The Samoyed are medium sized dogs, with muscular bodies, and a height for the male dog of 21 to 23 inches which weigh in at 45-65 pounds and the female bitch stand 19-21 inches with a weight of 35-50 pounds. They have a fairly fluffy coat that hides a great deal of their muscular definition. Their deep-set bowman shaped eyes are a dark colour and are set a little on the wide side. With a medium to long tail which they carry rolled on their back. The feet are flat and have an ample covering of hair, with the legs being muscular and solid. But it is a double thickness and very dense the longer hair is set within the thick undercoat and is harsh in feel. Their neck is exaggerated by the hair and appears to form a ruff, which would keep the neck warm in their native climate.
History. The Samoyed is a very old breed, even ancient. They were native to Siberia and used by the hunters and fishermen. Some were used as sledge dogs, which doubled up as security by guarding the homes and also used in the herding of reindeer. It was common to these dogs to sleep with people in the household, to keep them warm. The dogs were first taken to England by the famous explorer Robert Scott, in 1889. The breed was further refined in England and started its worldwide spread from there. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1906.
Temperament. They tend to be a happy-go-lucky friendly dog, with a playful nature. They can become very devoted to their owners. They integrate well with others, and unfortunately get on with pretty much anybody, I say unfortunately because this will include anybody who tries to burgle your house. However, all is not lost because their excited barking will alert you to a stranger being near, but it will be up to you to tackle them. As with most dogs training needs to be started as early as possible, and the dogs' master needs to assert themselves over this dog, in a calm friendly but firm manner. They are in themselves a stable breed but do require a lot of exercise both physical and mental. If adequately trained and cared for these dogs are exceptional in their good nature.
Health issues. The breed is particularly prone to hip dysplasia, and is known to be at risk of diabetes. Along with a predisposition to skin allergies and PRA affecting the eyes, they are overall a fairly healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Grooming. You only need to see their coat to realise that they are going to require extensive brushing and combing. As seasonal shedders, they moult very heavily, and brushing and combing of their coat should probably be conducted more frequently during the moulting season. Most commonly though, normal grooming will keep your dog clean so frequent bathing will not be a requirement.
Living conditions. Whilst these dogs can adapt to living in an apartment, if they are exercised well, they are quite active indoors and if your space is limited this may be a problem. They do not tolerate hot weather very well, which means you may well have to exercise them more gently in the summer months. They do integrate well with families and can be great with children, just bear in mind their boisterous nature may cause a few tumbles during its play time if he gets too excitable. However, other pets in the house should not be a problem, but it is a good idea to supervise when small animals are available.
