Description:
Meet little Sebastian. He's a frisky little guy who turned up as a stray at a local shelter, and we just can't imagine why his owners hadn't come looking for him! He's a darling pooch who craves affection and was obviously well taken care of... his coat is immaculate and his teeth are clean. Well, he now needs a home to call his own so we are helping him find one.

He is new to our rescue, but this is what we know about him thus far: He is housetrained, good with other dogs, adores people, and is good with cats. He's an all around good fella who would be suitable for a small home with a small yard, with a not-so active family. He would love to go for daily walks, but will not require the jogging/hiking family type. He'd love to be your "curl-up-on-the-couch" buddy.

About the American Eskimo Dog:

Description	The American Eskimo is a beautiful, snowy white Spitz-type dog. It looks like a miniature Samoyed. There are three varieties: the toy, miniature, and standard. That means there is an Eskie for all interests and house sizes. The American Eskimo has a wedge-shaped head with muzzle and skull about the same length. It has erect triangular-shaped ears, and a heavily plumed tail curled over the back. Its neck is well carried and the topline good and level. Good legs and feet allow the Eskie to trot with bold energetic action. The profuse coat is always white, or white with biscuit or cream markings. Their skin is pink or gray. Black is the preferred color of their eyelids, gums, nose, and pads. The coat is heavy around the neck, creating a ruff or mane, especially in males. The breed is slightly longer than it is tall. The coat of the American Eskimo should not curl or wave, the undercoat should be thick and plush with the harsher outer coat growing up through it. No colors other than those described above are allowed. The eyes must not be blue and no Eskie may be shown if it is under 9 inches (23cm) or over 19 inches (48cm). The breed has many admirers and it has withstood the test of time.
Temperament	The American Eskimo is a charming, affectionate and loving dog. Hardy and playful, they are excellent with children. Highly intelligent and willing to please. Alert and easy to train, the American Eskimo often ranks among the top scorers in obedience trials. These dogs like to work. They are naturally wary of strangers, but once introduced, they become instant friends. Eskimos need to be part of the family, with a firm, consistent, confident pack leader. If you allow the dog to believe he is the ruler of your home, many varying degrees of behavior issues will arise. Including, but not limited to, separation anxiety, obsessive barking, dog aggressiveness, willful, and guarding. Without enough mental and physical exercise, they can become hyperactive and high strung, spinning in circles. Small dogs have a higher tenancy to become the pack leader over humans, because they are small and cute, and often times the humans are oblivious as to what has happened. Read Small Dog Syndrome to find out more.
Height, Weight	Toy: 9-12 inches (23-30cm)  6-10 pounds (2.4-4.5kg) Miniature: over 12 (30cm) up to 15 inches (38cm)   10-20 pounds (4.5-9kg) Standard: over 15 inches (38cm) up to 19 inches (48cm) 18-35 pounds (8kg-16kg)
Health Problems	The American Eskimo is a fairly healthy breed, although close attention should be paid to its eyes and tear ducts. Prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Its thick double coat should be kept clean and free of fleas that can cause dermatitis. This breed can gain weight easily if it does not get enough exercise.
Living Conditions	American Eskimos will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.
Exercise	The American Eskimo needs to be taken on a long daily walk. They will enjoy a safely enclosed yard where they can run free, however they will still need to be taken out for a pack walk to satisfy their migration instinct.
Life Expectancy	About 15 or more years
Litter Size	Average of 5 Puppies
Grooming	The thick snowy white coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush twice a week. It should be brushed daily when it is shedding. This breed is an average shedder.

As usual, our dogs are neutered, up to date on vaccinations including rabies, heartworm negative, have been wormed, flea treated, microchipped, come with a free first vet visit, 30 days of pet health insurance, a dog goodie-bag, and a new leash and collar.

Sebastian will be neutered, heartworm tested and microchipped soon. Please don't apply for Sebastian now, he'll be posted as adoptable shortly.

www.BlackDogSecondChance.org