Page 108 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SPITZ-TYPE DOGS

Samoyed

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
18–22in 35–66lb Over 12 years
(46–56cm) (16–30kg)

This strikingly attractive dog has a high-maintenance coat, Long, bushy tail
carried over
but its cheerful disposition makes it an excellent family pet back, falls to
one side

Developed by the nomadic Samoyedic This dog craves company and likes to be kept
people of Siberia, this beautiful dog was occupied mentally and physically. Intelligent
used for herding and guarding reindeer and spirited, a bored or lonely Samoyed will
and for sled-hauling. Although a tough, resort to mischief—whether it is digging
outdoor worker, it was also very much a holes or finding a way to escape through a
family dog, taking its place in its owner’s fence. The breed responds well to thoughtful
tent and enjoying human companionship. handling, but training requires patience and
These dogs were brought to England in persistence on the part of its owner.
the 1800s and were first seen in the US Daily grooming is essential to keep
around a decade later. Numerous myths the Samoyed’s magnificent, stand-out
and unsubstantiated stories link the coat in order and maintain its distinctive
Samoyeds to the polar expeditions of silvery sheen. Seasonal shedding of the
the late 19th and early 20th centuries, undercoat can be very heavy but, except
but it appears likely that this breed in very warm conditions, normally
was included among sled teams taken occurs only once a year.
to the Antarctic during the heyday of
polar exploration.
The modern Samoyed retains the
sociable and easygoing temperament that
made it so valued as part of a nomadic
family. Behind the smiling expression
characteristic of the breed is an affectionate
nature and a desire to be friends with
everyone. However, the Samoyed retains
the watchdog instincts for which it was
bred. Although never aggressive, it will
bark at anything that arouses its suspicion. PUPPY

THE NOMADS’ COMPANION

Traditionally, the Samoyed dog has played a
central part in the lives of its Siberian owners,
and for some remote communities it still does
today (right). The nomads depended on their
dogs for guarding their reindeer herds and
encampments. These working dogs were also
members of the family; Samoyeds were allowed
free access to the choom (family tent), shared
the family’s food, and would sleep with the
children to keep them warm. The Samoyedic
people revered their dogs, and in return the
dogs developed a notable gentleness and
sympathy toward humans.

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