Samoyed Dog Breed

AKC Dog Breeds: Samoyed

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Working Group
Height:19-24 inches Weight: 37-65 pounds Color: pure white, white and biscuit, cream, biscuit

The Samoyed is naturally a working dog and should exhibit qualities of strength and alertness while remaining to be elegant and beautiful. 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. This breed was registered with the AKC in 1906.

General Appearance
The compact muscular body of this hard-working Samoyed breed indicates its strength. The thick, silver-tipped coat comes in white, biscuit, yellow and cream, but pure white is preferred. The Samoyed is a strong, dynamic, active dog. It has a powerful wedge-shaped head with a black or brown nose and strong jaws. Its eyes are dark, oblique and deep. The ears are medium-sized, slightly rounded at the point, and carried erect. The tail is long, full-haired and carried rolled on the back. Its legs are solid and muscular and its feet are flat and covered with hair. Its coat is thick and harsh, not wavy, with a thick, soft undercoat, which protects it against the arctic cold.

Temperament
The Samoyed is a dog that is friendly, good natured, and affectionate, making for a good family pet and companion. These dogs are playful and a little on the mischievous side, and they have plenty of spirit and enthusiasm. They are also sweet, gentle and get along with just about everyone. Although the Samoyed will bark to raise an alarm, which can make him an effective watchdog, he is too gentle and docile to be a guard dog. This breed loves to spend time with his family and owners, and likes companionship and affection, so he is not the right choice for those with little time for a pet. If you neglect your Samoyed you could quickly find destructive behavior setting in as a result of boredom. The Samoyed is an intelligent dog and is quick to learn, which can make training less of a challenge. This breed can be very independent and strong minded, and therefore needs a confident and assertive owner - they are best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership and training. They do get along very well with children, although some can be large and a little too boisterous for smaller children. They also tend to be welcoming with strangers and get along well with most other animals. These dogs enjoy play and exercise, and fare particularly well in colder weather. If you are looking for a quiet, inactive life, the Samoyed is not the dog for you, as he does bark a lot, and does need a fair amount of exercise as well as plenty of interaction.

Grooming
The Samoyed has a very thick coat, which requires much grooming. They shed heavily during warmer seasons and should be regularly brushed. The coat of this dog tends to trap dirt, but with regular brushing it should release easily.

Health Problems and Life Expectancy
Although the Samoyed is a relatively healthy breed, there are some health issues to look out for with these dogs. This includes diabetes, cataracts, thyroid problems, HD, PRA, and allergies. Take care in hot weather and humid environments, as the Samoyed does not enjoy being in high temperatures because of his thick coat. The life expectancy of the Samoyed is around 12-15 years.

Activity Level
The Samoyed must receive adequate exercise so they can vent their energy. When they are bored, they become very rambunctious and rowdy and even destructive. Their destructive behaviors are not only associated with separation anxiety but also with their boredom. They need a daily walk or jog, as long as the weather allows. Take it easy during warm weather because the woolly undercoat inhibits loss of the heat built up during exercise.

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