Breed Profile

DESCRIPTION

The Samoyed is a strong, muscular, dynamic, and active dog. This breed makes an excellent family dog; it has a fondness for people, especially children. It is good-natured, gentle and mischievous. The beauty of the Samoyed with its smile, which extends from ear to ear will attract attention when it is out. The owner of this breed should be somebody who is willing to give of his time in both grooming and activity. This dog is elegant and agile; it is now one of the most fashionable show and companion breeds, yet has a history of hard work in severe conditions. For centuries, hunters and fishermen have used this beautiful, robust white dog to pull their sleds.

TEMPERAMENT

The Samoyed is a peaceful, dignified and very gentle dog. It is very devoted to its family; it tends to favor one person, but loves everyone. This dog makes an excellent companion to children. It is friendly to all, including intruders; too friendly to be of much use as a watchdog, although its bark will alert you to the presence of strangers. It never seeks trouble but can handle an adversary if necessary. This dog is highly intelligent, but often willfully resistant to formal obedience training. It can be intractable when uninterested or commanded harshly. Firm, patient training should start at an early age. The Samoyed is an outstanding, good-natured, lively, and sociable dog. This breed should not be trusted with small non-canine pets, however there are plenty of them that live and get along with cats. It tends to bark a lot. It may become very destructive if left alone for many hours. This breed has a reputation of being a chewer. It needs a reasonable amount of exercise, but take it easy during warm weather because the woolly undercoat inhibits loss of the heat built up during exercise.

GROOMING

Harsh, but not wiry, and straight, with thick, soft, short undercoat. Extensive grooming is needed. Frequent brushing is required. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.

HEALTH

Hip dysplasia, diabetes, cardiac problems, eye problems, skin allergies, renal problems and bloat. Bloat is a health issue to most dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs other than cancer, but Samoyeds can be particularly susceptible to it because of their deep chests.

EXERCISE

Samoyeds need a reasonable amount of daily exercise which should consist of walks, free exercise in yard or large area and some type of working activity. Training should begin early for a Samoyed puppy as they can be willful if bored, they can also become mischievous.

TRAINING

Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Low. Problem Solving - High. Sammy's can be difficult to train, and intractable when uninterested or commanded harshly. They can be slightly independent.

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