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Breed Characteristics
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Samoyed
| Other Names | Bjelkier, Samoiedskaya Sobaka, Nenetskaya Laika, Samoyedskaya |
| Nicknames | Sami, Sammy, Smiley |
| Country of Origin | Russia |
| Weight | Males: 45 - 65 lbs. (20½ - 30 kg) Females: 35 - 50 lbs. (16 - 20½ kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 21 - 23½ in. (53 - 60 cm) Females: 19 - 21 in. (48 - 53 cm) |
| Coat | The Samoyed has a very thick and dense double coat that is generally shed twice a year. The over coat is made up of long, course, and straight guard hairs. This keeps the undercoat clean and free of debris. The undercoat is a soft and dense short fur designed to keep the dog warm. The males typically have a larger ruff than the females. The coat should be weather resistant and should also be more about quality than quantity. |
| Colour | Typical colours for the Samoyed are a mixture of white and biscuit colouring. However, all white and all biscuit coloured dogs are not uncommon. The white of the overcoat does appear to have some silver. |
| Litter Size | 4 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 - 15 years |
| Origin & History | There is an ancient Siberian tribe known as the Samoyedes. The Siberian terrain is known to be one of the harshest and most difficult terrains to live in on the planet. The Samoyede people were nomads and moved around frequently carrying all of their things with them as well as their herds of reindeer. They were hunters and fisherman. They used a beautiful and robust dog to pull their sleds as well as several other jobs. The dog had to be able to perform several tasks. Not only did the dogs pull sleds and herd reindeer, but they also hunted animals for food and clothing. They were even known to hunt polar bears. This dog was later named the Samoyed after the name of the tribe. In 1889 the explorer Robert Scott brought several of these dogs back to Europe. It was from Europe that the dog was bred and spread throughout the world. The first Samoyed came to America arrived in 1904 when the Princess de Montyglyon brought it as her companion. The Samoyed was given to her by the Czar's brother, the Grand Duke of Russia. Today the Samoyed is mostly used as a companion for the average household, but still does maintain some qualities that indicate its origins. |
| Personality | The Samoyed is a gentle dog. Very devoted, easygoing, friendly and quite playful, it loves everyone. It will gladly be friendly to all, including intruders. It is too friendly to be of much use as a watchdog, although its bark will alert you to the presence of strangers. It willingly adapts to family life and gets along well with children. It is highly intelligent, and will respond to firm, patient training, which should be started at an early age. Make sure you are this dog’s firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid potential behavior issues such as, but not limited to, obsessive barking. The Sammy is accustomed to working in teams, and shows outstanding qualities. When this dog is given what it needs to be a stable-minded dog, i.e. enough mental and physical exercise, along with clear leadership, it proves itself to be outstanding, good-natured, lively and sociable. It never seeks trouble but can handle an adversary if necessary. These dogs have a reputation of being chewers. If the Sammy is lacking in leadership and/or exercise it can become very destructive if left alone for many hours at a stretch. Samoyeds can get along with non-canine pets when raised with them from puppyhood or when properly trained to do so, however they do have an instinct to hunt and caution should be taken around other small animals. They can get along with a family cat. This breed has an instinct to herd. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Hip dysplasia: Ball and joint problem of the hip that causes arthritic like symptoms and pain. Cataracts: Condition of the eye that causes vision loss and can cause blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma: Condition of the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve. This leads to vision loss and can result in blindness. Diabetes: Treatable condition that will not necessarily reduce the lifespan of the animal. However, it can cause blindness if left untreated. |
| Grooming | Extensive grooming is needed. They are seasonally heavy shedders. The fluffy double coat needs frequent brushing, but tends to stay white without bathing. Some people with allergies have reported that the coat of the Samoyed did not bother them. |
| Exercise | Needs a reasonable amount of exercise, including a daily walk or jog. Take it easy during warm weather because the woolly undercoat inhibits loss of the heat built up during exercise. |
| Other Considerations | The Samoyed will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Its heavy coat makes this dogs unsuited to life in very hot climates. Use of fur; Shed Samoyed fur is sometimes used as an alternative to wool in knitting, with hypoallergenic properties and a texture similar to angora. The fur is sometimes also used for the creation of artificial flies for fly fishing. Samoyed fur sweaters have been reported to handle temperatures well below freezing. Famous Samoyeds; Kaifas and Suggen, the lead dogs for Fridtjof Nansen's North Pole expedition. Etah, the lead dog for Roald Amundsen's expedition to the South Pole, the first to reach the pole. Samoyeds serve as the sled dogs of Stone Fox in the book of the same name. |
