteen to nineteen inches at the withers. Weight varies accordingly, with toy varieties weighing around six to ten pounds, miniatures between ten and twenty pounds, and standards ranging from twenty-five to thirty-five pounds. The body is compactly built and well-balanced, with the length being slightly greater than the height, creating an elegant rectangular silhouette. The breed's most striking feature is its luxurious double coat, which consists of a short, dense undercoat covered by longer guard hairs that form the outer coat. The coat is always white or white with biscuit cream markings, giving the breed its characteristic snow-white appearance. A thick mane or ruff forms around the neck and chest, more pronounced in males, while the hindquarters feature distinctive breeches of longer hair. The profusely coated tail is carried loosely over the back. The coat stands off from the body, creating a fluffy appearance, though it should never curl or wave. The head features a wedge shape with a moderately broad, slightly crowned skull and a well-defined stop. The expression is keen, intelligent, and alert, enhanced by distinctive black points on the nose, lips, and eye rims that contrast beautifully with the white coat. The ears are triangular, erect, and set high on the head, blending softly into the skull. Eyes are slightly oval rather than fully round, set well apart, and range from dark to medium brown in color. The overall impression is of an alert, elegant dog with a smiling expression that reflects the breed's friendly disposition.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The American Eskimo thrives as a devoted family companion and forms strong bonds with their owners. They require significant interaction and do not do well when left alone for extended periods, as they may develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviors. They generally get along well with children and other household pets when raised together, though their alert nature means they should be properly introduced to new animals. Their energy level remains high through adulthood, though it typically calms somewhat in middle age. These dogs need to feel like valued family members and respond best to positive reinforcement training methods that channel their intelligence and desire to please.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Dental disease is a common concern in this breed, making regular dental care including daily brushing and professional cleanings essential to prevent tooth loss and systemic health issues. Some American Eskimos may develop epilepsy, a neurological condition causing recurring seizures that typically requires lifelong medication management. Tear staining and skin allergies are also frequently observed. The breed may experience thrombopathia, an inherited bleeding disorder, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which affects the hip joint. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings including hip evaluations, DNA tests, and ophthalmologist examinations to reduce the incidence of hereditary conditions in their lines.
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 Eskimo Pit 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 Pit Bull Terrier and American Eskimo Dog to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.