Samoyed: Breed Focus

Samoyeds are a striking, elegant and powerful breed that has with a strong will and drive. A naturally people-orientated dog with a gentle, non-aggressive nature that is great with children. The dogs have a sweet disposition and like to be around their owners, therefore would not do well left alone for long periods. Samoyeds were designed to withstand tiring, laborious work in cold climates and today make an excellent companion dog.

Group: Pastoral

Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 years

Professional Grooming: 8 - 12 weekly

Exercise: 2+ hours a day

Health: Obesity, Hip Dysplasia, Gastro Dilation

Brushing: 3 x weekly

Breed Standard Traits

Active

Enthusiastic

Affectionate

Intelligent

Alert

Loyal

Elegant

Passionate

The History of The Samoyed

The breed has barely changed in over 1000 years. The Nenets, or Samoyedic people used the Nenets Herding Laika, a spitz-type dog, to hunt and herd reindeer. This ancient breed has a close bond with humans which was forged through their mutual need for safety and survival, the people would huddle in tents with their dogs for warmth to endure the extreme climate. The dogs descended from the self-domesticated Bjelkier; a white dog that breeds white.

Explorers imported Samoyeds into the UK in the late 1800’s and a breed standard was developed in the early 1900’s. Tail bobbing was once practiced with this breed which lead to explorers losing all members of their sled dogs. This is because Samoyeds use their tail sleeping in extreme conditions, warm and humidify the air inhaled through their nose - which prevents pneumonia. With bobbed tails these sled dogs couldn’t endure the cold temperatures.

Samoyed circa 1800

Appearance

A Samoyed has a powerful, wedge-shaped head and a medium length muzzle. Ears are triangular with rounded tips. The back and hindquarters are broad and muscular with angulated stifles. The tail sits to one side on their back. Their feet are flat and hairy between the pads for arctic conditions. Gums and lips are black and the mouth upturns to prevent drooling. The nose can be black, brown or pink.

Coat colours include: Cream, White and Biscuit as the hair was bleached by the Arctic sun and snow.

The coat is composed of a thick, short, soft undercoat with a hard, straight, weather-resistant top coat that stands away from the body.

Males: Height 51-56 cm, Weight 20-30 kg

Females: Height 46-51 cm, Weight 16-20 kg

Grooming Requirements

Samoyeds have a medium length, straight double coat that is designed to withstand extremely cold temperatures. Hair grows to a pre-determined length before shedding, they shed heavily so will require regular brushing to remove loose undercoat.

Using and undercoat rake and a slicker/pin brush, Samoyeds require brushing at least 3 times a week. During a full coat blowout in warmer weather, they will require daily brushing.

Samoyeds have a double, fur bearing coat so they shouldn’t be clipped as this can cause alopecia. This is why regular brushing of the coat is necessary to prevent matts building up. The only time a Samoyed would be clipped is if the coat is too matted to salvage.

Training Requirements

Samoyeds should be trained from a young age as they are deep thinkers and strong-willed. Training sessions should be short and fun so they stay interested as they get bored easily.

They excel at: agility, carting, flyball, tracking, mushing and herding.