Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Eskapoo (American Eskimo & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Traits

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Eskapoo (American Eskimo & Poodle Mix)

Height: 15–18 inches
Weight: 15–20 pounds
Lifespan: 10–13 years
Colors: Black, light brown, golden, merle
Suitable for: Active families, singles, apartments, houses
Temperament: Intelligent, fun-loving, loyal, frisky, curious

There wasn’t much known about the history of the Eskapoo aside from the fact that this dog is a mixed breed born from a disciplined Poodle parent and a hard-working American Eskimo parent. But in recent years, additional information has come to light that can help us learn what the Eskapoo is all about. Weighing in at no more than about 20 pounds, the Eskapoo is considered a medium-sized dog that is full of energy and love.

These dogs are smart, loving, and loyal, which makes them great pets for families of all shapes and sizes. They get along with kids, other animals, and adult humans alike. Eskapoos are amazing dogs that can learn all kinds of tricks in addition to basic obedience commands. They can take after their Poodle parent more and have hypoallergenic and show dog qualities, or they can take after their American Eskimo parent more and have wiry hair and a working disposition.

They can also take on traits from both parents, so it can be tough to know exactly how your Eskapoo puppy is going to look and act by the time they become adults. There are many things to explore about this dog, so here is all the information that you should know before becoming the proud owner of the mixed-breed Eskapoo.

hepper-dog-paw-divider 5

 

Eskapoo Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

You should know all there is to know about this mixed dog breed before deciding to buy one and introduce it to your household. There is no set price for these cute mixed-breed dogs, but you can expect to spend quite a bit when it comes time to adopt one. It’s important to make sure that both the Poodle and American Eskimo parents are purebred to ensure that your new puppy is really an Eskapoo.

The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for an Eskapoo pup is health. If your new puppy isn’t healthy, you may spend a large amount of money on healthcare and medical treatments over time. This will make the price of your Eskapoo pup even higher. Veterinarian costs, pet essentials like food and water bowls, and accessories like toys and treats are also expenses that need to be considered.

Parent Breeds of the Eskapoo
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Divider 3Temperament & Intelligence of the Eskapoo 🧠

The Eskapoo takes on the traits of both their parent breeds, so they can be expected to be active, playful, intelligent, and independent. Their curiosity can get the best of them at times, but keeping them busy will minimize destruction within the house. A house with a fenced yard is ideal for these frisky dogs, but they can live in an apartment setting if they can walk and play outside regularly.

This mixed breed can be easily trained, and they are always yearning to learn something new. Brain stimulation is just as important as body exercise, so your Eskapoo shouldn’t be left alone with nothing to do for too long at any given time. Families that are regularly away from the house all day may not be the best fit for this dog.

Their playful attitude makes them fun to be around, and their social personality makes it easy to introduce them to strangers. These dogs are alert and vocal, making them excellent watchdogs at home. They are loyal to their family members and will stay by your side at every opportunity.

Are Eskapoos Good for Families? 🏡

The Eskapoo is an excellent family dog, just like their parent breeds. If they take more after their Poodle parent, they could have hypoallergenic qualities that family members with allergies can appreciate. These dogs get along well with children of all ages, though they don’t put up with tail and ear tugging, so they should be supervised while spending time around toddlers. They’ll spend hours playing in the yard with older kids, and teens should have no trouble training and managing them.

Do Eskapoos Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

This mixed breed can get along just fine with other dogs, especially when they are living in the same household. If they are socialized with dogs from the time that they are puppies, they’ll happily greet strange dogs at the park or when visiting friends throughout their life. They can also learn how to get along with cats, but they need to be trained not to chase them. However, Eskapoos have a high prey drive, so they likely won’t get along with smaller pets like gerbils and ferrets.

hepper-dog-paw-divider

Things to Know When Owning an Eskapoo

We covered the personality, temperament, and traits of the Eskapoo, so now it’s time to examine things like food, exercise, and training. Here is what you should know before adopting a new Eskapoo puppy of your own.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

A high-quality food that is free of artificial ingredients and fillers will provide your Eskapoo with all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that they need to maintain a happy and healthy life. They do tend to have sensitive digestive systems, so choosing a grain-free food may minimize the risk of constipation and nausea, though you’ll need to check with your vet first. Consider feeding your pup a food that is made just for puppies until they are about 1 year old because it’s higher in protein and fat to keep up with their quick growth stages. After 1 year of age, you can switch to a quality food made for adults or all life stages.

Exercise 🐕

All Eskapoos need daily exercise to keep their bodies lean and their minds challenged. Your dog will expect a long walk every day, in addition to time playing fetch or doing another physical activity outdoors. After outdoor exercise, your Eskapoo should have no problem relaxing inside with the rest of the family. Interactive toys should be provided on rainy days and during times when your pup needs to stay indoors more than usual.

Training 🦮

Without obedience training, your Eskapoo can become destructive, aggressive, and hard to manage overall. Obedience training can begin as early as about 2 months old, so you should start as soon as you bring your new dog home.  But training shouldn’t stop once your Eskapoo learns the obedience commands that you want them to know. They need to practice obedience training throughout their lifetime to reinforce the behaviors that you expect of them. When older, Eskapoos can do well on the agility course, which offers exercise, mental stimulation, and a great opportunity to socialize with other dogs.

Grooming ✂️

Specific grooming requirements depend on the parent breed traits that your Eskapoo takes on the most. If they take after their Poodle parent, they will likely need haircuts regularly to keep tangles and mats at bay. They won’t shed much, but they will need to be brushed a few times a week. If your Eskapoo takes more after their American Eskimo parent, you can expect them to shed frequently and you will likely have to brush or comb them daily.

Nails should be trimmed every few weeks, and bathing should take place only when the coat shows obvious signs of dirt, to ensure that natural oils don’t get stripped away from their skin and coat.

Health and Conditions ❤️

There aren’t many minor health concerns to worry about as an Eskapoo owner. But unfortunately, there are several serious conditions they are prone to that you should be aware of.

Minor Conditions
  • Dental issues

Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

Male vs. Female

Eskapoo owners tend to have different opinions about whether there is a difference between males and females. Some people think that girls are more independent, while others don’t seem to notice a difference between the sexes in this area. Some people feel that boys are easier to potty train, but others think that the opposite is true. The truth is that both male and female Eskapoos are smart, affectionate, and fun-loving. Any differences between them come down to their unique personality differences.

hepper-dog-paw-divider 4

3 Little-Known Facts About the Eskapoo

1. They’re Fun-Loving

Even though their parents are known for being show dogs or working dogs, the Eskapoo tends to take on the best of both worlds and show off fun-loving characteristics most of the time. This is one of the things that makes them such great family dogs!


2. They Handle Season Changes Well

Due to the hypoallergenic and water-resistant characteristics of the Poodle and the thick double-coat of the American Eskimo, Eskapoos can handle cold and damp weather well. They are also built to deal with warmer weather, which makes them great four-season dogs.


3. They Are Food Motivated

This mixed breed is food motivated, making it easy to train them with the use of treats. Food will get them to do just about anything you want them to do, whether that means fetching your newspaper in the morning or sitting quietly by the door when a visitor enters your home.

Divider 3

Final Thoughts

The Eskapoo is a cute mixed-breed dog that will warm the hearts of any family looking to take in a new pet. They need daily exercise and a great deal of attention, but the time you put into your pup will be rewarded with love, affection, and loyalty. They can integrate into a household with existing pets, and they’re happy to greet visitors who come to the front door. But they’ll also let you know when strangers come around to your home.

If you are looking to introduce a new dog into your family dynamic, the Eskapoo certainly deserves your consideration. What traits and features most excite you about this interesting mixed dog breed? We want to share in your excitement!

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: Zeljka, Shutterstock

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database