The Samoyed is a medium-sized herding dog breed with thick, white, double-layered coats. It is a spitz-type dog that takes its name from the Samoyed people of Siberia.
Descended from the Nenets herding Laika, they are domesticated animals that help herd, hunt, protect and pull sleds.
Samoyed dogs are mostly white, and their double-layered coat may have a brown tint that naturally repels dirt.
They are known to be used in expeditions in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions and have a friendly and accommodating nature.
Samoyed dog At a Glance
HEIGHT: 19–23.5″WEIGHT: 35–65 lbTYPE: WorkingFAMILY: NorthernDATE OF ORIGIN: Ancient timesAREA OF ORIGIN: Russia (Siberia)OTHER NAMES: Samoyedskaya
History Of Samoyed
Legend has it that the Samoyed people and their dogs were driven by other tribes, north and north and north, until they were at the very edge of the world, into a vast land of snow and ice.
They lived as nomads, herding reindeer, helped by their capable dogs, who also pulled sleds and kept them warm at night.
The Samoyed is one of fourteen breeds identified by DNA analysis of the canine genome. They give us a good picture of what some early dogs might have looked like.
In more modern times, the Samoyeds participated in the Arctic and Antarctic explorations of Nansen, Shackleton, Scott, and Amundsen. Britain’s Queen Alexandra, a wife of Edward VII, loved the breed.
And many of his dogs appear today in the pedigrees of English and American Samoyeds.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Samoyed in 1906. Today it ranks 72nd among breeds registered by the AKC.
Breed Characteristics
Apartment Friendly: 3 PointsShedding Level: 5 PointsDog Friendly: 4 PointsChild Friendly: 5 PointsExercise Needs: 4 PointsTerritorial: 5 PointsBarking Tendencies: 4 PointsAdaptability: 4 PointsTrainability: 3 PointsGrooming: 4 PointsHealth Issues: 3 PointsSocial Needs: 4 PointsEnergy Level: 3 PointsAffectionate: 5 PointsWatchdog Instincts: 5 PointsCat Friendly: 3 PointsIntelligence: 3 PointsStranger Friendly: 3 Points
Appearance
A Samoyed with a mass of striking white fur is an amazing sight. From the tips of their triangular ears to the ends of their curved, sweeping tails, if they stood still, they could be mistaken for pristine snowdrifts against the Nordic landscape.
Purebred Sams also has equally stunning solid color coats of cream and biscuit, as well as beautiful white and biscuit combinations.
Sams are protected from freezing temperatures by a dense, weather-resistant double coat with a silky underlayer. They are very muscular, ready to spring into action with a push from short, stocky legs.
They are about 2 feet tall and while some males reach 60 pounds, females are as small as 35 pounds. Broad-chested with a halo of thick fur, Sam is as long as he is tall.
These pleasant pooches aren’t called “Smiling Sammy” for nothing. Their short snouts and upturned mouths, lifted at the corners to prevent icicles from forming, create natural, playful expressions.
Dark black or brown almonds have twinkling eyes, and often have a bit of a twitch when really excited.
Temperament
The friendly and affectionate nature of Samoyeds makes them poor guard dogs; Aggressive periods are rare. The breed is characterized by an alert and happy expression that has earned it the nicknames “Sammy Smile” and “Smiley Dog”.
With their tendency to bark, however, they can be energetic watch dogs, barking whenever someone approaches their territory. Samoyeds are excellent companions, especially for small children or other dogs, and they remain playful into old age.
According to the Samoyed Club of America, when Samoyeds are bored, they can become destructive or start digging. With their sled dog heritage, a Samoyed is not averse to pulling things, and an untrained Samoyed will have no problem pulling its owner on a leash rather than walking along.