Mary Allen
With its impressive white coat and cheerful disposition, the Samoyed, also known as the Samoiedskaia Sabaka, is one of the most popular sled dog breeds in the world.
History of the Samoyed
The Samoyed comes from northern Siberia, where it was used several centuries ago by the nomadic tribe of the same name as a draft and working animal. The robust, white dogs were also a good help in protecting the herds of reindeer and in hunting. Unlike other sled dog breeds, the Samoyed was a real family member and served as a bed warmer in the tent. Russian archaeologists found 9,000-year-old remains of sled dogs in Siberia. This makes them one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
Only towards the end of the 19th century did the first puppies come to Europe with the British zoologist Ernest Kilburn Scott. The import of other animals laid the foundation for breeding in Europe. In 1909 breeders agreed on the first breed standard. They arbitrarily established white as the uniform coat color, even though the ancestral Samoyed came in many colors. To achieve the breeding goal, the breeders practiced inbreeding and also crossed German Spitz in the 1950s. As a result, some of the original and wild characters of the dogs were lost. The FCI recognized the breed in 1959 and placed it in Group 5: Spitz and Archetypal Dogs in Section 1: Nordic Sled Dogs.
Essence and Character
The Samoyed is an outgoing and affectionate family dog that forms close bonds with the entire family. He is very people-oriented, gentle, and affectionate. Hecticness and aggression are alien to him and he has a calming charisma. The plush dogs love to be stroked and scratched and don’t like to be alone. Intelligent dogs usually have no problem with strange dogs or other pets. They enjoy working with their people, but they like to have their own way. Submissiveness and blind obedience are alien to the courageous dogs.
The Appearance of the Samoyed
Today’s Samoyed is a powerful, elegant dog with a cheerful demeanor. The body is harmoniously built with a strong, wedge-shaped head and a high-set tail. The almond-shaped eyes are always brown and have a lively expression. The so-called “smile” is a characteristic, which is created by a combination of the eye shape and upward-pointing lips. The most distinctive feature is its long, plush, and dense coat. The coat color of the European breed is always white, with a few bisque markings being permitted. The coat of the sled dog is well adapted to cold climates and consists of a short, soft undercoat and a longer, smooth topcoat.
Education of the Puppy
Even if the Samoyed is very friendly and open-minded, a good upbringing should not be missing. Due to their slightly stubborn nature, polar dogs are best left in the hands of experienced dog owners. You have to approach the education lovingly and patiently and deal with the puppy with consistency. With patience and discipline, you can get a handle on some dogs’ strong urge to run after anything that moves. Visiting a dog school is not only advisable for training tips. Here the puppy gets to know other dogs and has the chance to play and romp. Many breeders only sell their dogs if the new owners guarantee that they will attend the dog school.
Activities with the Samoyed
Since the Samoyed used to be given many different tasks as a former working dog, it needs a varied occupation. Without their daily work, the dogs get bored quickly, occupy themselves, and redecorate the apartment. Long walks are therefore a must in any weather. For further utilization, it does not have to be a draft dog sport, with the dogs blossoming in front of the sled. You can also take the persistent sled dogs with you for jogging, cycling, or hiking. The clever dogs master intelligence games with flying colors and are enthusiastic about dog sports such as agility. Training to become a rescue or working dog is also an option.
Health and Care
For a healthy and active life, the Samoyed needs an adequate supply of nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals. You can get tips on feeding on your breeder or veterinarian. The feeding depends on the individual needs of the animal. In addition to a healthy diet, proper care also affects the health of your Samoyed. At first glance, even a layman will notice that the plush dog needs a lot of grooming. But don’t overdo it! It is sufficient to brush the odorless coat regularly and to remove loose hair every day during the change of coat. Shampoo and soap should only be used in extreme emergencies when the white coat is so dirty that there is no other way. Normally, protruding fur is self-cleaning with the natural “shake hair”. In summer you should make sure that the dog with thick fur does not overheat.
Is the Samoyed Right for Me?
If you are interested in a Samoyed puppy, don’t be fooled by the dog’s cute looks. The sporty dogs have a pronounced urge to move and need a lot of exercises outdoors. Close family ties and contact with other dogs are just as important to them. Unlike other sled dogs, the Sammi is an excellent family dog. So you should be able to spend enough time taking care of the dog accordingly. Once you have made the decision to purchase, you should find a reputable breeder who cares about the welfare of their dogs. You pay around 1,200 euros for purebred and healthy puppies of this breed.