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Samoyed History
Hardy, vibrant and even-tempered, the
Samoyed was originally used to hunt, herd reindeer,
and haul sledges for the Samoyede people they served
in northwestern Siberia. The Samoyede tribesmen were
peaceful nomads, who manifested extraordinary love for
their beautiful dogs, treating them as members of the
family. Thus their dogs developed a love and understanding
of humankind and an unfailing sense of trust and loyalty
which is retained in the breed to this day. They remain
the delightful playmates and faithful protectors of
children.
Samoyeds were brought out of Siberia at the end of the
19th century and the early part of the 20th century
to pull sledges on Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
These valiant dogs endured terrible hardships serving
man in his quest for the poles. Only a few returned.
Clearly, no toy or miniature version of the Samoyed
breed could have performed those tasks. Only one breed
is the powerful, gentle, magnificent Samoyed- a true
working dog.
The Samoyed in America
Most of the Samoyed strains in England
and the United States are descended from the veteran
expedition sledge dogs. The first American Samoyed,
a Russian import, was registered with the AKC in 1906,
although most of the present day American Samoyeds trace
their ancestry to dogs imported after the first World
War.
Despite his Arctic heritage, the Samoyed has adapted
well to the warmer climates, and even tolerates the
heat of Florida, Texas, and Southern California. He
can sleep outside, although he certainly prefers to
sleep inside, and needs to spend a significant part
of each day being a beloved part of the family, in the
center of everything you do. We Samoyed fanciers find
this zealous participation in the whole of our lives
to be their greatest asset.
Samoyed Description
For more details please refer to the
AKC
Breed Standard, as composed, adopted, approved and
protected by members of the Samoyed Club of America,
Inc. and adopted by the American Kennel Club or visit
The
Clickable Samoyed.
The correct pronunciation of the breed's name is SAM-A-YED,
with the accent on the last syllable. The Samoyede peoples
of Northern Siberia's name was pronounced Sama-yedya.
The English, and then the Americans dropped the last
"e" from Samoyede, hoping to simplify the
name, but ignoring the predispositions toward dipthongs.
The dogs are also affectionately known as Sammies.
The recommended size for a male Samoyed is 21"
to 23-1/2" at the tip of the shoulder blade (withers),
and for a female 19" to 21". A male in this
height range weighs from 45 to 65 pounds and a female
from 35 to 50 pounds.
His magnificent white, cream, or biscuit coat has two
layers- a dense, wooly undercoat which is typically
shed out once a year and a silver-tipped harsh outercoat
of long, straight guard hairs. Grooming this lovely
coat can be a pleasure or a chore for both dog and human.
There are two disqualifications: Any color other than
white, cream, biscuit or combination thereof; Blue Eyes.
Samoyed Temperament
The Samoyed is a fine example of an
ancient working dog. His eye-arresting beauty and gentle,
companionable nature, coupled with his unusual intelligence,
demand the love and loyalty of his owner, which he will
return a hundred-fold.
Samoyeds are active dogs. They are inquisitive, quick-witted,
and mischievous, remaining playful through old age.
With a twinkle in their dark, intelligent eyes and their
ever present "Samoyed smile", they are truly
dogs with Christmas in their hearts the whole year long.
Samoyeds are not a breed suitable for solitary confinement
in the back yard. Left without personal attention and
canine companionship, a Samoyed is likely to become
a miserable, destructive problem dog. With love and
nurturing, he will enrich his owners' lives.
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