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History
The Samoyed is a medium to large white Arctic dog, named for the Samoyedes, a nomadic Siberian tribe, who raised the breed for centuries. The tribe used the dogs for herding, hunting and bed warming. The breed was not used as a sled dog until the late 1800's and is therefore not bred for sledding as much as the Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute. The Samoyed was first brought to England by fur traders in the late 1800's and later used on polar expeditions, including Amundsen's successful South Pole attempt. Today, the Samoyed is a popular companion, therapy dog and show dog.
Description
Lively, powerful Arctic dog with a broad wedge-shaped head. The body is just slightly longer than tall. Built for endurance, the chest is deep and the hindquarters well-muscled. The eyes and nose are dark and the erect ears are triangular with a rounded tip. The long fluffy tail is carried in the characteristic Spitz curl over the back. The dark lips should curve upward in a characteristic "smile". The large feet are covered with hair for protection from the Arctic's extreme temperatures. The very thick double coat is white, with pure white preferred, though cream and "biscuit" colors are accepted. The coat has a lovely silvery sheen. The fur is so weather resistant that the Samoyed people made clothes out of it.
Talents
Herding, watchdog, sledding, and carting.
Personality
A gentle dog, peaceable and dignified. Very devoted. Tends to favor one person, but loves everyone. Easy-going, friendly and quite playful. Highly intelligent but often willfully resistant to formal obedience training. Eventually responds to firm, patient training.
Behavior
Children: Excellent with children.
Friendliness: Reserved with strangers.
Trainability: Somewhat difficult to train.
Independence: Fairly independent.
Dominance: Moderate.
Other Pets: May be aggressive with dogs of the same sex; do not trust with non-canine pets.
Combativeness: Can be a bit dog-aggressives.
Noise: Likes to bark.
Notes
Some like to roam. The fluffy double coat needs frequent brushing, but tends to stay white without bathing. Sheds heavily during shedding periods. Has a reputation as a chewer. May become very destructive if left alone for many hours at a stretch. Generally gets along well with other pets. Tends to bark a lot. Prone to hip dysplasia and PRA. Buy only from OFA and CERF-certified stock. Also prone to skin problems. A good dog to take backpacking. Though the Samoyed is not in the AKC Herding Group, the breed can compete for titles in AKC Herding trials.
Grooming
Grooming: Extensive grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Fluffy coat.
Shedding: Seasonally heavy shedder.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Jogging: An excellent jogging companion.
Indoors: Very active indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
Outdoor Space: A small yard is sufficient.
Climate: Prefers cool climates.
Owner: Good for novice owners.
Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
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