The Samoyed
An ancient Russian breed that originated in Siberia (one of the harshest environments in the world), Samoyeds were used for sledding, herding, guarding and keeping their owners warm. These dogs were kept by a native tribe to ancient Siberia known as the Samoyeds. The Samoyeds were used to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and hunt animals – including the polar bear. Even though it is largely used as a companion dog today, it still retains many of the traits that made it a staple in Siberia. The breed was cherished by these people, they even allowed them to sleep in their tents overnight because they depended on the dogs for their own survival and to keep them warm.
Temperament:
An excellent companion dog, the Samoyed loves being around people. This breed is great with children and needs lots of attention and affection. The Samoyed will not do well if it is left alone for long periods of time. The breed suffers from separation anxiety and is known to act out as a result of being away from its family (this includes destructive chewing and incessant barking). So if you work full time outside of the home, this is not the breed for you.
Since this is a herding dog, you’ll have to watch for instincts such as nipping at your children’s heels. Your Samoyed will also chase cats, deer, and livestock if given the opportunity to do so. It’s a natural instinct to them and a very difficult to break. Even though it is an intelligent dog, the Samoyed can be difficult to train. You should use consistent training methods and make sure the whole family is onboard in order to provide a unified front. As well as using treats for good behaviour, make sure that there are consequences for bad behaviour.
The Samoyed is a gentle, easy going, friendly, very devoted and quite playful, it loves everyone. Its friendly to everyone around him/her including intruders, therefore not the best watchdog, but its bark will alert you to the presence of strangers. It adapts to the family life and gets along with children. It’s very 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 behaviour issues such as, but not limited to, obsessive barking. The Samoyed is accustomed to working in teams, and shows outstanding qualities. When this dog is given what it needs to be a stable-minded dog, enough mental and physical stimulation, 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 Samoyed is lacking in leadership and/or exercise it can become very destructive if left alone for many hours at a stretch. They do have an instinct to hunt and caution should be taken around other small animals.
Height and Weight:
Males 21-24 inches (53-60cm) and45-65 pounds (20-30kg)
Female 19-21 inches (48-53cm) and35-50 pounds (16-21kg)
An ancient Russian breed that originated in Siberia (one of the harshest environments in the world), Samoyeds were used for sledding, herding, guarding and keeping their owners warm. These dogs were kept by a native tribe to ancient Siberia known as the Samoyeds. The Samoyeds were used to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and hunt animals – including the polar bear. Even though it is largely used as a companion dog today, it still retains many of the traits that made it a staple in Siberia. The breed was cherished by these people, they even allowed them to sleep in their tents overnight because they depended on the dogs for their own survival and to keep them warm.
Temperament:
An excellent companion dog, the Samoyed loves being around people. This breed is great with children and needs lots of attention and affection. The Samoyed will not do well if it is left alone for long periods of time. The breed suffers from separation anxiety and is known to act out as a result of being away from its family (this includes destructive chewing and incessant barking). So if you work full time outside of the home, this is not the breed for you.
Since this is a herding dog, you’ll have to watch for instincts such as nipping at your children’s heels. Your Samoyed will also chase cats, deer, and livestock if given the opportunity to do so. It’s a natural instinct to them and a very difficult to break. Even though it is an intelligent dog, the Samoyed can be difficult to train. You should use consistent training methods and make sure the whole family is onboard in order to provide a unified front. As well as using treats for good behaviour, make sure that there are consequences for bad behaviour.
The Samoyed is a gentle, easy going, friendly, very devoted and quite playful, it loves everyone. Its friendly to everyone around him/her including intruders, therefore not the best watchdog, but its bark will alert you to the presence of strangers. It adapts to the family life and gets along with children. It’s very 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 behaviour issues such as, but not limited to, obsessive barking. The Samoyed is accustomed to working in teams, and shows outstanding qualities. When this dog is given what it needs to be a stable-minded dog, enough mental and physical stimulation, 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 Samoyed is lacking in leadership and/or exercise it can become very destructive if left alone for many hours at a stretch. They do have an instinct to hunt and caution should be taken around other small animals.
Height and Weight:
Males 21-24 inches (53-60cm) and45-65 pounds (20-30kg)
Female 19-21 inches (48-53cm) and35-50 pounds (16-21kg)
