Samoyed Breed information & Pictures

Samoyed Breed Description

Life Expectancy
12-15 years

Learning Rate
High

Litter Size
5 to 9

Size
Extra Large

Weight
Dogs: 45-65 pounds
Bitches: 35-50 pounds

Height
Dogs: 21-23 inches
Bitches: 19-21 inches

Country of Origin
Siberia

Groups
AKC Working Dogs
FCI Group V.: Spitz and Primitive types
TKC Pastoral

Other Names
Samoyedskaya, Nenetskaya Laika, Sammy, Smiling Sammy, Smiley

The Samoyed is a strong, muscular, dynamic, and active dog. This breed makes an excellent family dog; it has a fondness for people, especially children. It is good-natured, gentle and mischievous. The beauty of the Samoyed with its smile, which extends from ear to ear will attract attention when it is out. The owner of this breed should be somebody who is willing to give of his time in both grooming and activity.

This dog is elegant and agile; it is now one of the most fashionable show and companion breeds, yet has a history of hard work in severe conditions. For centuries, hunters and fishermen have used this beautiful, robust white dog to pull their sleds.

Temperament

The Samoyed dogs are peaceful, dignified and very gentle dogs. The Samoyed is very devoted to its family; it tends to favor one person, but loves everyone. This dog makes an excellent companion to children. It is friendly to all, including intruders; too friendly to be of much use as a watchdog, although its bark will alert you to the presence of strangers. It never seeks trouble but can handle an adversary if necessary.

This dog is highly intelligent, but often willfully resistant to formal obedience training. It can be intractable when uninterested or commanded harshly. Firm, patient training should start at an early age. The Samoyed is an outstanding, good-natured, lively, and sociable dog. This breed should not be trusted with small non-canine pets, however there are plenty of them that live and get along with cats. It tends to bark a lot. It may become very destructive if left alone for many hours.

This breed has a reputation of being a chewer. It needs a reasonable amount of exercise, but take it easy during warm weather because the woolly undercoat inhibits loss of the heat built up during exercise.

Colors

They have pure white, white and biscuit, cream; outer coat silver-tipped.

Coat

This breed has harsh, but not wiry, and straight, with thick, soft, short undercoat. Extensive grooming is needed. Frequent brushing is required. Interestingly, even though this breed is a seasonally heavy shedder, it is considered a hypoallergenic dog, as it has very low allergen causing dander levels.

Health Issues

This breed is particularly prone to hip dysplasia. To help prevent the chance of hip or elbow dysplasia developing make sure your dog is on a healthy, well proportioned diet, and avoid excessive running and jumping while still a puppy as this can be hard on the developing joints. Skin allergies must be watched out for, and some suffer from diabetes. To minimize the risk of your Samoyed developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a Samoyed dog from a reputable breeder.

Living Environment

The Samoyed will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and a small yard is sufficient. The heavy coat makes this dog unsuited to life in very hot climates.