The Samoyed is a dog breed of large herding dogs with thick, white, double-layer coats that has a characteristic “smile.” A slight upturning forms this remarkable “smile” at the corners of his mouth. It is a hardy working and bred for pulling sledges. As a friendly and smart breed, the Samoyed can be a talkative dog, voicing his likes and dislikes with bellows, howls, or barks.
History and Background of Samoyeds
The name of the dog breed came from the nomadic Samoyed group of people. They were living in central Asia to north-western Siberia. Thus they had to move always with the herd, ensuring that the reindeer had enough food. Samoyeds treated dogs like family members. These dogs helped to hunt bears and hauling sledges.
The Samoyed dog breed arrived in England at late 1800s. Queen Alexandra was gifted one of the first import dog breeds. She worked hard to promote the Samoyed. However, all of the early imports were not mix with the white breed that is common today.
Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia gifted to the US the first-ever Samoyed breed in 1906. At that time, Samoyed dog breed became well known because of their ability to outperform other sledge dogs. Samoyed dogs would become members of various sledge teams in the early 20th century, to loot the South Pole and Antarctica.
Samoyed has been made quite famous by American dog fanciers because of their attracted and glossy looks. Their refined appearance and brave feats during World War II made Samoyed famous.
Though the Samoyed people settled down long ago, the Samoyed dog breed continues to spread out throughout the world.
Physical Characteristics of Samoyeds
The Samoyed has a short but long compact, muscular, and healthy body. The Samoyed has abilities such as strength, dignity, agility, and grace like spitz dogs. The Samoyed’s lively expression characterized by its smile, formed by the mouth’s upturned corners. A thick and soft undercoat along with a straight outer coat, makes this dog breed weather-resistant and results in shining like silver.
Size of Samoyeds
Males Samoyed ranges from 21 to 23.5 inches tall whereas Females are 19 to 21 inches tall.
Males and females both have 50 to 60 pounds of weight.
Personality of Samoyeds
The dog bred Samoyed is a gentle, intelligent and loyal dog. He is friendly and bonds very closely with his family adding up the children, and counts as a part of the house. This dog breed is generally friendly with other dogs, pets, and strangers. Indoors Samoyeds remains calm, but it requires daily mental and physical workout, barking and digging up holes due to boringness.
Temperament of Samoyeds
Temperament is depending upon several factors such as heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies are curious and playful with lovely personalities, and willing to approach people to hold them. It responds well to its owner but may be stubborn and independent. It tends to herd children. The mild and playful Samoyed can be a perfect companion for a kid or a person belonging to any age group.
Grooming
The Samoyed is not suited to the apartment as it is an active dog breed. A large home along with a securely fenced yard is the best choice for the Samoyed as it is a working dog and needs room to romp and play. This dog breed is fond of cold weather, herding, and pulling. Though it can live outside both in cold and temperate climates, it likes to stay in the house with human companionship. This lively dog breed requires daily exercise in the form of a jog, a long walk or playing a game. Its dense coat should be combed and brushed two or three times a week. And during the shedding season, it needs daily comb and brush.
Feeding
Samoyeds need to feed 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food containing 22% to 24% protein and 12% to 15% fat daily, dividing into two meals. However, the adult dog eats as per his requirement.
Health
The Samoyed has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. The minor health issues such as gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, Hip Dysplasia, Glaucoma and cataract has to face off by this breed. The primary health issues are canine hip dysplasia (CHD), Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis, retinal atrophy (PRA), diabetes and cancer.
- Diabetes Mellitus – Due to imbalance of blood sugar levels DM can be faced by this dog breeds. The usual symptoms are excessive urination, thirst, weight loss and increased appetite. It can be controlled by maintain diet and intake of insulin.
- Hypothyroidism – It is caused of abnormal low production of thyroid hormones. It results in epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin conditions. It can be managed by taking thyroid replacement pill daily including with medication and proper diet.
- Patellar Luxation – This is a common problem in small dogs which is also known as “slipped stifles.” It is caused when the femur (thigh bone), patella (knee cap), and tibia (calf) are not correctly lined up. Patellar Luxation results in lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait or a hop.
- Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis – It is type of heart problem due to narrow path between left ventricle and aorta. It results fainting and sudden death.
- Hip Dysplasia – It is a heritable condition. In this situation, femur does not fit snugly in the pelvic socket of hip joint. This results pain and lameness on rear legs for this dog breeds.
- Samoyed Hereditary Ghlomerulopathy – Genetic disease of kidney faced by male in between 15 months of its age and two to three months by the female breed. Genetic c screening test is available but it is not the permanent solution. Researchers are ongoing to find a better solution.
To identify these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, eye, and thyroid tests. And DNA exam needs to confirm PRA in this dog breed.
Conclusion
So, this is all about one of the best dog breeds in India – Samoyeds. With this comprehensive information, we try to provide you with basic knowledge about Samoyed dog. Finally, if you like our article and efforts behind it, please share this post with your lovable persons. If you want to know anything, then feel free to comment below.