The Samoyed (pronounced SAMMY-ed) is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world. He has a fluffy white coat that is tipped with silver. He carries his thickly plumed tail proudly over his back. He moves out with a rapid, seemingly effortless trot that can carry him for many miles without tiring.

Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs (19.5" to 21.5" at the withers for females and 21.5" to 23.5" at the withers for males) weighing in between 50 and 65 pounds for males. Average weight for females is between 35 to 45 pounds.

Sammies have heavy, weather-resistant coats made up of a long outer coat (called guard hair) and a dense undercoat. They require at least weekly brushing. A pin brush, a slicker brush, and a long-toothed (1-1/2 to 2-inches) metal comb are absolutely necessary for proper coat care. Males and spayed females shed (“blow”) their coats once a year. This period lasts about a month, during which time they shed heavily. Unspayed females blow coat twice each year. A high-speed dryer is extremely useful for removing dead hair from the coat during the shedding period and between baths, and for after-shampoo drying. Bathing should be done frequently in hot weather to help remove dead hair. Teeth and nails also require regular care.

Sammies may look cuddly, but they are really a very hardy breed. Their ancestors were developed by the Samoyedskaja (or Samoyed) people, an obscure, semi-nomadic tribe that inhabited the harshest regions of north central Siberia.

The Samoyedskaja owed their very existence to their big, beautiful dogs. The dogs helped to hunt and herd reindeer and happily pulled dogsleds throughout their frozen homeland. Sammies also provided companionship and clothing, as their wooly undercoat can be woven into a soft, warm cloth.

You've heard the expression three-dog night? Well, that expression could very well have been originated by the Samoyed people. On a cold night, the Samoyed hunter would bring several dogs into his home (a wood and seal-hide tent called a choom) to sleep on his bed for warmth. Any time he had to bring in more than a couple of dogs, it was really cold outside!

.....The constant close contact with people from ancient times undoubtedly contributed to the friendliness and genuine love for humans modern Samoyed dogs possess. His intelligence and hereditary endurance made him the dog of choice on sled teams used by the most important European expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic.

The first Samoyed registered in America was owned by the Princess de Montyglyon, a hereditary princess of the Holy Roman Empire, who had emigrated to the United States in 1904. The Czar's brother, the Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia, gave the Princess Russian Ch. Moustan of Argenteau, as a gift after Moustan followed her down the aisle at a dog show. In 1906, Ch. Moustan became the first Samoyed registered in the American Kennel Club's stud book.

Perhaps the Samoyed's most endearing characteristic is that he actually seems to smile! He is a happy dog by nature, and makes an excellent show, therapy, agility or obedience dog, as well as a wonderful family pet. Many Samoyeds also participate in weight-pulling and dog sled racing events. In 1992, Sammies were granted permission to compete in AKC-licensed herding trials, giving them yet another area in which to display their talents.

Sammies are extremely loving and people-oriented creatures. They need frequent human contact. While not attack dogs, Sams make reasonably good watch dogs, as they will bark at strangers. Samoyeds do not enjoy being chained. Ideally, they need a secure, fenced yard to live in. They will soon become wanderers if allowed to roam free. Samoyeds are also great diggers and will eagerly rearrange the landscape!

The Samoyed is not the dog for everyone, as his grooming requirements, digging and buoyant spirit are not appealing to all. However, for many people, his loving disposition, high intelligence, versatility and striking looks heavily outweigh any disadvantages. If you are already sharing your life with a Samoyed, we are sure you agree!

To learn more about the Samoyed, we suggest you either purchase or borrow one or more of the following publications about Sams:

The New Samoyed by Robert H. Ward, Dolly Ward & Mardee Ward-Fanning Publisher: Hungry Minds, Inc; 3rd edition (Dec 1997) ISBN: 0876057016	The Savvy Samoyed by Pat Hill Goodrich Publisher: Doral Publishing (Oct 2001) ISBN: 094487570X	Samoyeds: Everything About Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Grooming, Behavior and Training by Betsy Sikora Siino Publisher: Barrons Educational Series; (Feb 1998) ISBN: 0764101757	All About the Samoyed by Beryl Grounds & Geoff Grounds Publisher: TFH Publications; (Apr 1998) ISBN: 1852790857

These books are available at local pet supply houses and many on-line booksellers. They will give you an overall working knowledge of the breed, how to care for them, their history, and an in-depth view of the Samoyed breed standard.

Another excellent place to find up-to-date information about the Samoyed is the Samoyed Club of America's web site. There, Samoyed enthusiasts can find out everything from what reputable breeders are in their state or region, to where to contact the nearest Samoyed Club, to tips on grooming a Sammy!

© Heart of America Samoyed Club
Updated: November, 2007
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