Samoyed

Known at various times as the Smiling Dog or the Reindeer Dog, the Samoyed is an ancient reindeer-herding dog, who takes their now universally known name from the tribe that treasured it so highly and worked alongside it, the Samoyede people of Northern Siberia. 

While largely a herding dog, the Samoyed (or Sami) was a multi-purpose dog who would not only control livestock, but would also pull sledges, and on occasions, provided the tribe with fur garments to keep them warm in the most inhospitable of climates. 

These dogs lived and worked closely with the tribe, and even shared their sleeping quarters, so they have always lived alongside families, and were treated as companions, and often as hot water bottles, as well as working dogs. At the end of the 19th century, explorers to the area took an interest in the Samoyed dog breed, and their powers of endurance and stamina, using some as sledge dogs for early polar expeditions. A few Samis came back with them to England — where their stunning looks and cheerful personalities meant they become almost instantly popular with show enthusiasts and even royalty. This popularity continues to this day, and the breed is remarkably unchanged. Unlike their ancestors, the modern Sami comes only in white and different shades of white! 

Ideal Samoyed people will have experience with spitz breeds and a good understanding of how pastoral breeds think and behave, and know how to train them! Beyond this, acceptance of the fact that everything you own will be covered in white fur, you’ll go through vacuum cleaners like other people go through socks, and bathing a Samoyed is a full day’s job, will stand you in good stead. Samoyeds can walk for hours, like a cold house, love to dig holes and can be pretty vocal, so those living in rural areas are better suited for this breed. They are however quite enchanting.

The Samoyed dog breed needs a reasonable amount of dog exercise, both on and off the lead. They do have a natural tendency to pull on a lead; however, they can be trained to walk beside you, or a headcollar can be used. An adult Samoyed needs a couple of hours of exercise daily, but their thick coat means they can easily overheat and so very early morning exercise is ideal. 

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. Samoyeds can be prone to bloating and stomach problems. Smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. Proper nutrition along with care can contribute to a Samoyed lifespan reaching 13 years. 

Given the Samoyed size, they are a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming and it's important that full instructions are given to you by the breeder of your puppy. A daily brush will keep them looking clean, with a more thorough grooming once a week. If the coat becomes wet or muddy, leave it to dry; it is then easier to comb the dirt from the coat.  

In their native country, the Samoyed will shed its undercoat once a year, normally in the summer. In centrally-heated homes, however, they may shed twice a year. When the coat is being shed, it will get everywhere and grooming will need to be more regular. Males seem to have a longer coat than females. 

The Samoyed isn’t ever going to be an obedience champion as formal training isn’t in their repertoire! What they love to do is run — so if you can find a club who specialises in Canicross, your Sami will be in heaven. If not, long lead walks will be in order after you've spent some time training them not to pull. After all, that’s what they were bred for! 

Samoyeds make great family dogs as they enjoy being involved in everything and have happy, patient personalities. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.