Samoyed

Samoyed dogs are believed to have been developed by Samoyed groups living in northern European Russia and northwestern Siberia. The Nenets and Nganassans, traditionally reindeer herders, are among the descendants of these indigenous groups. They use these dogs for hunting as well as for herding reindeer. The dogs even sleep with their owners serving as a source of heat and are sometimes considered true "teddy bears" for children. British zoologist Ernest Kilburn Scott spent three months with Samoyed groups in 1889. He returned with him to England a brown male puppy called Sabaka ("dog" in Russian, собака). Later, he imported a cream-colored female called Withey Petchora and a snow-white male named Musti. These few dogs, and those brought back by explorers, form the basis of Western Samoyed breeding. The first standard was written in England in 1909. White dogs were a minority among all of these. Employed during the first polar expeditions, the breed can withstand extreme temperatures.

The Samoyed is by nature lively, friendly and playful. It is attached to man and tolerates isolation poorly. Its extreme sociability makes it a poor guard dog. It is a sled dog that needs to exert itself daily. It is also a dog that tends to express itself by barking, hence its nickname "the snowdrift guinea fowl". Unlike other Nordics, Samoyeds remain playful into old age. Like all Spitz-type dogs, the Samoyed has character, although milder than some breeds, and requires consistent training, without laxity or violence. In fact, this breed of dog has the particularity of remaining active and playful for several years and likes to cohabit with other dogs or even animals. However, it can be a predatory dog when it finds itself with smaller animals.

The Samoyed is a medium-sized Arctic Spitz. In action, the tail is carried curved forward, over the back or to the side. The dark brown almond-shaped eyes and slightly upturned mouth form the famous "Samoyed smile". The mucous membranes (lips, nose and eye area) must be black. The ears are attached at the top and are triangular in shape, slightly rounded at the end. Its "smile" is typical of the breed. The Samoyed is a trotter, muscular and energetic in gait. The Samoyed's coat is double, with a short, soft, dense and tight undercoat and longer, straight and hard hair that grows through the undercoat to form the outer coat. The only coat colors allowed by the standard are pure white, cream, white and biscuit. The whole thing is abundant, dense and supple and forms a ruff around the neck and shoulders. There are black Samoyeds, but the color is not recognized. Validation of the standard by the governing bodies was made on July 22, 1997. In France, there are 44 Samoyed breeders.

The energetic character of the Samoyed implies a diet that meets all its needs. Whether in "homemade" household rations or industrial complete food, make sure it is of quality, especially in omega 3 and 6 to guarantee a beautiful coat and solid joints.

The Samoyed's coat, although self-cleaning, requires regular brushing (approximately twice a week). Generally, Samoyeds shed twice a year, in spring and summer. Winter hair falls to make way for smoother and finer hair for the summer. Spayed females and males have a fuller coat and no longer have such large sheds. Some Samoyed owners spin the very fluffy undercoat and make various stitches with it (scarves, sweaters, hats, gloves...).