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>I just came across the American Eskimo as a possibility for
us. We are
>the ones that originally wanted a Husky, but because of the
fact that
>we live right next door to a farm with sheep & chickens,
we couldn't trust
>a husky. We also have 4 cats. (remember us now?) How is the
Amer. Eskimo
>as far as prey drive. It looks like a beautiful dog. Any
owners out
>there or breeders?
Eskies are Northern/Spitz dogs. The may have a
"prey" drive. Though in the case of my Eskie, it would
be better described as a "play" drive. She loves to
chase friendly, outgoing neighborhood cats. They in turn merely
have to raise a paw (in play or warning) and she shifts her
attention to other things or engages in more friendly play. The
cat she least likes is her "own". However the
relationship between my cat and dog is somewhat interesting. My
cat is convinced IMHO that he owns her (as he owns me). On RARE
OCCASION I think he feels that every cat SHOULD own a dog. Both
are jealous and occasionally resentful of the attention I give to
the other (even though I try to be evenhanded). The closest they
get physically is during the evening when they will occasionally
snuggle up to one another in the middle of the night.
Certainly you will want to observe your puppy's parents and talk
to the owner/breeder. You will also want to observe your puppy's
individual personality/tendencies. Some Eskies are more
aggressive/aloof than others. In general, Eskies are very bright
dogs whose bark is FAR more than their bite. They are loyal and
loving to their family and friends (human and feline in your
case). If you do not encourage their prey drive it will probably
never develop. Again, there may be individual variations within
the breed.
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