The Samoyed was bred to herd reindeer, hunt and hail sledges and overtime, became a trusted companion of the Samoyede people, a tribe of Northwestern Siberia. This is a happy-go-lucky dog and is also known as “Sammy Smile” due to the slight upturned corners of its mouth.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Siberia
Used for: Herding, guarding, hunting, companion
Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Color: Pure white, cream and biscuit yellow; sometimes have silver tips
Coat: Thick, double, coarse, long and profuse
Average Height: 21-23 inches
Average Weight: 45-65 pounds
Group: Working
History and Domestication
The Samoyed is an ancient breed and very close to primitive dogs. The breed’s gene pool is free of any mixes of fox or wolf. The breed was developed by Northwestern Siberia’s Samoyede people and was used for hunting, pulling sledges, hunting and guarding. These people depended on Samoyeds for their survival and were highly cherished. They even allowed these dogs to sleep in their tents.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Samoyed has muscular and compact body. The broad head is wedge-shaped and slightly crowned. The muzzle is well-proportioned and tapers towards the nose with a well-defined stop. The lips are black and the nose can be liver, brown or black. The almond-shaped eyes are dark and set wide apart with dark rims and the lower lid slants a little. The triangular ears are erect and slightly rounded at the tips. The legs are muscular and solid while the feet are covered with hair and flat. The long tail is covered with hair and carried rolled over the back. The coat is thick, double and profuse.
Care, Grooming and Health
These dogs are essentially heavy shedders and require extensive grooming. The fluffy white coat remains white even without bathing but needs frequent brushing. When shedding, the coat needs to be brushed daily.
This breed needs a reasonable amount of exercise. A long walk or job would be perfect. During warm weather, do not overstress them by exercise as the wooly undercoat traps heat. These dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, skin allergies and diabetes. Male dogs are more vulnerable to PRA.
Living Conditions
This is an active dog and generally not recommended for apartments. But with enough exercise, he will adjust to apartment living. A secured and fenced-in yard is recommended for them as these dogs need some space to play and romp. They prefer living in colder climates due to their thick wooly coat. On hot days, keep them inside the home.
Temperament
Gentle, loyal and intelligent, Samoyeds love being with their families. They are friendly and affectionate dogs and thrive on being a part of the household. These dogs love being around their close associates and are not be left alone in kennel or backyard. The alertness and loyalty of these dogs make them ideal watchdogs. At heart, they are still hunters and shouldn’t be let off-leash in public areas.
