Non Poodle moderator

[EskieMa]

Hi everyone and Welcome!

  I'm Mary, who some 30 odd yrs ago got a Pom that couldn't be housebroken so I went into obedience. Did more then a few ob titles and was the 64th Pom to get a UD.  Played with NADAC agility. Bred more then a few Ch's. Took too many notes at the annual APC meetings, so got into that. Served as President of the APC. Which brings me to the early 90's when [via the computer, eg Prodigy] heard that the American Eskimo Dog was ready to get the ok from AKC.

  So I come to you from Michael's eskie board.     

  Looking forward to seeing some of my old poodle friends here!

[zefi]

Hi Mary. And thank you so much for joining and helping out on this forum!

[Helen]

Hiya Mary!  It's so nice to meet you.  Poms are sooo cute!

Helen

[Michael]

Ah, Helen...you need to see eskies too! Addictive little buggers, I do say so myself!

And yes, I second, or third, or whatever, the thanks for Mary for her help...both here and on the EB. Mary's like most of us....pretty down to earth, but a lot of fun in many ways too! She'll fit right in here, I'm sure!

[Helen]

Are you kidding, Michael?  I've been looking with envy at your Shelby!  What gorgeous dogs!  If I weren't allergic to dogs, I'd be one of those ladies who has a houseful of them!  So many neat breeds! 

Helen
and Chula (I'm not a dog, I'm a Poodle!)

[Michael]

Helen, I LOVE your tag line...."I'm not a dog, I'm a Poodle!" Cute!

I'll tease you with another of my favorite eskie pics. This is Shelby's mom and aunt (sisters) from around nearly 10 years ago. Before Shelby was born. Tell me these aren't just the cuddliest pups in the world?



And, surprisingly, eskies are another breed that go well with people that tend to have allergies to dogs. You'd be amazed at their coat. It's almost totally self cleaning.....get them all muddy, let it dry and it falls of. Just a quick brush through them after that and they're as good as new almost. Some have called it a Scotchguard type quality to their coats, but it's wonderful. Yes, eskies do shed, but that can be controlled some by health, diet, and regular brushing too. But eskies never have a doggy smell or anything like that. Sure, like poodles, you have to keep up on them, but they are very low maintenance and often people that are normally allergic to dogs can handle eskies. Not always, but they are one worth taking a look at in those cases. Not that I'm biased, eh?

[zefi]

Hey! This is a POODLE forum!!! No plugging eskies here! humph.

[Helen]

Oh man... those are THE CUTEST PUPPIES!!!  And you say they are good for people with allergies?  Oh my.  Michael, you are an Evil Temptor!  I ended up going up on the net to look at more of them.  And they come in three sizes just like Poodles!  WOW!  Poodles and Eskies...What a perfect combination!  I LOVE all that fluffy white hair!  I probably never would have even considered being able to have an Eskie.  (Mama taught me never to buy white blouses because I'd get them dirty, lol)

You'll just have to send me some of those Eskies so I can cuddle with them and find out if I'm allergic.   

Oh hush, Zefi!   Here.. have a piece of candy --> 

[zefi]

Grrrrrrrrr. As if it isnt enough I have Michael trying to convince me eskies are better than poodles, and minis are better than standards, he's now turning my friends round? sheesh! 

[Helen]

   Not to worry.... I am completely and forever in love with Standard Poodles!

(altho I have to admit I've been looking at minis lately...  )

[Michael]

Ah, it isn't that eskies are *better* than poodles or that minis are *better* than standards, just that there are some excellent elements to each. I like to think of minis as a goldilocks size....not too big, not too small....but just right! And eskies....well, they are different than poodles for sure, but I think they are a nice complement to each other. Afterall, I'd probably find life a bit boring without a poodle, and I know I'd find life boring without an eskie/spitz! Both breeds, and all sizes have their pros and cons, and it's up to us to find what fits in our lives best.

Helen- yes, eskies come in three sizes...same as poodles: toy, miniature, and standard. The same thought went through my mind when I first got into them...how perfect. But, in reality, it's a bit different. Standard eskies have an upper size limit. So they max out. However, of late, it seems that's the most common size, and it's the bigger boned, larger eskies that seem to do well in the ring, so it's a viscious cycle. Some are even looking borderline Samoyed they are so large and bulky. At least some breeders still aim to keep the "compact" and "refined" look to the breed. And the breed sizes aren't fully stabilized yet either. Toy eskies are only recognized by AKC, not UKC, so there are few toy breeders out there. And toys tend to be just a hop from being Poms. Some of the larger Standards are nearly the same build as Keeshonden (both of which also come from the German Spitz heritage that eskies do). So, a SP poodle is usually larger than a Standard eskie. Somewhat the same with minis, but not necessarily. Theoretically, from the numbers on paper, they should be very similar, but it isn't as clearcut in reality. But, yeh, do some research on them if you like. BTW...another similarity: eskies/spitz were a common circus dog! As were/are poodles, of course. I believe, if I recall correctly, an eskie was the *first* dog to successfully walk a high wire on its own. They are incredibly agile and smart. But different than poodles. I like having both....and now that I have, I am pretty sure I want at least one of each in my life all the time.

Zefi: You know me well enough.....I'll brag up the poodles too! So there....yeh, here....have a few of these: