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| History |
 The
Samoyed comes from the northeastern regions of Siberia where a
nomadic tribe called Samoyedes lived; hence, the breed's name.
The dogs, descended from the Spitz family, were used to protect
and drive the herds of reindeer from one place to another as the
tribe traveled. They were also used as freight and pack
dogs. It wasn't until the late 1800's that a fur-trader
discovered the breed and brought some back to England in
1889. Development of the breed took place shortly
thereafter, and the breed's popularity grew. Although the
"Sammy" may be hard to housebreak at times, it makes
an excellent family companion in the city or country, but
thrives mostly outdoors. |
| Temperament |
| Known as the smiling dog, this breed is
dependable and happy and loves nothing more than to play in the
snow. This friendly and loyal dog loves the company of
children. Samoyeds work best in teams and are much too
friendly to be watchdogs, though they enjoy barking. |
| Upkeep |
| The Samoyed is active and needs a good
workout every day, either in the form of a long walk or jog or a
vigorous play session. It likes to pull and herd, and it
loves cold weather. It can live outdoors in temperate to
cold climates, but it much prefers to live indoors with its
human family. Its thick coat needs brushing and combing
two to three times a week, daily when shedding. |
| Official
Breed Standard |
CHARACTERISTICS:
The Samoyed is intelligent, alert, full of action but above all
displaying affection towards all mankind.
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The Samoyed being essentially a working dog, should be strong
and active and graceful, and as his work lies in cold climates
his coat should be heavy and weather-resisting. He should not be
too long in back, as a weak back would make him practically
useless for his legitimate work; but at the same time a cobby
body, such as a Chow's, would also place him at a great
disadvantage as a draught dog. Breeders should aim for the happy
medium, viz., a body not long, but muscular, allowing liberty,
with a deep chest and well sprung ribs, strong neck proudly
arched, straight front and exceptionally strong loins.
Both dogs and bitches should give the appearance of being
capable of great endurance but should be free from
coarseness. A full grown dog should stand about 53.3 cm
(21 in) at the shoulder. On account of the depth of chest
required the legs should be moderately long, a very short-legged
dog is to be deprecated.
Hindquarters should be particularly well developed, stifles well
angulated, and any suggestion of unsound stifles or cow hocks
severely penalised.
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.
Eyes:
Almond shaped, medium to dark brown in colour, set well apart
with alert and intelligent expression. Eye rims should be
black and unbroken.
Ears:
Thick, not too long and slightly rounded at the tips, set well
apart and well covered inside with hair. The ears should
be fully erect in the grown dog.
Mouth:
Upper teeth should just overlap the under teeth in a scissor
bite.
Neck:
Proudly arched.
Forequarters:
Legs straight and muscular with good bone.
Body:
Back medium in length, broad and very muscular. Chest broad and
deep, ribs well sprung, giving plenty of heart and lung room.
Hindquarters:
Very muscular, stifles well angulated; cow hocks or straight
stifles very objectionable.
Feet:
Long, flattish and slightly spread out. Soles well cushioned
with hair.
Gait:
Should move freely with a strong agile drive showing power and
elegance.
Tail:
Long and profuse, carried over the back when alert; sometimes
dropped when at rest.
Coat:
The body should be well covered with a thick, close, soft and
short undercoat, with harsh hair growing through it, forming the
outer coat, which should stand straight away from the body and
be free from curl.
Colour:
Pure white; white and biscuit; cream.
Weight and Size:
Dogs: 50.8 - 55.8 cm (20 - 22 in) at the shoulder. Bitches: 45.7
- 50.8 cm (18 - 20 in) at the shoulder. Weight in
proportion to size.
Faults:
Big ears with little feathering. Drop ears. Narrow width between
ears. Long foreface. Blue or very light eyes.
A bull neck. A long body. A soft coat; a wavy coat;
absence of undercoat. Slack tail carriage; should be
carried well over the back, though it may drop when the dog is
at rest. Absence of feathering. Round, cat-like
feet. Black or black spots. Severe unprovoked
aggressiveness. Any sign of unsound movement.
Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully
descended into the scrotum. |
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