We are in florida and wondering if American Eskimo dogs will be ok in the warm weather, seeing as how they have such a big thick coat. Does anybody know if heat is an issue with these dogs?

A: Yes, but NOT OUTSIDE. I lived in FL for 10 years and have a chow and they CANNOT be left in the regular heat. They must be in air conditioning. Heat stroke will settle in very quickly. The air is humid and hot and dogs have a very hard time breathing when left in the heat. Never leave the dog in a car in FL either. One guy did so when I was down there. Ran in "for lunch" at Hooter's and came out to a dog that had died. Cars zoom up to 130* It was a pathetic story.

american eskimo dog has a layered fur coat. People have told me that you cannot shave a dog like that. Is that true?

A: I have an Eskie and I have never shaved his fur. If you are concerned about him/her being too hot in the summer time, he/she will be fine. Also, the coat protects your pet from sunburn. I like to brush my dog before walks, but sometimes, he is only brushed once a week. It doesn't take very long and it's a great bonding experience with your pet. One of the best physical attributes of this breed is the beautiful coat. Why would you want to shave it?

Aren't Eskies...

I might be getting one so I want to know if these are good dogs, could anyone tell me some useful info I could use when determining between choices.

A: Hi if u can deal with alot of shedding and brushing it is ok. IF u shave them down and leave them outside to long they get sunburn, once u start shaving them and(u can) u have to do it all the time because their coats get thicker and grooming(shaving down can cost anywhere from $75.00 to $200.00 ) depending on groomer and location . Or u can try buying furminator (shampoo and conditiner with special tool) to cut down on shedding..(a dog that takes alot of grooming care)..