Samoyed

Height: 19 - 23.5 inches
Weight: 35 - 65 pounds
Life span: 10 - 12 years
AKC group: Working
AKC rank: 71

Breed History | Background:

The nomadic Samoyed people of Siberia relied on their herds of reindeer for food, and their dogs to keep the reindeer under control and to guard them against predators. The dogs also occasionally hunted large game and pulled sledges. They lived in the tents and slept with the children to help keep the children warm.
Early samoyeds, including the first imports to England in the late 1800s, were not always white.
Queen Alexandra received one of the early imports and became a proponent of the breed. Many of today's dogs can be traced back to dogs she bred.
The first samoyed came to America in 1906 as a gift from Russia's Grand Duke Nicholas.
Samoyeds became popular as sled dogs because of their tractable nature. They were part of polar expeditions conducted by Shackleton, Scott, and Amundsen. Samoyeds were on the team that first reached the South Pole.
They gained much popularity following World War II.

Behavioral concerns:

Suggested exercise needs:

Makes a quiet housedog as long as its exercise needs are met.
Requires a moderate walk or jog, or a good run in an enclosed area, every day.
Games and tricks provide needed mental exercise.
It especially loves to pull sleds.
In cold weather it may prefer to stay outside. In warm weather it is usually happier in air-conditioning.
Its thick coat provides good protection against cold weather.

Grooming:

Coat is made up of a soft thick undercoat covered by a straight, harsh outer coat that stands off from the body.
The coat needs weekly brushing---more when shedding
Shedding is above average.

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

Samoyeds tend to stay in good weight, although some are inclined to be overweight. The thick coat can obscure weight problems, so be sure to use your hands to feel.
Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.

Medical conditions seen:

Glossary