Should You Get a Samoyed?
The Samoyed dog breed is known for its friendly and gentle temperament. They are often described as being playful, outgoing, and sociable and are also known for their intelligence and adaptability, which makes them relatively easy to train.
While there are no real known records that show EXACTLY where the Samoyed emerged
many believe that they were domesticated around 1000 AD by nomadic tribes in Siberia. Their purpose was to help the people with hunting and herding reindeer. They first started appearing in America at the end of the 19th century and were registered by the American Kennel Club in 1906.
Some interesting myths also surround the Samoyed breed’s birth.
One such myth says that God created the breed using the finest elements of nature — the sparkling white of snow, the gentleness of the wind, and the strength of the mountains. This celestial creature was said to be a guardian of the Samoyed tribes, guiding them through treacherous terrains and offering companionship during their nomadic journeys. Another myth surrounding this dog lies in one of its ancestors, the Laika. It is believed that a tree fell upon a man and killed him as he was hunting, leaving his dog to fend for itself. This mythical dog later gave birth to the modern Samoyed.
A key element that is connected with this dog breed’s history is its name.
While some assert that “Samoyed” translates to “self-domesticated,” referring to the breed’s ability to fend for themselves by hunting and foraging in the harsh Arctic environment alongside their human companions, others claim it refers to the affection and companionship these dogs offer, becoming an integral part of their human families.
The Samoyed is always eager to please its owner
but may tend to be a bit stubborn. It is important to remember that the Samoyed was bred as a working dog and needs daily physical and mental exercise in order to stay happy and healthy.
The Samoyed is inherently
a high energy dog that requires extensive daily exercise. The breed standard suggests that the dogs be taken on long walks every day, and they are well-suited to strenuous outdoor activities. They should not live in confined spaces with little or no access to the outdoors; however, if their exercise needs are met, the Samoyed is well-suited to city life as well as country living.
Samoyeds are known
for their charming “Sammy Smile” and their unique vocalizations. According to the FCI breed standard, Samoyeds can only have a coat color of white, cream, or white with “biscuit” markings. Their noses can be black, liver, brown, or what is known as “snow-nose.” All major kennel club standards require dark brown eyes and consider blue eyes to be a fault. These beautiful dogs can reach a height of up to 23.5 inches and weigh around 65 pounds.
The Samoyed is prone to a kidney disease
known as Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy. This particular disease is inherited and is passed down from mother to son through the X chromosome. It affects the glomeruli, which are tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. As a result of this disease, the glomeruli become damaged and eventually fail to function properly. This can lead to symptoms such as excessive thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and ultimately kidney failure if left untreated.
Samoyeds have a much higher risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus
Studies have shown that the prevalence of diabetes in Samoyeds can range from 7.58 to 21.7 percent higher than in other breeds. While this may be concerning for dog owners, it’s important to note that dogs with diabetes can still lead fulfilling lives with proper treatment. Most dogs with diabetes are treated with insulin to help regulate their blood sugar levels. With the right care and management, they can enjoy a good quality of life. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular exercise are all important factors in managing diabetes in Samoyeds and ensuring their well-being.
How Fast Can a Samoyed Run?
In AKC running trials, the average running speed of a Samoyed (100 yards) was 21.5 mph. The fastest recorded speed was 27.78 mph by a dog named Polar Mist Fire Diamond. This is based on the Fast CAT-Coursing Ability Test-conducted by the AKC.
Samoyeds are generally a VERY friendly breed.
In fact, according to the C-BARQ research study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, the Samoyed ranked 121 out of 124 dog breeds in aggression towards strangers, with a score of only 6.9% on a scale of 100%. This study further emphasizes the naturally amicable nature of Samoyeds, making them an ideal choice for families and individuals looking for a pup that is both gentle, sociable, and good with young children.
Samoyeds can be stubborn.
Samoyeds are known for their independent and strong-willed nature, which can sometimes make them appear stubborn. According to the CBARQ study, they rank 77 out of 124 dog breeds for easiness to train, indicating that they may require more patience and persistence during training sessions. While Samoyeds are generally considered intelligent dogs, their stubborn streak can make training a bit challenging at times. It is important for owners to approach training with patience and consistency, providing clear expectations and positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed
development, the Samoyed has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Euraser
Alaskan Malamute
Icelandic Sheepdog
In Ground-Breaking Book
entitled “The Intelligence of Dogs” professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Samoyed ranked 33 out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially, they will understand new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions and obey the first command over 70% of the time. This puts them in the above average intelligence category.
Check Your Samoyed Facts and Take a Fun Sammy Quiz!
Samoyed Humor!
Facts About Samoyeds-Final Thoughts
Samoyeds are a beautiful and unique breed. These friendly and high-energy dogs thrive in cold weather and are known for their thick coats, which protect them from the harshest of climates. Originally bred to hunt, haul sledges, and herd reindeer, Samoyeds have a natural inclination for family activities and make excellent companions for outdoor adventures. Their “Sammie smile” is contagious, and they have a reputation for being affectionate and loyal towards their human pack. However, it’s important to note that Samoyeds require enough exercise and daily brushing to maintain their vigorous nature and keep their thick undercoat in check. Shedding is a common trait of these pups, but with regular grooming, their shedding can be managed effectively. There are a few health conditions that potential owners should be aware of, and a proper feeding schedule with high quality dog food should be followed to prevent obesity. Samoyeds are friendly dogs who can display a stubborn streak but with patience and consistent training, they make excellent pets.
