Samoyed

Description

The Samoyed has a compact muscular body. The wedge-shaped head is broad and slightly crowned. The muzzle is in proportion to the size of the dog, tapering to the nose. The stop is well defined but not abrupt. The nose color can be black, brown, or liver. The lips are black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The dark almond shaped eyes are deep-set, somewhat wide apart, with a slanting lower lid and dark rims. The erect, triangular ears are slightly rounded at the tips. The tail is moderately long well covered with hair, carried rolled on the back. The legs are solid and muscular and the feet are flat and covered with hair. The thick, double coat is profuse.

Temperament

The Sammy is accustomed to working in teams, and shows outstanding qualities. When this dog is given what he needs to be a stable minded dog, i.e. enough mental and physical exercise, along with clear leadership, it proves itself to be outstanding, good-natured, lively, and sociable. It never seeks trouble but can handle an adversary if necessary. They have a reputation of being chewers. If the Sammy is lacking in leadership and or exercise they become very destructive if left alone for many hours at a stretch.

General Appearance

Samoyeds are gentle dogs. Very devoted, easy-going, friendly and quite playful, they love everyone. They will gladly be friendly to all, including intruders. They are too friendly to be of much use as a watchdog, although its bark will alert you to the presence of strangers. It willingly adapts to family life and gets along well with children. They are highly intelligent, and will respond to firm, patient training, which should be started at an early age.

Food Preference

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Favorite Activities

Active indoors, Needs a reasonable amount of exercise, including a daily walk or jog.

Facts you need to know

Samoyeds are an ancient working breed. They have lived in Siberia with hunters and fishermen known as Samoyeds, hence where the breed received it's name. The Samoyed people used the dogs to pull their sleds, guard their property and for herding reindeer. Their gene pool is closely related to the primitive dog with no wolf or fox mixed in. The dogs slept with the people to keep them warm. Robert Scott, an explorer brought the dogs to England in 1889.

Known Health Issues

Hip dysplasia, some suffer from diabetes, skin allergies, PRA (eyes) primarily in male dogs.