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The American Eagle Dog is an uncommon mix between a Beagle and an American Eskimo dog. The first appearance of American Eagle Dogs occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, very recent by dog breed standards. As a new breed, the American Eagle is not recognized as an official breed, and there are relatively few guidelines for breeding. However, they have already become known for their distinctive personalities and outgoing demeanor.
American Eagle Dogs get most of their appearance from the American Eskimo half, with the head and ears as the only exceptions. American Eagle Dogs have a dense coat of fur, stand between 1-1.5 feet tall, and have Beagle-like heads and faces, complete with the characteristic floppy ears.
Breed Overview
Height
13 – 19 inches
Weight
20 – 50 pounds
Lifespan
12 – 15 years
Colors
Brown, white, black, mix of all three
Suitable for
Families, small apartments, people looking for an affectionate dog
Temperament
Intelligent, energetic, playful
Personality-wise, the American Eskimo Beagle mix is loyal, affectionate, and loves playtime. They fit right in with active families that like to spend time outside and are the perfect companions for children. They’re also intelligent dogs that respond well to training and learn quickly, although they will test your patience unless your training regimen is consistent.
If you’re considering an American Eagle Dog as a pet, make sure you’re prepared to dedicate time to training and interaction. American Eagle Dogs thrive on playing, learning, and spending time with their owners and don’t do well when they’re left alone for long periods. In this guide, we cover everything you’ll need to know before you get an American Eagle Dog, so you can make sure they’re the one for you.
American Eagle Dog Characteristics
American Eagle Dog Puppies
Since the American Eagle Dog is a new hybrid breed, it can be difficult to find a breeder. Equally difficult is ensuring that any breeders you do find are reputable and responsible. It is worth taking extra time to thoroughly investigate American Eagle Dog breeders before agreeing to purchase a dog from one. Unfortunately, many so-called designer dogs, like the American Eagle attract unsavory people who attempt to capitalize on a breed’s sudden surge in popularity for profit.
Since American Eagle puppies are inexpensive compared to purebreds and other hybrid dogs, it is even more important to verify a breeder’s authenticity before buying one. This means, asking all of the necessary questions, asking for information about the pup’s health and their parents’, and visiting the installations before paying anything.
Temperament & Intelligence of the American Eagle Dog
American Eagle Dogs are exceptionally intelligent and can learn a wide range of skills and tricks. Intelligence can be a double-edged sword for dogs since the most intelligent dogs like to test their owners’ resolve by bending the rules if given a chance. American Eagle Dogs respond well to training, but consistency is key. Owners should make sure they send their American Eagle Dog clear signals, as they can become frustrated if they can’t tell what their owner wants.
In addition to having above-average intelligence, American Eagle Dogs also have above-average exercise needs. They are energetic and playful and love spending active time with their families. American Eagles are easy-going and calm dogs in general, although they can be a little barky when they don’t get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🧑🧑🧒
American Eagle Dogs are great for families, even those with children. They tend to be patient and gentle around kids, but it is important to teach your children how to treat them early on. American Eagle Dogs are sweet and mild-mannered, and they are not prone to aggression.
Families that spend a lot of time away from home should reconsider getting an American Eagle Dog. Because they form such strong bonds with their families and enjoy having company, they don’t do well when left alone. If you work a lot and will have to leave the dog home alone frequently, an American Eagle probably isn’t a great fit for your family.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
American Eagle Dogs are very social and will get along famously with other dogs and people. Socialization is important for American Eagle Dogs, but most owners have no issues with confrontations between their American Eagle and other dogs.
However, cats and other pets like birds, rabbits, and hamsters, could pose a problem. The American Eagle Dog is half Beagle and has inherited the Beagle’s strong hunting instincts. They do not mix well with other pets, and we strongly encourage people who own non-canine pets to consider another breed.
Things to Know When Owning an American Eagle Dog:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
American Eagle Dogs are small to medium-sized dogs, but their above-average activity level means they require slightly more food than you might guess based on their size alone. Most average-sized American Eagle Dogs require between 1.5 and 3 cups of food per day. This amounts to about $15 per month for average-priced dry dog food, give or take.
Exercise 🐕
Most American Eagle Dogs need about 2 hours of exercise per day. For most families, it’s practical to split this time up between walks, playing in the backyard, and trips to the dog park. If you give your American Eagle Dog less exercise time, they can turn to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging to expend their excess energy.
Equally important as physical exercise is mental exercise. American Eagle Dogs are intelligent and require mental stimulation to remain happy and lead fulfilling canine lives. Puzzle toys, interactive food puzzles, and time playing mentally engaging games with them will all help them engage their doggy smarts. There are no strict guidelines for how much mental stimulation they need, but sprinkling in at least one mentally engaging activity per day for 10-15 minutes is a good idea.
Training 🎾
Thanks to their high level of intelligence, American Eagle Dogs are easy to train and learn quickly. Teaching your dog basic obedience commands could not only save their life one day but will also be enjoyable for both you and them. Teaching your American Eagle Dog tricks is also a great way to give them some mental stimulation while simultaneously having fun.
Positive reinforcement training is the way to go with American Eagle Dogs, and they are generally responsive, fast learners. It is important to incorporate focused leash training since their hunting instincts will drive them to chase squirrels, birds, and any other small prey-like critters they come across.
Grooming ✂️
As easy as American Eagle Dogs are to train, the same cannot be said for grooming. American Eagle Dogs require daily brushing to keep their dense fur coats clean and healthy. They are also fairly extensive shedders, so be prepared to vacuum your house…a lot.
Unfortunately for them, American Eagle Dogs have inherited a propensity for ear problems from their Beagle ancestors. Make sure you clean their ears frequently and check them regularly for signs of trouble.
- See Also: 11 Best Dog Shampoos
Health and Conditions 🏥
American Eagle Dogs are generally healthy, but there are a few serious genetic disorders to watch out for as well as a few less severe problems. Performing a background check on your breeder is essential for giving you the best chances of winning the genetic lottery and raising a healthy pup.
- Dwarfism
- Thyroid issues
- Eye problems
- Joint problems like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Degenerative diseases of the spine
Male vs Female
There aren’t any drastic differences between male and female American Eagle Dogs, but the males are generally larger, tend to engage in hunting behavior more frequently, and can be more obstinate during training.
However, these gender differences will be swamped by the overall differences between individuals. As a young mixed breed, your American Eagle Dog’s personality and behavior will depend on which parent is dominant in the mix. The American Eagle Dog is undeveloped as a breed, and therefore behavioral tendencies fluctuate from one dog to another.
3 Little-Known Facts About the American Eagle Dog
1. The American Eagle Dog is relatively new
The American Eagle Dog is a new hybrid dog, dating back only to the late 1980s.
2. The breed is not fully American
One of the dogs in the mix—the American Eskimo dog—isn’t American at all, but German.
3. This dog is not named after a popular clothing company
American Eagle Dogs have no affiliation with the American Eagle clothing company (in case you were wondering).
Final Thoughts
American Eagle Dogs make great family pets and are good options for families with children. They are an active breed and require several hours of moderate exercise per day, and are equally happy to play in the yard with their family or go for a long walk.
They are extremely intelligent dogs and need to be trained consistently from a young age but are quick to learn and eager to please. Overall, the American Eskimo Beagle mix is good for people who want an active dog that’s easy to train, mid-sized, and overall healthy. There are a few genetic health problems to look out for, but doing your due diligence before selecting a breeder will mitigate most of the risk.