Samoyed | Dog Breed Information & Facts – Pictures

Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Pets Feed

The Samoyed is one of the most popular Russian dog breeds in the world. Its dense and fluffy white coat is really popular and appreciated by dog ​​lovers. However, this dog also shows a very special and sociable character, perfect for active families with children or adolescents.

For thousands of years the Samoyed dog has faithfully served and serves the northern peoples, sharing with its owners all the hardships of life in the harsh climate of Siberia. This is one of the oldest spitz-like breeds.

The Samoyed is a medium to large sized Spitz with typical erect pointed ears and a curled tail over its back. They have a thick and abundant coat that protects the dog from the weather. Samoyeds have flat feet, richly covered in wool and similar to snowshoes. This lug structure prevents snow from entering between the toes.

The Samoyed can be white, biscuit white or cream. The height of adult males is 54 – 60 cm and weigh 20 – 33 kg. Females measure 50 – 56 cm with a weight of 17 – 25 kg.

• Head: The head is powerful, depending on the type, it can be broad, like that of a bear or wedge-shaped, resembling the head of a wolf or a fox. The muzzle is deep with a slight taper towards the nose.
• Jaws: The jaws are well developed and powerful. Strong teeth, complete dentition (every 42 teeth) with a scissor bite.
• Ears: The ears are relatively small, erect, triangular with rounded tips.
• Eyes: The eyes are compact in size, almond shaped with a deep and wide set. The color of the iris is dark brown.
• Frame: The body is stocky, powerful, but supple and muscular. The neck is of medium length, strong with a noticeable curvature. The back is straight, muscular with a well-defined loin. The croup is strong, slightly sloping. The chest is long and deep.
• Limbs: The legs are straight, parallel, athletic, of medium length. The legs are oval in shape with not very tight toes.
• Coat: The root of the hair is of medium length, hard, pronounced thick with a sparkling tint. Around the neck the hair is noticeably longer, on the hips there is a characteristic “riding breeches”. There are also thick hairs between the fingers, which “ruffle” in severe cold, protecting the dog’s limbs from frostbite. The undercoat is short, soft and dense. Color – ideally snow-white, there is a variant of wool with fawn markings.

The Samoyed is usually a sociable dog, outgoing and faithful. It knows how to protect its house well: no intruder will enter without warning you.

It likes to be included in all family activities and can be destructive or noisy if left alone or bored for a long time.

This dog likes to dig and is a big fugitive; it is therefore essential to strengthen the safety of the garden.

The Samoyed is by no means aggressive. Conviviality is one of its exceptional qualities. Nevertheless, this dog must socialize from an early age, especially in the case of cats and other pets.

Health problems are rare, but you need to be prepared for them. The list below sets out the diseases that Samoyed dogs are most likely to suffer form:

• Diabetes mellitus is a disease associated with a lack of insulin. With proper treatment and nutrition, the animal will be able to lead a full life.
• Deafness is a genetic predisposition.
• Dysplasia is a hereditary disorder that affects the joints.
• Digestive problems – An improper diet can cause bloating or volvulus.
• Diseases of the eyes.
• Cystitis is a serious inflammatory disease of the bladder and urethra.
• Change in nose pigment – As a result of changes in weather conditions, when daylight hours are reduced, the dog’s nose loses pigment.

Surprisingly, with a thick coat, the Samoyed calmly tolerates a hot climate. The main thing is to take good care of the animal, follow the rules and follow all the hygienic procedures:

• The coat should be brushed frequently during the shedding season and brushed as needed at other times.
• Bathe your dog twice a year with a special white dog shampoo. An exception is in case of heavy pollution.
• Eyes and ears are wiped 1-2 times every 7 days.
• The claws are cut as they grow back.
• To regularly clean the teeth, it is recommended to purchase special bones for the dog.

• In some countries, it has sometimes been known as Bjelkier, although its most common name is Samoyed.
• Some recent analyzes on the DNA of dog breeds have placed the Samoyed among the fourteen oldest breeds in the world, where other Nordic dogs are also found such as the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute or the Chow Chow.
• In addition to its functions in the Arctic, the breed came to explore the South Pole during the expedition of Roald Amundsen, who had a female Samoyed who led the expedition at all times.
• It is one of the purest breeds in existence, since since the beginning of its history and since its creation, it has not been crossed with other breeds or with other specimens.
• Despite popular belief that the Samoyed is a draft dog like the Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute, the reality is that this breed is much closer to herding dogs. However, he can do an activity if the opportunity arises.

The homeland of the Samoyed dog is Siberia, the northern territories of Russia. Breeders did not have a chance to work on this breed, since nature itself worked on its formation. The purity of the breed and its genetic code have remained intact for millennia.

The Samoyed is a very ancient breed that has been living in the North with the northern tribes for a long time. These hardy and adapted to harsh natural conditions animals were used in sledges as sled dogs, they also guarded herds of livestock, helped the owners during the hunt, although they practically have no hunting instinct. In addition, the Samoyeds make excellent nannies, they are ready to endlessly play with children, carefully and affectionately treating the kids.

Northern dogs have another important purpose. When the frost was too strong at night, the owners let the Samoyeds into the chum. Animals went to bed next to people, warming them with their warmth. There is no substitute for such a “heating pad”. Modern Samoyeds, kept in cozy apartments, just like their ancestors, strive to warm and create comfort for a person. If he falls asleep with a pet at his side, the dog will lie quietly, without movement, waiting for the owner to wake up.