Samoyed

The Samoyed is one of the most immediately striking and universally appealing of all dog breeds, a large, powerfully built and breathtakingly white spitz breed from Siberia, developed over many centuries by the Samoyedic-speaking nomadic peoples of north-western Siberia - from whom the breed takes its name - as a multipurpose working dog used for pulling sleds across the frozen tundra, herding reindeer and providing warmth to the humans who slept alongside them during the extreme Siberian winters. The breed's working partnership with the Samoyedic peoples was intimate and demanding, and this history of close human companionship fundamentally shapes the modern Samoyed's sociable, people-oriented character. The Samoyed was brought to Europe in the late nineteenth century and became established as both a working sled dog and a highly popular show and companion breed. It is registered by the Kennel Club in the Pastoral Group.

The Samoyed is a large, well-built and profusely coated dog of considerable physical beauty. The coat is a pure double coat - a soft, dense, woolly undercoat and a longer, straight, harsh outer coat that stands away from the body and glistens white or cream. The lips curve upward at the corners, producing the characteristic Samoyed smile that is one of the most recognised expressions in the dog world and that reflects a genuine warmth and sociability in the breed's character. The ears are erect and the tail is carried curled over the back. Adults typically stand 46 to 60 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 17 to 30 kilograms.

The character is genuinely and consistently friendly - sociable with children, other dogs, strangers and virtually everyone it meets. The Samoyed is not a guard dog and should not be expected to fulfil that role. It is vocal, communicative and expressive, and owners should understand that the breed talks - barks, howls and various vocalisations are part of normal Samoyed communication and can be a source of friction in noise-sensitive environments. The breed is devoted to its family and does not do well when left alone for extended periods.

The coat is the primary practical commitment of Samoyed ownership. It sheds substantially throughout the year and dramatically during the two biannual coat blows. Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and to manage the volume of shed hair. The coat is, however, self-cleaning to a degree and maintains a relatively clean appearance between baths.

Health considerations include Hip Dysplasia testing, Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy DNA testing, and awareness of the breed's higher incidence of diabetes mellitus.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £1,000 to £2,500. Monthly running costs average £100 to £170. The Samoyed Club of Great Britain is the primary resource for breed information, health testing, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Friendly, sociable, gentle and exuberant. The famous Samoyed smile reflects a genuinely warm and open character. Good with children, other dogs and strangers. Vocal - the breed communicates freely and owners should expect noise. Devoted to its family. Not a guard dog - too sociable. One of the most universally friendly of all spitz breeds.

Intelligent but independent with a spitz breed character - not always quick to comply. Positive reinforcement and engaging, varied training works well. The breed responds to patient, consistent training and is capable of good obedience and dog sports. Early socialisation is straightforward given the naturally sociable character.

Needs 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. The working sled dog heritage produces a strong, energetic dog with real stamina. Mental stimulation through training, nosework and enrichment is important alongside physical exercise. An under-exercised Samoyed becomes destructive and excessively vocal.

Hip Dysplasia testing of both parents is strongly recommended. Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy (a kidney condition) is documented in the breed and DNA testing is available. Progressive Retinal Atrophy has been documented. Diabetes mellitus has a higher incidence in Samoyeds than in many other breeds. The Samoyed Club of Great Britain maintains health testing guidance.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a large active breed. Two meals daily. Monitor weight - the heavy coat can mask weight gain. The breed has a good appetite and should not be overfed.

The profuse double coat requires thorough brushing at least three times weekly, increasing to daily during the heavy biannual shedding seasons. The undercoat blows in significant quantities twice yearly. Professional grooming several times yearly is standard for pet owners. The white coat requires occasional bathing to maintain its appearance.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £1,000 to £2,500. Monthly running costs: £100 to £170.

Suits active families and individuals who can manage the heavy shedding and vocalisation. Genuinely good with children and sociable with other dogs. Not suited to sedentary households or those with low tolerance for dog hair and noise. The coat is high-maintenance. An excellent family dog for those prepared for the commitment.