Arctic Samoyeds

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About The Breed

Temperament:

The Samoyed is a gentle dog. Very devoted, easygoing, friendly and quite playful, it loves everyone. It will gladly be friendly to all, including intruders. It is too friendly to be of much use as a watchdog, although its bark will alert you to the presence of strangers. It willingly adapts to family life and gets along well with children. It is highly intelligent, and will respond to firm, patient training, which should be started at an early age. Make sure you are this dog’s firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid potential behavior issues such as, but not limited to, obsessive barking. The Sammy is accustomed to working in teams, and shows outstanding qualities. When this dog is given what it needs to be a stable-minded dog, i.e. enough mental and physical exercise, along with clear leadership, it proves itself to be outstanding, good-natured, lively and sociable. It never seeks trouble but can handle an adversary if necessary. These dogs have a reputation of being chewers. If the Sammy is lacking in leadership and/or exercise it can become very destructive if left alone for many hours at a stretch. Samoyeds can get along with non-canine pets when raised with them from puppy-hood or when properly trained to do so, however they do have an instinct to hunt and caution should be taken around other small animals. They can get along with a family cat. This breed has an instinct to herd.


Attention:

The Samoyed is a "people person" dog. They want to be where the action is, even if that action is sitting at the computer. They want to be at your feet while you surf the web, or at least within plain sight. They need to be petted, touched and played with. They have amazing powers of persuasion to get their humans to pay attention to them. If they don't melt their hearts with their classic Sammy Smile, they will force their muzzle under your hand to pet them. This dog needs attention And TLC. They need to be a part of your family life.


Size and Coat:

The recommended size for a male Samoyed is 21″ to 23-1/2″ at the tip of the shoulder blade (withers), and for a female 19″ to 21″. A male in this height range weighs from 45 to 65 pounds and a female from 35 to 50 pounds.

His magnificent white, cream, or biscuit coat has two layers: a dense, woolly undercoat which is typically shed out once a year, and a silver-tipped thicker outercoat of long, straight guard hairs. Grooming this lovely coat can be a pleasure or a chore for both dog and human.



Fun Facts About The Samoyed Breed:

The Samoyed breed is thousands of years old, and is one of the 14 "Ancient Dog Breeds" the breeds that modern scientific testing have shown to be oldest and genetically closest to wolves. Most of these 14 breeds, including Samoyed's, are Spitz breeds that originated in Asia.  Samoyed lovers appreciate their favorite breed not just for its upbeat personality, but also its famous grin. The uniquely upturned corners of the breed's happy face earned the look its own nickname: the "Sammy smile." the AKC's breed standard even mentions this, stating that a Samoyed's muzzle should be "slightly curved up at the corners of the mouth, giving the 'Samoyed smile.'"


Beware of Fraud:

There is only one Samoyed breed, only one kind with a true, working-dog build.  The tiny specimens of dog sometimes sold to the unwary as toy or miniature Samoyeds (American Eskimo) or Spitz dogs are not to be compared with the noble animal for whom they may be mistaken.  The Samoyed is not closely related to any other breed.  He stands alone.  He always breeds true, always shows his characteristic traits of build and of brains.  Samoyeds are relatively untouched by human breeding practices and are the easiest to duplicate.