Samoyed

The Samoyed is a spitz-type breed with a thick white double coat and an upturned "smile", named for the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia.

History

Descended from the Nenets herding laika, it was an all-purpose dog of the far north — herding reindeer, hauling sledges, hunting and sleeping among its people to keep them warm. The dense weather-proof coat is the legacy of that life.

Temperament

The breed is known for being friendly, gentle and sociable — so people-loving it makes a poor guard — and it is playful, vocal and unhappy left alone. It wants to be part of everything.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and company, and the heavy coat sheds copiously and needs frequent brushing to stay clear of mats. Independent by nature, it responds best to patient, reward-based training.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and an inherited kidney condition carried in the breed. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.