The Samoyed, Show Dog and Pet

If you are looking for a dog that will be loyal and kind as well as one that can work in the cold weather, then you may want to consider a Samoyed. The Samoyed is a very hearty dog, even-tempered, and fun to have around. They are wonderful playmates and are superb with children.

History of the Samoyed

They were originally bred by the peaceful nomad Samoyede tribe in Central Asia and northwestern Siberia. These dogs were used for hunting, hauling sleds, and herding reindeer and they were considered members of the tribe's families. This treatment of the dogs has helped them develop into the loving and loyal animals that they are today.

At the end of the 19^th century Samoyeds were introduced to the rest of the world by being used on Arctic and Antarctic sledding expeditions. Their heartiness allowed them to survive the hardships they endured during these expeditions and the first strains found in both the United States and Great Britain were descendants of these trips.

The first American Samoyed was a Russian import that showed up in 1906 and was registered with the AKC. Most of the Samoyeds found in the United States today can trace their roots back to the Samoyeds that were imported into the country after World War I.

The Samoyed has easily adapted to the warmer climates of North America even though they are an Arctic race. Watch them play in the snow and you'll see how much they still enjoy the cold. They can sleep outdoors but their natures make them conducive to sleeping inside with their family.

Samoyed Characteristics

They want to be the center of attention and as loving as they are, they will eat up the attention even the smallest member of the family gives them. Samoyeds are gentle, very curious, active and are known for their 'Samoyed smile'.

If left alone for too long, they can be destructive. They are not solitary creatures, and will express their displeasure, boredom, and frustration over being left by reducing your favorite pair of heels to a small pile of leather bits, or turning a book into paper shreds. I speak from experience; our Samoyed is not named Chaos without reason.

According the AKC who sets the standard for these dogs, male Samoyeds should stand between 21" to 23-1/2" at the withers and a female at 19" to 21". The male will weigh anywhere between 45 to 65 pounds with the female at 35 to 50 pounds.

Samoyeds should be white, cream, or biscuit colored with a thick two layer coat that includes a dense, wooly undercoat that sheds out once a year. If you own a Samoyed, you'll know it by the hair around your house. Invest in a good vacuum and carry a lint brush. It will help a little bit, but during shedding season, which comes twice a year, you might want to simply skip wearing black completely.

The outer coat is long, straight guard hairs that are tipped with silver and these dogs love to be brushed, allowing them and their family to have some quality grooming time together. Most Samoyeds are great for showing they are smart and train easily. Samoyeds that are in dog shows cannot have any coloring other than the white, cream, or biscuit color, or blue eyes, those are automatic disqualifications for the Samoyed breed.

As a pet the Samoyed is a vocal family member, with a distinctive howl when they want your attention or a whining growl when they want to "talk" or even "sing". YouTube (www.youtube.com) has many wonderful videos of Samoyed dogs performing for their families. These are truly lovable and loving dogs that make a great addition to the family. Their even temperament and family protectiveness gives you all you could ask for in a dog.

Purchasing a Samoyed

If you want to purchase a full blooded Samoyed puppy, you need to find a reputable and reliable breeder. The best way to find one in your area is to contact your local chapter of the AKC. They will be able to help you find someone who truly cares about the dogs they are breeding and will be able to provide you with the entire lineage of the puppy.

A good breeder will talk to you about the proper diet, obedience training, exercise management and general information about the breed. If they cannot provide you with this information, then you should look for another breeder. Plus, make sure the breeder is willing to guarantee the puppies for at least 48 hours so that you can have a veterinarian check out the puppy in case there is a problem.

Even though you will have to deal with a lot of fur, and occasional destructiveness, the Samoyed is a wonderful family dog that you will fall in love with the first time they smile at you, or rub their soft face against yours. We truly have another family member with our Samoyed.

Sources:

Authors Experience, Samoyed.org, Youtube, American Kennel Club