The Samoyed is often recognized by his fluffy white coat (although he can also come in cream or biscuit coloring). This friendly spitz breed was used for herding reindeer and hauling sleds in Siberia. Sams are more closely related to wolves than some other breeds, which means that they can be somewhat independent but that doesn’t stop them from being loving and devoted companions. Despite being hardy working dogs, they are exceptionally gentle and sensitive.
Samoyeds are known for being vocal (making them good watch dogs). Very expressive, they bark, talk and howl to their owners. When trying to get their owner’s attention, many are also fond of using their paws (they may hit at you if they feel like they are being ignored)! Being people-oriented means that they do not make good outdoor-only dogs. In fact, they are so social that they ideally prefer to live with other dogs as well as people.
Most Sams also love to be around children, particularly children that will play and engage with them. When brought up right, many have a natural instinct to protect young kids that they consider part of “their pack”. It is important to note that a good dog isn’t just born – he is shaped. While most Samoyeds have the genetics to have these great temperaments – they need to be socialized and given fair boundaries. Their needs (such as exercise and attention) also must be met. One cannot just buy a puppy and throw it into the backyard without providing enrichment of any kind, and expect it to turn out well. Samoyeds that weren’t raised correctly are capable of being shy or even aggressive if not raised right.
As might be imagined, regular grooming is a must for this thick-coated breed! Sams need to be brushed out about three times a week to pull out dead undercoat and keep the skin in healthy condition. Once a year, the coat will shed extra-profusely and your house will be coated in a seemingly endless supply of dog hair. Because there is so much of it, some enthusiasts of the breed actually use the coat to spin yarn! Samoyeds that are not groomed regularly will get dirty, smelly and gross – this is not a low-maintenance breed.
The Samoyed is an active breed that requires regular exercise. Their playful nature means that they also love to engage in games with their owners – a trait that most keep even into old age. While games such as fetch and tug are fun for many dogs, it is useful to incorporate more comprehensive training exercises into their regular routines as well – actually giving the dog a job to do. Owners of Sams work their dogs in events such as sledding, obedience, agility, weight pull, skijoring and herding just to name a few. These working dogs need full-fledged tasks to do.
Sams are unquestionably intelligent – some say that they have an almost human ability to figure things out. This is due in part to their inquisitive nature. This endless curiosity also makes them mischievous, however. Sams can and will get into everything in their desire to manipulate their environments! Naturals at using their paws, many learn how to open doors or cupboards and pull out objects! Outside, they may make a game out of digging holes in the yard. It is important to distinguish between destruction based off curiosity and destruction caused by boredom. Sams that aren’t given enough mental stimulation can do a lot of damage to the house, yard, or themselves. Chronically bored or anxious Samoyeds have been known to chew off their own hair and/or cause physical harm to themselves.
Because of their herding heritage, many Sams will try to chase and/or herd cats and other small animals. A good background of obedience will make this easier to deal with, but Samoyeds with very high herding drive will be more apt to ignore the commands when in the midst of a chase. In general, even without the distraction of small animals, the breed has been known for a certain stubbornness when it comes to obedience training. Although highly intelligent (and perhaps because of it), they don’t always see the point in following orders. Making the training fun and enjoyable is key!
Photo By Flickr user tanakawho