US newspapers and television yesterday reported the rescue of close to 400 American Toy Eskimo dogs from a “puppy mill” in Benton Country.
” barks rang out from across more than two acres on Stewart’s property. There were puppies in shopping carts, tiny pens, hot cages. Some of the animals were just days old, many with their eyes swelled shut, fur matted, and suffering from serious skin problems. The stench was overwhelming.”
The breeder apparently co-operated and signed away her rights to the dogs which would make it much easier for the helpers to find new homes for them.
I believe because of the condition the dogs were found in, some charges of animal cruelty could be expected.
Toy Eskimos are a member of the Spitz family with a size of 9 – 12 inches (to the shoulder) and a weight of between 6 to 35 lbs. It is one of the breeds which was utilised a lot as circus dogs in the 1930’s and 1940’s.
This breed was formally recognised by the AKC in 1995 but I do not see it listed under The Kennel Club, UK.
A Spitz family member, however, is in Barbados and that is the Japanese Akita. I think there is also at least one Shibu Inu still around.
