Samoyeds: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Samoyed breed

The Samoyed!

The Samoyed has a compact muscular body that betrays its strength, despite its relatively small size. It has a powerful, wedge-shaped head, black or brown almond-shaped eyes and a strong jaw. The Samoyed’s ears, which are perpetually erect, are thick and furry and are triangular in size. Its coat, which has an equally thick yet soft undercoat, is dense, which protects it from the cold. It is the tail, however, that is the distinguishing feature of the Samoyed breed. The dog’s tail is held in a thick and tight curl across the back. There are times when the Samoyed sleeps with its tail over their noses, as this provides additional warmth during extremely cold weather. While there are some Samoyeds that have straight, uncurled tails, this quality prevents them from being included in prestigious dog shows. The Samoyed is sometimes nicknames as “The Smiley Dog” because it has a perpetually smiling look and is thus, pleasant to look at.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
12 to 15 years

Energy Level:
Gentle and peaceful.

Living Conditions:
Indoor/Outdoor/Apartment. Not for hot climates.

Barking:
Higher around strangers.

Exercise Needs:
Daily 20 minute walk. Should not be strenuous.

Breed Group:
Working

Size:
Medium

Height:
Males: 21 to 23 inches
Females: 19-21 inches

Weight:
Males: 45 to 64 pounds
Females: 35 to 50 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
White, biscuit, yellow and cream colors with silver tips.

National breed club:
Samoyed Club of America

Samoyed Skills

The Samoyed is considered as a cousin of the Siberian Husky. Thanks to their thick and dense coats, they were used as sled dogs by Arctic explorers like Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen to explore the North and South Poles.

Samoyed Personality

Samoyeds are a very gentle and peaceful breed; too peaceful, in fact, that they’re not very reliable as watch dogs, although they let out a bark when a stranger approaches. While they are generally friendly with everyone, they tend to be very devoted to just one person. Samoyeds are also a very intelligent breed and responds favorably to firm and patient training. However, they have a reputation for being chewers and can become very destructive when left alone.

Exercise Needs

Samoyeds need a relative amount of exercise, thus, walking and running are advised. However, strenuous routines, especially during warm seasons, are not advised, because their undercoats restrain the loss of heat that was built up during exercise.

Living Conditions

Samoyeds can easily adapt to small spaces, especially if they get sufficient exercise in a moderately sized yard. However, Samoyeds are not advised for people who live in hot climates, since its coat is thick and dense.

Grooming Requirements

Because the Samoyed is a heavy shedder, extensive grooming is required. While their coats remain naturally white despite sporadic baths, their thick, fluffy coats need frequent brushing. Use a metal comb to allow deep penetration and to accelerate the shedding process, allowing the Samoyed to regain its naturally fluffy appearance. Use a mild shampoo when bathing so as not to strip the coat of its natural oils. Also, make sure that its diet contains a good amount of fish and meat.

Health Issues

Samoyed dogs are to hip dysplasia, skin allergies and eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma.

If you liked this dog…

You may also take a liking to the Siberian Husky, which is a close cousin of the Samoyed. This breed is perfect for those who live in areas with cool climates.