Samoyed

1 Breed Introduction

Samoyed (read more)

Alert, powerful, and lively, the Samoyed was originally a working dog. Its thick coat comes from cold origins; males have a heavier ruff and a masculine, non-aggressive look, females a refined but not weak build, sometimes slightly longer-backed. Now widely kept as a companion.

The name comes from the Samoyede tribes of northern Russia and Siberia. In the south they used white, black, brown, and parti-color dogs to herd reindeer; in the north, pure white, gentle dogs served as hunters and sled dogs, sleeping with their owners for warmth. British zoologist Ernest Scott brought the first to England in 1889; a few such dogs became the foundation of the Western Samoyed.

Today the Samoyed is a faithful human companion.

2 Physical Characteristics

Samoyed (read more)

A medium, elegant white Arctic woolly dog; its moderate size and strength are appealing. The pure white coat is prized, and the ‘Samoyed smile’ comes from eye contours and posture with slightly upturned mouth corners. Weak hunter, bold but not aggressive, usually gregarious.

1) Body: length about 5% over height; depth just under half height; muzzle about equals skull. 2) Head: wedge. 3) Eyes: wide-set, almond, dark brown; black rims (some lack black). 4) Nose: black, but pigment may fade seasonally. 5) Ears: erect (drop as pup), small, thick, triangular, high-set. 6) Croup: full, strong, muscular. 7) Loins: short, strong, defined. 8) Chest: broad, deep, near elbows. 9) Back: medium, muscular, straight; female slightly longer. 10) Tail: high-set, curls forward to back or ribs when alert, hangs to hind legs at rest.

The coat is extremely rich and resilient, with under and outer layers; the tail is well covered. Male outer coat is usually shorter but softer than female.

3 Temperament

Samoyed (read more)

Some owners find it restless and mischievous—it is a running animal that needs exercise to stay healthy; keeping it confined indoors harms it.

Intelligent, refined, loyal, highly adaptable. Its gentle, friendly nature is a top reason people choose it; alert yet reserved, eager to serve.

Being lively, it is hard to focus in training—use a lead or food to attract attention; with the right method and its intelligence, results come easily.

4 Care and Grooming

Samoyed (read more)

Its thick coat is a summer problem; a groomer may thin it. For a large dog, foot and ear hair need not be cleaned very often—far less than a Teddy—but do it every 7-15 days.

Thin coat in summer, but keep it in winter. Always dry thoroughly after bathing a heavy-coated dog; many skin diseases come from damp coats or over-bathing.

Large breeds’ nails self-wear, but trim the quick early in puppyhood so it does not keep growing.

Common diseases: alopecia, diabetes, atopic dermatitis, cataracts, glaucoma, acute glomerulonephritis; some inherit hip dysplasia—watch the diet.

5 Feeding Guide

Samoyed (read more)

Avoid very sweet food—diabetes is common—and raise the meat ratio for its exercise needs. Its skin is weak (alopecia, atopic dermatitis common); add skin-support vitamins.

Calcium powder aids bones and activity. Switch foods gradually to avoid stress reactions—mix in the new food little by little.

If it is picky, train it by hand-feeding as a reward; over time it will eat willingly. Stimulation is the best training method.