Eskland
The Eskland is a cross between the American Eskimo Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Eskland. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is a striking Nordic breed that comes in three distinct size varieties: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Toy American Eskimos stand between 9 and 12 inches at the shoulder and weigh 6 to 10 pounds, while Miniature specimens measure 12 to 15 inches and weigh 10 to 20 pounds. The Standard variety stands 15 to 19 inches tall and weighs between 25 and 40 pounds. Regardless of size, all varieties share the same elegant Spitz-type appearance with a well-balanced, compact body that presents an overall square silhouette, being slightly longer than tall. The breed exhibits excellent bone structure and muscular development appropriate to its size. The breed possesses a magnificent double coat consisting of a short, dense undercoat beneath a longer outer coat of straight guard hairs that stand off from the body. This luxurious coat forms a pronounced ruff around the neck that extends over the shoulders and chest, creating a lion-like mane that is typically more profuse in males. The coat color is predominantly brilliant white, though white with biscuit or cream markings is also acceptable. The backs of the forelegs are well-feathered, and the hindquarters display characteristic trousers of thick hair extending from the rump to the hocks. The coat requires regular brushing to maintain its beautiful appearance and prevent matting. The head is wedge-shaped with a broad, slightly crowned skull and a well-defined stop. The muzzle is proportionate to the head and covered with short, smooth hair, tapering slightly toward the nose. Distinctive black points adorn the breed, including the nose, lips, and eye rims, which create a striking contrast against the white coat. The eyes are dark brown, slightly oval, and set well apart, conveying an alert and intelligent expression. The ears are triangular, erect, and set high on the head, being thick and well-furred. The heavily plumed tail is carried curled over the back, completing the breed's elegant and noble appearance.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament American Eskimos are energetic and playful dogs that require regular mental and physical stimulation to remain happy and well-behaved. Without adequate exercise and mental challenges, they can become bored and may channel their intelligence into mischievous activities. They can be quite vocal, using their bark to communicate and alert, which requires early training to prevent excessive barking. Their sensitivity to their owner's moods makes them responsive to training methods based on positive reinforcement, though they respond poorly to harsh corrections.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Additional health concerns include epilepsy, which can cause seizures of varying severity, and hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones. Dental disease is common in the breed due to their smaller mouths, making regular dental care essential. Eye conditions beyond PRA include cataracts and tear staining, which is particularly noticeable on their white coats. Allergies affecting the skin are also seen in the breed. Regular veterinary checkups, maintaining a healthy weight, and purchasing from breeders who perform recommended health screenings can help ensure a long, healthy life.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, is a small to medium-sized herding dog that resembles a miniature Rough Collie while being a distinct breed in its own right. Standing 13 to 16 inches at the shoulder and typically weighing between 14 and 27 pounds, with most adults averaging around 22 pounds, the Sheltie presents an elegant and refined appearance. The breed possesses a body that is slightly longer than tall, creating an agile silhouette well-suited to its herding heritage on the rugged Shetland Islands of Scotland. The overall impression is one of symmetry and refinement combined with strength and endurance. The Sheltie's most striking feature is its abundant double coat, which consists of a dense, woolly undercoat beneath a long, straight, harsh-textured outer coat that stands out from the body. This luxurious coat forms an impressive mane and frill around the neck, particularly prominent in males, with abundant feathering on the legs and a profusely coated tail. Accepted coat colors include sable ranging from golden to rich mahogany, black, and blue merle, all typically combined with white and tan markings in specific patterns. White blazes, collars, chest markings, legs, and tail tips are common and desirable, creating the breed's characteristic beautiful appearance. The head is refined and wedge-shaped when viewed from the top or side, with a flat skull and a well-rounded muzzle of equal length to the skull. The breed's expression is gentle, intelligent, and questioning, often described as sweet. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and set obliquely, typically dark brown except in blue merles where blue or merled eyes are acceptable. Small ears are set high on the head and carried three-quarters erect with tips folding forward, adding to their alert appearance. The neck is muscular and well-arched, flowing into well-angulated shoulders. The tail is long enough to reach the hock and carried low at rest or slightly raised when alert, never curled over the back.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Shelties are highly energetic dogs that require substantial mental and physical stimulation to remain happy. Their exceptional intelligence means they excel in obedience, agility, herding trials, and other dog sports. Without adequate exercise and mental challenges, they can become anxious or develop behavioral problems. These dogs do not do well when left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety, as they crave close companionship with their families. They typically shadow their owners throughout the day, always wanting to be involved in household activities. Shelties are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized, though their sensitivity to sound means they do best in calmer households.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Dermatomyositis, sometimes called Sheltie Skin Syndrome, is an autoimmune condition causing skin lesions and muscle inflammation that particularly affects Shelties and Collies. The breed is also susceptible to hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and progressive retinal atrophy. Shelties carry the MDR1 gene mutation that causes sensitivity to certain medications including ivermectin, requiring owners to inform veterinarians of this breed-specific concern. Gallbladder mucoceles, an abnormal accumulation of mucus in the gallbladder, occurs more frequently in Shelties than many other breeds. Dental problems due to their narrow muzzles and transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder are additional concerns. Regular health screenings and purchasing from tested breeding stock significantly reduce these risks.
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 Eskland 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 Dog and Shetland Sheepdog to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.