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| SAMOYED |
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History
The Samoyed is named after a nomadic tribe called Samoyedes, they were used as herding dogs for the Reindeer and sometimes as sled dogs. They were guardian to the herd, workmate to man and friend to the family. They were used in the chooms (tents) to sleep with the family and keep them warm, this closeness to the family has stayed with them and today as well as retaining their working abilities, they still bond very closely with their human family.
Though they may look like an overgrown stuffed toy, they are a rugged working breed, developed over centuries. The isolation preserved the gene pool from cross breeding with other types of domestic dogs, resulting in one of the oldest of breeds, the Samoyed has remained virtually unchanged for several thousand years.
The Samoyede people lived a nomadic life as herders of Reindeer, moving across the feeding grounds on the Arctic Tundra, they lived in portable tents or chooms. Samoyed coat was spun into clothing and most importantly they herded and hunted with the tribe.
At the turn of the century many Arctic explorers used Samoyeds to help them chart unknown areas and they praised them highly for their usefulness and their wonderful temperaments. A Samoyed was the lead dog for Norwegian Roald Amundsen who in 1911 was the first man to reach the South Pole. Some members of the expedition retained these dogs as pets and some of them can be found on our pedigrees today.
Grooming
The most common misconception about the Samoyed is that its coat will need many hours of brushing and many baths to keep them clean. This is not the case, although some effort is required as with any long coated breed.
Frequent bathing is not necessary as this breed does not smell "doggy". It is not at all difficult to keep the Samoyed looking fresh, hot towels and talcum powder work wonders in keeping them clean. It is essential that you put in the time to keep the coat free from knots, this does not take too much effort every few days. |
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A young puppy which is brushed daily in the beginning will learn that grooming time is a pleasure and will look forward to that time with you. The breeder of your puppy will show you the correct way to groom.
Once a year an adult Samoyed sheds undercoat (bitches may be more) and it is important to brush and comb out all the loose undercoat so it will not matt. This undercoat is often used for spinning and produces a yarn that is so soft, it is better than mohair. After the undercoat is stripped out, some skin may show through the long outer coat, but the undercoat will grow back fairly quickly.
Even if a Samoyed has a frolic in the mud, it is not always necessary to throw it in the bath. Let the mud dry and brush it out. It is amazing how easily the dirt just brushes out of the dry coat. There are many products on the market which you spray on, rub in and dry off, which clean the coat remarkably.
Samoyeds as Pets
Samoyeds are typically mischievous and puppy raising or obedience work can be amusing. Boredom can cause acts of creative damage around the home, so time with the Samoyed is important. Exercise is very important for a dog of this size, but this never seems a great task, as there are so many admirers of this beautiful dog that you meet some very interesting people on your walks.
The Samoyed is most talented at being a wonderful pet that is totally devoted to family life. A Samoyed is happy as long as it is always included in family activities, the same as it's ancestors were while migrating across the Arctic tundra with the family.
If you decide that a Samoyed is for you, you must go to a reputable breeder who will sell you a happy, healthy puppy, and will help you with advice on raising and caring for you puppy.
What are the bad points about Samoyeds ? None. We have owned and bred these wonderful dogs since 1967 and in that time we have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our lives with them. Even when they do something naughty, when you see their smiling faces looking up at you, it is hard to stay mad at them. They have a very happy go lucky nature and are a joy to live with. |
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Growing Stages
A Samoyed puppy at 8 weeks is an adorable fluffy baby, picture perfect and a miniature of what they will turn out to be when fully grown, they are beautifully balanced.
Between 4 - 6 months they go through changes, their legs look too long, their coat hasn't caught up with the body growth and the ears may look like they don't belong. As they are teething the tail may not sit flat and an ear may even flop down until teeth have settled.
Do not despair, it may not look like the perfect puppy you took home at 8 weeks but this ugly duckling will grow out of this stage and when everything has come together, it will look just like it should.
Coat Colour
The Samoyed breed standard states that Samoyed colour is "pure white, white and biscuit, cream". This is very important to breeders, so please do not think that a Samoyed is inferior if there is a lot of biscuit colouring through the coat or a creamy tinge, it is ideal.
Biscuit and cream are highly prized by breeders and it is very important to retain this colouring. The shaded outer coat has been found to be better and harsher in texture, so necessary for survival in adverse environments. Biscuit colouring is necessary to preserve not only pigmentation, but also other breed characteristics.
Is a Samoyed for You? - Samoyeds drop their coat at least annually
- Samoyeds must be groomed regularly
- Samoyeds need exercise on a regular basis
- Samoyeds need to be part of the family
- Samoyeds must be trained properly
- Samoyeds must be fed a good balanced diet
- Samoyeds love to be beside you all the time
If you decide that a Samoyed is your breed of dog, talk to as many owners and breeders as you can and ask lots of questions. Spend time with Samoyeds at dog shows or at the home of the breeder you are purchasing your puppy from, get to know this lovely dog.
Be sure you can cope with keeping the coat groomed and clean and when shedding happens that you are prepared to put in the time to brush and comb it all out.
Buy your puppy from a reputable breeder and be sure that you can call upon that breeder at any time in the life of your puppy for help and guidance.
Size: Males 20-22 inches, Females 18-20 inches
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| Last Update: 19/03/07 17:04 |
Views: 6180 |
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