Eskland
Hybrid Breed Description
The Eskland is a cross between the American Eskimo and the Shetland Sheepdog. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing an Eskland. 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 presents itself in three distinct size varieties that accommodate different living situations and preferences. Toy Eskies measure nine to twelve inches in height and weigh between six and ten pounds, making them ideal for apartment living. Miniature specimens stand twelve to fifteen inches tall and weigh ten to twenty pounds, offering a middle ground for families. Standard American Eskimos reach fifteen to nineteen inches in height with weights ranging from twenty to forty pounds, providing a more substantial presence while maintaining their characteristic agility and grace. This versatility in sizing allows prospective owners to select an Eskie that best fits their lifestyle and living environment. The breed's most striking feature is undoubtedly its stunning white double coat, which creates an almost ethereal appearance. The outer coat consists of long, straight guard hairs that stand off from the body, while the dense, woolly undercoat provides insulation and weather protection. Around the neck and chest, the coat forms a distinctive lion-like ruff or mane that is particularly pronounced in males. The breed displays characteristic feathering on the backs of the forelegs and along the hind legs down to the hocks, creating what is often called trousers. Their plumed tail curves gracefully over the back, adding to their elegant silhouette. While pure white is the most desired color, some Eskies display biscuit or cream markings, which are also acceptable within breed standards. The American Eskimo's head is wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded skull and a well-proportioned muzzle. Their triangular ears stand erect and alert, tilting slightly forward when attentive. Perhaps the most captivating feature is their expressive dark eyes, which convey intelligence and keen awareness. The nose, lips, and eye rims are distinctly black, creating striking contrast against their white coat. Their body is square-built with good proportions, where the length from shoulder to buttocks equals the height from withers to ground. The chest shows good depth and breadth, with well-sprung ribs that provide adequate space for heart and lung function. Their movement is smooth and effortless, with a balanced, rhythmic gait that demonstrates the breed's natural agility and athleticism.
Key Characteristics
American Eskimos possess remarkable intelligence that ranks them among the most trainable dog breeds. Their quick learning ability and eagerness to please make them exceptionally responsive to training, allowing them to master commands with just a few repetitions. This mental acuity extends beyond basic obedience, as Eskies excel in advanced training activities including agility trials, obedience competitions, and even complex trick performance. Their circus heritage is evident in their natural showmanship and ability to perform elaborate routines. However, this intelligence can become problematic if not properly channeled, as bored Eskies may devise creative ways to entertain themselves, often resulting in undesirable behaviors. The breed's temperament centers on their deep devotion to family and their intense need for human companionship. Eskies form exceptionally strong bonds with their owners and thrive when included in daily family activities. They are naturally social dogs who desire constant interaction and involvement, making them unsuitable for families who cannot provide adequate attention and engagement. While friendly and affectionate with family members, American Eskimos tend to be reserved or cautious around strangers, displaying a natural wariness that makes them excellent watchdogs. Their alert nature and tendency to bark when encountering unfamiliar people or situations means they require early socialization to prevent excessive suspicion or anxiety around new experiences. Energetically, American Eskimos maintain a lively and playful disposition throughout much of their lives. They require regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain well-adjusted and content. Daily walks, interactive play sessions, and training activities help channel their abundant energy productively. Without sufficient outlets for their physical and mental needs, Eskies may develop problematic behaviors including excessive barking, destructive chewing, or hyperactivity. The breed does not tolerate being left alone for extended periods, and separation anxiety can become an issue if they are frequently isolated from their family. Their sensitive nature means they respond best to positive reinforcement training methods, as harsh corrections can damage their trust and willingness to cooperate.
American Eskimo Dogs typically enjoy a lifespan of thirteen to fifteen years, which is relatively long for their size range. However, like all purebred dogs, they are predisposed to certain genetic health conditions that potential owners should understand. Progressive Retinal Atrophy stands as one of the most significant health concerns affecting the breed. This inherited condition causes gradual deterioration of the retina, beginning with night blindness around three to five years of age and potentially progressing to complete vision loss. The disease is not painful but is irreversible, making genetic testing of breeding stock essential for responsible breeders. Hip dysplasia, though more common in larger breeds, also affects American Eskimos and can lead to arthritis and mobility issues as dogs age. This condition occurs when the hip joint develops improperly, causing looseness that results in degenerative changes over time. Juvenile cataracts and other eye conditions appear with concerning frequency in American Eskimos. Cataracts cause cloudiness of the eye lens, impairing vision and potentially leading to blindness if left untreated. Many cases can be successfully treated through surgical intervention by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease represents another orthopedic concern, particularly in toy and miniature varieties. This condition affects young dogs between six and nine months of age, causing the femoral head to become brittle due to inadequate blood supply. Treatment often requires surgical intervention, and early detection improves outcomes. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, occurs frequently in smaller Eskies and can range from mild to severe, sometimes requiring corrective surgery. Metabolic and systemic health issues also warrant attention in the breed. Hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, can cause symptoms including weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin problems. This condition is manageable through daily thyroid hormone supplementation. Dental disease affects American Eskimos more severely than many breeds, with periodontal disease developing early if proper dental care is not maintained. Regular teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings help prevent painful infections and tooth loss. Some Eskies develop allergies, particularly food sensitivities and environmental allergies that manifest as skin irritation, itching, and ear infections. The breed can also experience epilepsy, with seizures typically beginning between six months and three years of age. Regular veterinary care, health screenings, and maintaining appropriate weight through proper diet and exercise all contribute significantly to maximizing the health and longevity of American Eskimo Dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog stands as a small to medium-sized herding breed displaying refined elegance and athletic capability in a compact package. Adult Shelties typically measure thirteen to sixteen inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between fifteen and twenty-five pounds, with males generally larger than females. Despite their diminutive stature compared to their Collie cousins, Shelties possess surprising strength and endurance suited to their original purpose of herding livestock across the rugged Shetland Islands. Their body exhibits a slightly longer than tall proportion, creating a rectangular silhouette that contributes to their graceful, flowing movement. The chest is deep and well-developed, providing ample lung capacity for sustained activity, while the topline remains level and strong. The breed's most distinctive feature is their luxurious double coat, which requires substantial grooming commitment but creates their characteristic beauty. The outer coat is long, straight, and harsh in texture, standing away from the body rather than lying flat. The undercoat is soft, dense, and provides insulation against harsh weather. Around the neck and chest, the coat forms an abundant ruff that is particularly pronounced in males, while the forelegs display moderate feathering. The hind legs showcase full feathering that extends from the hip to the hock, and the tail is profusely coated and carried low with a slight upward curve. Shetland Sheepdogs appear in several striking color combinations including sable ranging from golden to deep mahogany, tricolor with black body and tan markings, blue merle featuring a mottled gray-blue pattern with black markings, and bi-black with white markings. The Sheltie's head presents a refined, wedge-shaped appearance with a flat skull and a muzzle that tapers smoothly toward the nose. Their ears are small, set high on the head, and carried semi-erect with the tips folding forward, creating an alert and intelligent expression. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and typically dark brown, though blue merles may have blue or merled eyes. These expressive eyes convey the breed's keen intelligence and sensitivity to their surroundings. The overall impression is one of beauty, alertness, and athleticism combined with a sweet, gentle expression that captures the hearts of admirers.
Key Characteristics
Shetland Sheepdogs rank among the most intelligent dog breeds, possessing exceptional learning ability and a strong desire to please their handlers. This combination makes them extraordinarily trainable and responsive to instruction, often mastering new commands after just a few repetitions. Shelties excel in obedience competitions, agility trials, and other canine sports where their quick minds and athletic ability shine. Their herding heritage contributes to a natural inclination to work with humans and respond to subtle cues. However, this intelligence requires consistent mental stimulation to prevent boredom, as understimulated Shelties may develop creative but unwanted behaviors. Training should begin early and continue throughout their lives, utilizing positive reinforcement methods that respect their sensitive nature. The breed demonstrates intense loyalty and devotion to their families, forming deep emotional bonds with their household members. Shelties thrive on companionship and involvement in family activities, becoming unhappy when excluded or left alone for extended periods. Their sensitive temperament means they are highly attuned to their owner's emotions and respond strongly to the household atmosphere. This sensitivity can manifest as shyness or wariness around strangers, making early and ongoing socialization essential for developing confidence and appropriate social behavior. While not typically aggressive, Shelties possess strong watchdog instincts and will alert their families to approaching visitors or unusual occurrences through vocalization. Their tendency toward barking requires training to manage appropriately, as their piercing bark can become excessive without guidance. Energetically, Shetland Sheepdogs maintain moderate to high activity levels and require regular physical exercise and mental challenges to remain content and well-behaved. Daily walks, play sessions, and training activities help satisfy their need for stimulation and prevent the development of anxiety or destructive behaviors. Their herding instinct may express itself through chasing moving objects or attempting to herd children, other pets, or even vehicles. The breed generally gets along well with children when properly socialized, though their sensitivity means they respond best to gentle, respectful interactions. Shelties can coexist peacefully with other pets when introduced properly, though some individuals may display reserved or selective friendliness toward unfamiliar dogs.
Shetland Sheepdogs typically enjoy a lifespan of twelve to fourteen years, reflecting their generally robust health for a small to medium-sized breed. However, responsible ownership requires awareness of several genetic health conditions to which Shelties show increased predisposition. Hip dysplasia, while more commonly associated with larger breeds, affects Shetland Sheepdogs with concerning frequency. This developmental condition causes improper formation of the hip joint, leading to looseness, inflammation, and progressive arthritis that can significantly impact quality of life. Weight management, appropriate exercise, and early intervention help manage symptoms, though severe cases may require surgical correction. Eye disorders represent the most significant health concern for the breed, with multiple inherited conditions affecting vision. Progressive Retinal Atrophy causes gradual degeneration of the retina, beginning with night blindness and potentially progressing to complete vision loss. This inherited condition typically manifests around three to five years of age, and genetic testing allows breeders to identify carriers and make informed breeding decisions. Collie Eye Anomaly, a developmental defect of the eye present from birth, ranges in severity from mild abnormalities to retinal detachment and blindness. Cataracts can develop in Shelties of any age, causing cloudiness of the lens that impairs vision and may require surgical intervention. Regular ophthalmologic examinations help monitor eye health and catch problems early when treatment options may be most effective. Systemic and metabolic conditions also require attention in Shetland Sheepdogs. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, resulting in weight gain, lethargy, skin problems, and coat quality deterioration. This condition responds well to daily thyroid hormone replacement medication. Von Willebrand's Disease affects the blood's clotting ability, potentially causing excessive bleeding during injuries or surgical procedures. Genetic testing identifies carriers, and affected dogs require special precautions during any procedures involving blood loss. Epilepsy appears with increased frequency in Shelties, typically manifesting between six months and five years of age with seizures of varying severity. While concerning, epilepsy can often be managed effectively with anticonvulsant medication. Dermatomyositis, an inflammatory disease affecting skin and muscles, occurs primarily in Shelties and Collies, causing skin lesions and muscle weakness. Regular veterinary care, health screening of breeding stock, and awareness of breed-specific concerns all contribute to maintaining optimal health and maximizing the lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs.
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 and Shetland Sheepdog to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.