You've probably seen the photos circulating on Pinterest or Reddit. A dog with the unmistakable, sharp-featured "spitz" face—upright ears, a curled plumed tail, and a thick, ruff-like coat—but instead of the snowy white fur you expect, it’s jet black. The caption usually screams something about a "rare black American Eskimo Dog."
It looks stunning. It looks exotic.
But here’s the reality that might bum you out: Purebred American Eskimo Dogs do not come in black. Not according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), not according to the United Kennel Club (UKC), and certainly not according to the genetics that define the breed. If you are looking at a solid black dog that looks exactly like an "Eskie," you aren't looking at a rare color variant of a specific breed. You're looking at a fascinating intersection of canine history, genetic "throwbacks," and the modern world of designer crossbreeds.
Honestly, the confusion is understandable. People see a certain silhouette and assume the color is just a fluke. But in the world of pedigreed dogs, color isn't just an aesthetic choice—it’s baked into the DNA and the very definition of what that dog is.
Why a "Purebred" Black American Eskimo Dog Doesn't Exist
Let’s get technical for a second. The American Kennel Club standard is pretty rigid here. It explicitly states that the American Eskimo Dog must be white or white with biscuit cream. That’s it. There is no "recessive black" gene hiding in the gene pool of registered Eskies that suddenly pops up like a surprise guest at a party.
The breed actually shares its lineage with the German Spitz. Back in the early 20th century, particularly around World War I, the name was changed from German Spitz to American Eskimo Dog because of anti-German sentiment in the United States. While the German Spitz does come in various colors, including black, the founders of the American breed specifically selected only the white individuals to create the line we know today.
Basically, they culled the colors out of the gene pool over a century ago.
If a breeder tells you they have a "rare black Eskie" for a premium price, they are likely either misinformed or pulling a fast one. Usually, these dogs are high-percentage mixes. When you cross an American Eskimo Dog with a black Pomeranian or a black Schipperke, you get a dog that looks almost exactly like a black Eskie. Genetics are funny like that. You get the Eskie bone structure and the other parent's pigment.
The Lookalikes: What Are You Actually Seeing?
If you see a small, black, fluffy dog that looks like it belongs in the Arctic, it’s probably one of three things.
First, the Schipperke. These little guys are often called "LBDs" or Little Black Devils. They are Belgian dogs, not Nordic ones, but they have that same spitz-like silhouette. They are always black. No exceptions. They are energetic, curious, and have a coat that feels very similar to an Eskie's.
Second, there is the German Spitz (Mittel or Klein). As mentioned, this is the ancestor of the Eskie. In Europe, these dogs are still bred in black, chocolate, and orange. If someone imported a black German Spitz to the U.S., it would look identical to a black American Eskimo Dog to the untrained eye. However, on paper, they are different breeds.
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Third—and this is the most common—you’re looking at a Pomeranian mix. Poms are basically tiny spitz dogs. They come in every color under the sun. A "throwback" Pomeranian (one that grows larger than the standard 3-7 pounds) in solid black is a dead ringer for what people imagine a black Eskie would be.
Identifying the Differences
- The Tail: Schipperkes often have docked tails (though this is changing), while Eskies and Poms have that signature high-set curl.
- The Temperament: Eskies are "circus dogs"—highly trainable, almost eerily smart. Schipperkes are more independent and "busy."
- The Size: A standard Eskimo dog can get up to 35 pounds. Most black "lookalikes" are much smaller.
The Role of the Samoyed and the "White Dog" Obsession
To understand why the black version doesn't exist, you have to look at why we wanted them white in the first place. The American Eskimo Dog was bred to be a companion and a performer. In the 1920s and 30s, they were famous circus performers. The Cooper Brothers Dog Show featured them walking tightropes.
White shows up better under big-top lights.
The breeders wanted a dog that looked like a miniature Samoyed—the "smiling" white sled dog. Because they were selecting so heavily for that pristine white coat, any black pigment in the fur was aggressively bred out. This wasn't just about fashion; it was about brand identity. The "American Eskimo" was the "White Dog."
Genetics: Why It Won't Just "Happen" by Accident
Dog coat color is controlled by a few specific loci (locations on the chromosome). The white of an Eskie is actually a "recessive red" or "clear red" ($ee$ genotype) that is so pale it appears white, or it's a result of the extreme piebald gene.
For a black coat to appear, the dog would need the $K$ locus (dominant black) or the $a$ locus (recessive black). Since the founding population of the American Eskimo Dog was stripped of these genes to ensure they always produced white puppies, there is no "hidden" black gene to suddenly reappear. It’s like trying to find a blue crayon in a box that only contains whites and creams. You can’t just shake the box harder and hope a blue one appears.
If a "black" puppy is born to two registered white Eskies, there are usually two explanations:
- Pedigree Fraud: A different dog got over the fence. It happens more often than breeders like to admit.
- Phenotype Confusion: The dog is actually a very dark "biscuit" color that looks charcoal in certain light, though this is incredibly rare and usually looks more like a dirty grey.
Health and Care for Spitz-Type Dogs (Regardless of Color)
If you do end up with a black spitz-mix that looks like an Eskie, you need to be prepared for the maintenance. These aren't low-maintenance pets.
The coat is a double coat. It has a soft, dense undercoat and longer guard hairs. This setup is designed to thermally regulate the dog. Never, ever shave a dog with this coat type—black or white. Shaving ruins the "loft" of the undercoat and can lead to alopecia or heatstroke because the dog can no longer move air across its skin.
Expect "The Blowout." Twice a year, these dogs drop their entire undercoat. It’s not just shedding; it’s a snowstorm of fur. If your dog is black, that fur will show up on every light-colored surface you own.
Common Health Concerns to Watch For
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic condition that can lead to blindness.
- Luxating Patella: Common in smaller spitz breeds where the kneecap slips out of place.
- Hip Dysplasia: More common in the Standard size Eskies.
- Skin Allergies: These dogs are notorious for sensitive skin.
Dealing with "Rare Color" Scams
The internet is full of "boutique" breeders. They use terms like "Rare Black Eskimo" to justify a $4,000 price tag. Don't fall for it.
Real breed experts, like those at the American Eskimo Dog Club of America, will tell you that breeding for "rare" colors often involves inbreeding or outcrossing with other breeds without disclosing it. This can introduce temperament issues or genetic diseases that aren't typical for the breed.
If you want a black dog with the Eskie personality, look into a Schipperke or a Finnish Lapphund. The Finnish Lapphund is a gorgeous, medium-sized spitz that comes in black and tan and has a very similar "work-hard, play-hard" attitude.
Actionable Steps for Prospective Owners
If you are set on finding a dog that fits the "black American Eskimo" aesthetic, do not start by searching for that specific phrase. You will mostly find puppy mills.
Instead, search for "Black German Spitz" or "Black Pomeranian Mix." Better yet, look into breed-specific rescues for Spitz breeds. Often, "Eskie" rescues take in mixes that are black or bi-color. These dogs need homes just as much as the purebred white ones, and they often have the exact look you’re searching for without the "rare breed" markup.
Check the DNA. If you buy a dog that is claimed to be a black Eskie, run an Embark or Wisdom Panel test. You’ll likely find a mix of Pomeranian, American Eskimo, and perhaps some Chow Chow or Schipperke. There is nothing wrong with a mixed-breed dog—they are often heartier and have fewer genetic bottlenecks—but you should know what you are paying for.
Focus on the "Spitz" family. This group of dogs includes the Alaskan Malamute, the Akita, the Shiba Inu, and the Samoyed. They all share that wolf-like appearance, the intelligence, and the vocal nature (yes, they "talk" and howl).
Stop looking for a biological impossibility and start looking for a dog that fits your lifestyle. Whether it's a white Eskie or a black Schipperke, you're getting a high-energy, brilliant companion that will keep you on your toes for 15 years.
Verify the breeder's standing with the AKC. Look for health clearances on the parents, specifically OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certifications. A reputable breeder will prioritize health and temperament over a "cool" fur color every single time.
If you find a black dog in a shelter that looks like an Eskie, grab it. They are usually incredibly smart, loyal, and visually stunning. Just don't expect to see "Black" listed on its official breed registration papers. Some things are just genetically destined to stay snowy white.