Physical Description

For 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.

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.


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