Breed of the Month: The Samoyed

Resembling a giant puff-ball, this breed is the epitome of the family dog…

It takes just a moment to fall in love with one of these giant puff-balls, but the effect is powerful and long-lasting. People who have owned Samoyeds are struck for life with a profound love of these intelligent, attractive and oh-so-cuddly canines.

History
Originating on the frozen tundra of Russia and Siberia, the Samoyed derives its name from the native Samoyed tribes of Siberia, who were the first people to develop the breed. Originally used for herding reindeer and pulling sleds, the Samoyed were not particularly known for their hunting ability, although there are mixed and unsubstantiated reports of Samoyed packs protecting tribes from Polar Bear attacks!

The Samoyed’s loyalty and intelligence was noted by early explorers and they were used in historic Polar expeditions. According to the website for D’keta Samoyeds, a prominent US breeder and Samoyed researcher:

‘The polar expeditions demonstrated the versatility and true working nature of the Samoyed and the contributions made by the Samoyeds are unmatched in the canine world. Samoyeds featured prominently in the Arctic and Antarctic polar expeditions of Abruzzi, Amundson, Jackson-Harmsworth, Nansen, and Shackelton between 1870 and 1912. Dogs were procured from Siberia for the expeditions and were called ‘Samoyeds’ as they came from the land where the Samoyede tribe lived. With the passing of time, the ‘e’ was dropped from ‘Samoyede’.’

Appearance
Looking at a Samoyed, you have no doubt as to its Arctic origins. A thick, puffy double coat of pure white is most common, but ‘cream’ and ‘biscuit’ have also been added to the official breed standard.

The Samoyed is medium in build, but appears to be a much thicker dog due to its immense coat. The most interesting aspect of a Samoyed coat is its ability to stay clean and dry. Their double coat has a Teflon-like consistency, which means most dirt just brushes right out, and apart from a thorough weekly brushing (more when they drop their winter coat, usually once or twice a year) they are surprisingly low maintenance.

The nature of their coat also means that there is no ‘doggy’ smell, something many owners have remarked upon!

Temperament
Samoyeds are affectionate, intelligent and easy-going, and are highly trainable. While their size might make them unintentionally dangerous for very small children (accidentally knocking them over is the main concern), they are wonderful with kids and it is said that one of their original jobs in the freezing temperatures of Siberia was to keep the tribe’s children warm at night. Better than any teddy-bear, we say!

This adorable and striking breed are family dogs in every sense of the word. Invite one into your family and you will be rewarded by a huge, fluffy ball of adoration whose loyalty will never waver.

Image sourced from: Wallpaper web and Daily Puppy