Named after the nomadic people of its native land in Siberia, the Samoyed is an ancient breed. The Samoyed was used to herd reindeer, pull sleds and provide warmth and companionship on chilly nights. The Samoyed first entered England during the 1800s. Under the reign of Queen Alexandra, the breed became increasingly popular. During the 1900s, Samoyeds accompanied several expeditions that set out to explore the Antarctica region. The American Kennel Club recognized the Samoyed as a member of the working group in 1906.
The Samoyed is an Arctic dog and almost looks like a little polar bear. They have typical spitz features: Wedge-shaped faces with long muzzles. Their ears are triangular, small and sit atop their heads. Samoyeds have thick white coats that consist of double coats. The undercoat is dense and woolly, the outer coat is straight and coarse. They are heavy shredders and need to be brushed frequently to reduce shedding. Their ears should be checked regularly.
Personality
The Samoyed is a playful, friendly dog that makes a great family dog. Sammies tend to bond with one person in particular and are devoted companions. They need a lot of vigorous exercise to stay happy. If they don’t get sufficient exercise, they can become bored, stubborn and somewhat destructive. They get on well with other dogs and are friendly towards strangers. This dog breed tends to dig and bark.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Spitz |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Asia |
| Preferred Climate: | Cold |
| Group: | Working |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Sami, Sammy, Samoyedskaya, Samoiedskaia Sabaka |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Samoyed Build Information
The Samoyed’s muscular stature is built for power and agility. A Samoyed stands at an average height of 19 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 60 pounds. The corners of the dog’s mouth are turned upward, giving the Samoyed its famed smiling expression. Another identifying trait of the Samoyed’s appearance is its thick, weather-resistant coat of white. The hair forms a ruff around the shoulders. The Samoyed has small pointed ears that prick upright, and its bushy tail is usually carried upward to rest over the dog’s back to one side. The Samoyed is an Arctic dog and almost looks like a little polar bear. They have typical spitz features: Wedge-shaped faces with long muzzles. Their ears are triangular, small and sit atop their heads. Samoyeds have thick white coats that consist of double coats. The undercoat is dense and woolly, the outer coat is straight and coarse. They are heavy shredders and need to be brushed frequently to reduce shedding. Their ears should be checked regularly.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 19-25 in. |
| Length (Female): | 18-20 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Samoyeds are playful, happy and gentle dogs that get along with everyone and are devoted to their families. They have an independent streak, which can make training a challenge at times. Samoyeds are active and intelligent, and they must be provided with tasks and pastimes to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They tend to be friendly and outgoing, but their love of barking will alert owners of intruders. Samoyeds are excellent companions for families who enjoy physical outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking or snowshoeing. The Samoyed is a playful, friendly dog that makes a great family dog. Sammies tend to bond with one person in particular and are devoted companions. They need a lot of vigorous exercise to stay happy. If they don’t get sufficient exercise, they can become bored, stubborn and somewhat destructive. They get on well with other dogs and are friendly towards strangers. This dog breed tends to dig and bark.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
Samoyeds are heavy shedders. Brushing out the coat two to three times a week will help to reduce some of the shed accumulation in the home. Brush the teeth every other day to remove plaque and decrease the risk for developing periodontal disease.
| Colors: | Cream, White, Yellow |
| Shedding: | Seasonal |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Samoyed Common Health Conditions
Samoyeds live average lifespans of 12 to 14 years. Some genetic health conditions of note for this breed include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, diabetes, aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis, progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts.
Samoyed Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The smiling Samoyed is an ideal family companion that is outgoing, happy, devoted and playful. The Samoyed originated in Siberia. The Samoyed is also called a Sami, a Sammy, a Samoyedskaya and a Samoiedskaia Sabaka. The Samoyed is a sociable and happy family dog. The Samoyed stands 19 to 23,5 inches tall and weighs 50 to 60 pounds. The Samoyed has a high energy level. The Samoyed requires moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a Samoyed is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | Yes |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | Yes |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | Yes |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
