American Eskimo Dog health: what owners should know

The breed is fairly long-lived, but conditions seen in Eskies include progressive retinal atrophy (for which a DNA test exists), hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in the smaller varieties, diabetes and allergies. Responsible breeders run DNA tests for eye disease, have hips and knees evaluated, and repeat eye examinations regularly.

Weight control is especially valuable, since obesity raises diabetes risk. See a vet if your dog drinks or urinates more than usual, loses weight despite a good appetite, bumps into things in dim light, or starts skipping a step with a hind leg.