samoyeds

Question
hi, a friend of mine recently adopted a stray dog who is a samoyed, only his fur is not white but red. i was wondering is it possible for samoyeds, who are traditionally white to have red or dark fur???? and do they require any special care? thanks...

Answer
Hello Jane, The thick, silver-tipped coat comes in white, biscuit, yellow and cream, but pure white is preferred. Extensive grooming is needed. They are seasonally heavy shedders. The fluffy double coat needs frequent brushing, but tends to stay white without bathing.  When they say brushing it means to really brush very deep down to the skin, most owners tend to only brush the top coat and the next thing you know the second coat (which is next to the skin) matts.  This can cause the dog to overheat and suffer from a heat stroke.  The best advise is to go to a groomer and get instructions on how to properly brush a double coated dog.  The groomer will ago advise her on what tools she will need to purchase to do this.  So many times a samoyed coat will get out of hand for the average owner and professional grooming is required.  Brushing once to twice weekly if done properly will keep the dogs coat under control.  Possible health concerns could be that Samoyed's are particularly prone to hip dysplasia and some suffer from diabetes. Also prone to skin allergies. They are prone to PRA (eyes) primarily in male dogs.  If your friends dog is red and resembles a samoyed it may actuallly be a Chow Chow.  Unless of course it is a mixed breed.  I hope this helps, Cindy lou :)