The Samoyed
Vital Stats of Samoyeds
Vital stats of this breed include the following:
- Dog breed group: Working
- Height: 19 to 23.5 inches at the shoulders
- Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Physical Characteristics of Samoyeds
The compact, muscular and strong body of the breed is short but long. Samoyeds resemble spitz dogs in its combination of strength, dignity, agility and grace. The agile and quick stride of this breed has a good drive and reach. Additionally, the lively expression of the Samoyed is characterized by his smile, formed by the mouth’s upturned corners.
This breed has a weather-resistant and heavy double coat that consists of a thick and soft undercoat and a straight outer coat, which shines like silver.
Care for Samoyeds
Samoyeds are fond of cold weather, herding and pulling. While this breed can live outside in cold and temperament climates, he prefers to stay indoors, sharing human companionship.
This breed is active and lively. Therefore, he requires daily exercise, in the form of a jog, a long walk or a spirited game. Meanwhile, his coat requires brushing two or three times a week, and daily during the shedding season.
Health of Samoyeds
Similar to any other breed, the Samoyed is prone to specific health problems. This breed is occasionally troubled with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and diabetes. Minor health issues affecting Samoyeds include the following:
- hypothyroidism
- gastric torsion
- cataract
One major health concern with this breed is canine hip dysplasia (CHD).
History of Samoyeds
According to legend, the Samoyed people, and their dogs, were driven far away north by other tribes, until they reached the very edge of the world, in a vast land of snow and ice. They lived as nomads, herding reindeer, aided by their able dogs, who also pulled sleds and kept them warm at night.
The Samoyed is one of fourteen breeds identified as ancient through DNA analysis of the canine genome. They give us a good image of what some of the earliest dogs probably looked like.
In more modern times, this breed took part in Arctic and Antarctic explorations of Nansen, Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen. This breed was loved by Britain’s Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII. Many of her dogs appear in the pedigrees of English and American Samoyeds today. The Samoyed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906.
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