Samoyed

Breed Profile

The Samoyed is a member of the Spitz family and was bred by nomadic Samoyede tribes in northeast Siberia. A fine example of an ancient working dog, the breed is valued for its versatility as a sled, herding, guard and companion dog. The first dog to set paw on the South Pole was a Samoyed — the lead dog of Roald Amundsen’s team in 1911.

Today’s Sams are still seen as sled, herding and watch dogs but also often seen in the Show ring, in Obedience, Skijoring and Agility competitions, and their gentle and friendly nature means that they make wonderful Therapy Dogs.

The breed has an almost uncanny human understanding. He is quick-witted, inquisitive and mischievous, and will remain playful well into old age. With his intelligent, sparkling eyes and ever present “Sammy smile”, he is truly a gentle and companionable dog, independent yet loyal and devoted to his family members.

The Samoyed’s glistening coat has a harsh, straight outer coat growing through a thick, close, soft and short undercoat. The colour most often seen is pure, sparkling white but cream, biscuit, or white and biscuit may also be seen. The Sam’s appearance gives an impression of power, endurance, dignity, self-confidence and elegance.

Health Issues

Generally a healthy breed, the Samoyed, like most medium and large breeds, can be susceptible to Hip Dysplasia. In addition, there may be a predisposition to Hypothyroidism as well as Von Willebrand’s Disease and Glaucoma.

If you are considering the adoption of a Samoyed puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page.)

Additional Health Resources:

• Samoyed Health by Pam Barbe — A very informative web site on Samoyed health issues.
• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Samoyed — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Grooming Information

• Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Additional Information

• The Ultimate Guide to Owning a Samoyed — Caring, Training and Owning Samoyed Dogs
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
• The SaMoyed in Depth — The Samoyed Club of America
• The Organization for the Working Samoyed — The OWS is an international organization of Samoyed owners interested in working their dogs.
• Samoyed: The Versatile Beauty
• Snow Dog Comparison A comparison chart between the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky and Samoyed.
• Discussion Groups/Forums:
  • SAMFANS dl — Samoyed Fanciers Discussion List

*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org

*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.