Samoyed

The Samoyed, or 'Sammy' as it is often called, is a beautiful, somewhat independent breed that should, according to its standard, show 'marked affection for all mankind'. These dogs adore the snow and are happiest in the wide open spaces. But having said that, I know of some living happily in semi-detached houses.

Samoyed is a beautiful and devoted dog and is growing increasingly popular Coming from a cold climate, its heavy and weather-resistant coat needs

Origin and history

The Samoyed is a beautiful Spitz­type that takes its name from the Siberian tribe of the Samoyeds. It is a sled dog in its native country and is also used as a guard and herder of reindeer Some Sammies were used by the explorer Nansen on his journey to the North Pole.

The breed came to the United Kingdom in 1889, and much of the present-day stock can be traced to the original pair. British stock has done much to popularize the breed in other countries of the world.

Samoyed Puppies

Good points

• Beautiful
• Devoted to owner
• Obedient
• Intelligent
• Excellent watchdog
• Adaptable

Take heed

• Slightly independent
• That white coat sheds

Size

Height at the shoulder: dog 20-22in (51-56cm); bitch 18-20in (46-51cm). Weight in proportion to size.

Exercise

Needs a liberal amount of exercise and, if possible, some obedience work, even if this is only weekly attendance at a dog training club.

Samoyed Information

General apperance
The Samoyed, being essentially a working dog, should be strong and active and graceful. And as its work lies in cold climates, its coat should be heavy and weather-resistant. It should not be too long in the back, because a weak back would make the dog practically useless for its legitimate work; but at the same regular brushing and combing.

It also needs plenty of exercise and should attend obedience classes. time a cobby body, such as a Chow's, would also place it at a great disadvantage as a draught dog. Breeders should aim for a happy medium, VIZ. a body not long, but muscular, allowing liberty, with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs, a strong neck proudly arched, straight front and exceptionally strong loins.

Both dog and bitch should give the appearance of being capable of great endurance but should be free from coarseness A full-grown dog should stand about 21in (53cm) at the shoulder. On account of the depth of chest required, the legs should be moderately long; a very short­legged dog is to be deprecated. Hindquarters should be particularly well developed, stifles well angulated and any suggestion of unsound stifles or cow hocks severely penalized.

Colour
Pure white; white and biscuit; cream.

Head and skull
Head powerful and wedge-shaped with a broad flat skull; muzzle of medium length; a tapering foreface not too sharply defined. Lips black. Hair short and smooth before the ears. Nose black for preference, but may be brown or flesh-coloured. Strong jaws.

Body
The chest is deep, and the ribs are well sprung in order to allow proper movement for the shoulders. The back is straight to the loin, medium in length, neither long nor short-coupled. The breed just misses being square, its length being about 5 per cent greater than the height.

Tail
Long and profuse, carried over the back when alert; sometimes dropped when at rest.

Feet
Long, flattish and slightly spread out. Soles well cushioned with hair.

Samoyed Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

Regular brushing and combing and a towelling after getting wet. The under-coat sheds once a year; at such times it is best to comb out as much surplus hair as one can. Bathing helps, as this tends to loosen the hair.

Feeding

Recommended would be 20-330z (587-936g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added, or 3-5 cupfuls of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to V2 cup of hot or cold water.

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