Samoyed dog

The Samoyed dog is a very interesting breed. It is so unusual that even the names Samoyed husky or Arctic spitz used in the scientific community cannot fully reflect all its characteristic features. A magnificent thick fluffy white coat with a soft undercoat and a tougher outer hair (a typical polar explorer), slanted, very intelligent, even with some cunning eyes and a comprehensive love for all living things, manifested every minute – these are the integral features of this magnificent representative of the canine family. Maximum attention, admiration and delight are guaranteed to any owner of an inimitable Samoyed!

History of the Samoyed dog breed

Researchers believe that Samoyed huskies have been living next to humans for about three thousand years, and in an almost unchanged form, since their habitat is limited, and mixing with other dogs was impossible for objective reasons.

The breed got its name from the nomadic tribes of the northern regions of the Urals and Siberia, now known as the Nenets. These nationalities lived apart from the surrounding world and were self–sufficient, "self-united" - hence the name. There is no "gastronomic" subtext to look for in the word "samoyed".

From these parts at the end of the 19th century, the British zoologist and dog lover Ernst Kilburn-Scott brought several remarkable dogs to London. Among them was a very large snow-white male named Masti. It was from this period that the modern history of the breed began. In 1909, Scott and his wife opened the famous Farmingham kennel, and a couple of years later the first club of lovers of unusual northern dogs appeared. At the same time, a standard was defined, which has existed unchanged for more than a hundred years. The breed quickly gained wide popularity, and already in the thirties of the last century there were nurseries for breeding Samoyeds in continental Europe. Such attention of breeders to the preservation of the species has played a positive role. The fact is that the development of civilization has led to irreversible consequences: even in the original habitat, in the Far North, it is very problematic to meet a purebred aboriginal Samoyed. In its original form, the breed was preserved in Western nurseries, from where it began its return to its historical homeland – Russia. To date, the number of Samoyeds in our country is 2-3 thousand individuals.

Video: Samoyed

Appearance of the Samoyeds

There are two main varieties of the breed – wolf and bear samoyed. Slight differences are observed in the external structure of the trunk and head. The first type is characterized by a slightly more elongated body and a relatively narrow skull, while the second, on the contrary, has a shortened powerful body and a wide head.

The English Kennel Club in 1988 defined the following breed standard "Samoyed dog".

General appearance

A harmoniously built dog of medium size. The height of males at the withers is 54-60 cm, females – 50-54 cm. The average weight of a samoyed is from 20 to 30 kg (depending on gender). Movements are distinguished by activity, an accentuated strong push.

Wool

Samoyed husky is the owner of a very thick and fluffy "Arctic" fur. There is a soft, short, almost downy undercoat and a long straight outer coat. For representatives of the breed, the presence of a "collar" around the shoulders and neck is characteristic. The head and forelimbs are covered with smooth short hair, the back surface of the thigh is covered with "pants". There must be a protective hair cover between the toes of the paws.

Color

Pure white, white with notes of pale sponge cake or pale cream shade. The tips of the guard hairs are silvery, which creates the effect of "sparkling" wool.

Head

The skull of the samoyed is wedge–shaped, powerful. The distance between the ears is wide, the fur in this area is short and smooth. The muzzle is of medium length, gradually tapering. Lips are black, with a characteristic "smile". The almond-shaped eyes are dark brown with a black outline, set wide apart. The nose is black, with a well–developed lobe. Other pigmentation of the nose (meat color or brown) is allowed, but the black border should be viewed in any case. Ears of medium length, slightly rounded at the tips, covered with thick fur from the inside, in adult Samoyeds – necessarily erect. Quite powerful, but not square jaws. A scissor bite is considered ideal. The head is planted on a strong neck of medium length with a noble bend.

Torso

Back – muscular, straight, bitches are slightly longer than males. A strong, well-defined loin, turning into a strong, slightly sloping croup. The thorax is long, powerful and deep.

Limbs

Front – medium length, parallel and straight, with elbows pressed to the body. The paw is oval with long, not too pressed together fingers. The hind legs are very muscular, straight and parallel. The hock joint is located quite low, the angles of articulation are clearly visible on it. The shape of the paws is the same as on the forelimbs.

Tail

Long enough, very well pubescent. When moving and in an excited state, it is located above the back, twists straight or sideways. The tail in the form of a ring in Samoyeds is considered a disadvantage. At rest, it can descend to the hock joints.

Photos of adult Samoyeds

The character of the Samoyed dog

If you are looking for a dog with an ideal character, then a samoyed is what you need. Representatives of this breed are surprisingly friendly, playful and quick-witted. However, it is impossible to call them phlegmatic and quiet. The spirit of enthusiasm, passion for teamwork, the need for constant communication, ebullient energy and at the same time amazing, sometimes even excessive trustfulness to others are the main character traits of the samoyed. To make the portrait of this northern handsome man more objective, it is worth mentioning his stubbornness, which the owners of these dogs associate with an innate sense of self-worth. The habit of working in a team and living in close contact with other pets, laid down at the genetic level, has practically nullified the tendency to conflict behavior, although you can not refuse the courage of the Samoyed husky. This character trait is indicative of the breed, and any manifestations of cowardice or aggressiveness are considered a serious disadvantage. For the same reason, you should not count on the Samoyed as a guard dog. Distrust and wariness may be the only behavioral reactions towards a stranger.

The hunter from the Arctic Pomeranian, contrary to his historical past, is also very mediocre. Of course, he will not refuse to drive a neighbor's cat into a tree, but he will definitely not understand and share your passion for hunting. Active games and competitions are another matter. Here his energy is in full swing. My favorite activity is riding. Even the opportunity to just ride your children on a sled will be the best reward for the dog.

Samoyed husky is a dog that needs constant contact with its "pack" (and your family is such for it). Loneliness just hurts these beauties. Many owners have noted in their pets even manifestations of seemingly such a purely human feeling as fear of impending separation. Keeping a Samoyed husky on a chain or locked in an aviary is simply inhumane. As a result of such treatment, stable mental disorders may occur in the animal.

Samoyed dogs get along well with young children, although they can show overflowing feelings with excessive assertiveness. The Samoyed will quickly find contact with your child and will become a wonderful companion and playmate. Arctic pomeranian puppies are characterized by a restless, even slightly hooligan character, so they simply need constant attention from the owner.

For busy people who are rarely at home, this breed will not work. It is unlikely that calm people who prefer a measured course of life will appreciate the advantages of a Samoyed dog, because the animal likes to bark, and in order to maintain vitality, it needs systematic physical exertion. But if you decide to have a Samoyed – be prepared for the fact that the rhythm of your life will change dramatically. And who said that it's not for the best?

Education and training

Samoyeds, like any other dogs, are quite good at training. But the peculiarities of the breed have left their mark on this process. The main difficulties, paradoxically, arise due to the highly developed intelligence of the snow dog. Coming from the depths of centuries, the habit of independently exploring the world and trusting only oneself in this has formed those character traits that many consider to be a manifestation of stubbornness and independence. In their development, Samoyeds are very dynamic, and the monotony of situations created in the process of training quickly bores them, becomes uninteresting. By showing originality and originality in the methods of education, you will be able to achieve amazing results.

You should start training your pet from an early age. Since the samoyed is a pack dog, the first thing she needs to understand is who is in charge of the house. Recognizing your authority as a leader, in the future the puppy will be better amenable to education.

Experts recommend starting training a Samoyed husky puppy from the age of three months. At first, it is necessary to teach the baby to perform the simplest commands. You can handle this task on your own – you only need to show perseverance and patience. It is better to train a Samoyed dog to perform more complex commands under the guidance of an experienced instructor. He will tell you how to build a training process based on the temperament and character of your pet.

Training and education of Samoyeds have their own nuances. You should remember that your Samoyed dog is an animal focused on life in a pack. Understanding the hierarchy and its strict laws is inherent in it at the genetic level, so it is important from the very beginning of the puppy's stay in your house to clearly and unambiguously let him know who is in charge here. Everything is like in a dog or wolf pack:

• the elders are the first to start eating. Give the puppy food only after you get up from the table yourself;
• by right of the main, always enter the house first;
• the affairs of the pack are discussed and decided only by its senior members. Allocate a certain place for the puppy so that he is not near you without permission.

The rules are not complicated at all, and, most importantly, their implementation will be taken for granted by your pet.

The way to success in training a samoyed lies only through love, patience and respect for the animal. Rudeness and violence in communication with the Samoyed husky is completely unacceptable. It's not about permissiveness. If the dog is guilty, it must be punished (and this is also the law of the pack). By right of the elder, simply lift the dog by the withers, shake it slightly and press its muzzle to the floor. You will not hurt him, but you will make it clear to your pet that he is guilty.

In the end, who will grow out of a cute white puppy of a Samoyed dog will depend only on the owner.

Care and maintenance

Buying a Samoyed dog, ask the breeder about how the baby ate. Try to follow the announced diet and feeding scheme as much as possible until the dog gets used to a new environment for himself. Transfer the dog to the planned diet gradually – this will get rid of digestive problems.

The decision on what kind of food – dry or natural – to feed the animal is made by the owner. It is desirable that factory feeds belong to the premium class category or higher. They contain all the necessary ingredients for normal development in balanced proportions. It is possible to make a full-fledged diet from natural products, but this involves additional hassle, for which the owners sometimes simply do not have time.

Even using ready-made feeds, it is useful to introduce fish dishes into the diet of a growing samoyed, which he (unlike other dogs) loves very much.

Northern dogs also enjoy eating cottage cheese, which should be part of the daily menu. It is better to give it in the morning and make sure that the fat content of the product does not exceed 18%.

Do not forget to add vitamins to the diet for wool and proper bone formation.

The snow–white luxurious Samoyed fur coat is a special pride of the breed. It does not get wet from either snow or rain, and has an amazing ability to self-clean due to the presence of natural oils on it. Frequent bathing can lead to a deterioration of this remarkable ability, as well as cause skin or colds in the dog. The exception is paws that need to be washed after each walk. The frequency of "bath" procedures for Samoyeds is 1-2 times a year. Exhibition animals bathe more often and only with the use of professional shampoos designed for this type of wool.

Protect the eyes and ears of the beast from getting into them with water and detergent. After bathing the pet, wipe it with a towel, dry the wool with a hairdryer, while combing it in the opposite direction of growth.

Molting a dog will not give you such troubles that at first glance it would be logical to assume. Bitches shed twice a year, males – only once. The process lasts no more than two weeks, the rest of the time the Samoyed dog absolutely does not lose its fur. Systematic combing with special combs will reduce the molting time. Another indisputable advantage of Arctic spitz wool is that it has no smell.

The wool cover of a snow dog has excellent thermal insulation abilities, so Samoyeds tolerate not only severe cold, but also heat well. The only thing that absolutely cannot be done is to walk your pet under the scorching rays of the sun.

The size of the animal is not a problem for keeping in a city apartment. Determine a permanent place for the samoyed in a cooler part of your home. The litter should not be soft and kept clean. It is desirable that the Samoyed husky could control all the events taking place in the house from its place: as a member of the pack, it should be aware of what is happening.

Dental care consists in their weekly cleaning with a special paste. It is recommended to wipe the ears once a month with a dry soft cloth. The claws of Samoyed dogs are not cut – they are worn off during walks.

You need to walk with your pet at least twice a day, the duration of each exercise is at least an hour. If possible, on weekends, devote as much time as possible to physical activity and active games.

Health and diseases of the Samoyed dog

The Samoyed husky belongs to the so-called primitive breeds of dogs, since human intervention in its formation and development is extremely insignificant. The breed is characterized by good health, however, due to its northern origin, the threshold of resistance to infectious diseases in the samoyed is low. The only effective way to avoid infection with serious diseases (plague, viral hepatitis, parovirus enteritis, rabies) is timely vaccination. The first vaccinations should be made by the breeder to monthly puppies. Revaccination is carried out in several stages: in two, in three months, after the change of teeth and after the dog reaches the age of one year. Next, a comprehensive vaccination is given annually.

Like any other breed, the Samoyed dog has hereditary diseases. Hip dysplasia is most often manifested. If you begin to notice problems with your pet related to motor activity, contact your veterinarian immediately. Modern methods of treatment with timely treatment give a good therapeutic effect. Other genetic problems include congenital deafness, as well as some eye pathologies.

Samoyeds sometimes suffer from bloating. Preventive measures are reduced in this case to observing the feeding regime and monitoring its quality. Do not give the beast raw dough, sharp bones and other food that can cause digestive disorders. Never take your dog for a walk right after feeding!

Arctic spitz are bothered by fleas and ticks, which can be carriers of severe, sometimes fatal diseases. In this case, special (preferably fabric) insecticidal collars will help you. They will not spoil the appearance of wool (unlike drops), but they will get rid of insects.

Carefully monitor the well-being and behavior of your dog. Timely referral to a veterinarian will help you maintain the health and cheerfulness of your pet.

How to choose a puppy

Before buying a samoyed, decide for what purpose you want to have this miracle of nature in the house.

There are several options.

• Samoyed companion. A dog for a home-family is selected by character and temperament. Puppies (even from the same litter) are very different in character. There are obvious leaders and quiet ones, there are inquisitive and restless ones, and there are balanced and calm ones. But the Samoyed baby should in no case be aggressive and cowardly. Watch your chosen one for some time, if the breeder gives you such an opportunity. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the parents of the baby: what kind of character and behavior features they have, how old they are, whether hereditary diseases have manifested themselves in the foreseeable past. As for gender, observations show that Samoyed boys are more likely to show leadership qualities, independence and stubbornness, and girls will charm you with their tenderness, the ability to subtly feel the mood of the owner.
• Samoyed is the champion. These are puppies of the so-called show class, the elite of the breed. The cost of such a dog is very high, so it is better to turn to experts for help in choosing – only they can predict the exhibition prospects of each puppy from the litter with a high degree of accuracy. Be sure to ask about the pedigree – it's good if champion dogs are listed in the ancestors. You can't buy a show-class puppy right away. As a rule, the offspring of promising Samoyed couples are signed in advance. Consider this moment!
• Samoyed for work. Such puppies are bought as sled dogs to participate in various kinds of sports in the future. The parents of such puppies (or at least one of them) must be working dogs themselves. There are very few such pairs of northern huskies in Russia, so you can wait for a suitable baby for a very long time.

A thoroughbred puppy of a Samoyed dog is necessarily branded. The mark is placed on the ear or in the groin. Check the compliance of the actual brand with the one indicated in the metric and in the veterinary passport.

The passport of the animal must contain all information about the vaccinations performed with the signature of the doctor and the seal of the veterinary clinic, also pay attention to the page about anthelmintic procedures to be filled in and signed.

Photos of Samoyed puppies

How much does samoyed cost

The price of a Samoyed dog is quite high, which is due to the rarity of the breed and the significant costs of breeders for breeding. In many cases, to maintain the purity of the breed, mating is organized abroad, which also affects the final amount.

Prices for Samoyeds range from $250-$800 rubles, depending on the class:

• pet class. Such dogs are not allowed to breed due to the manifestation of certain shortcomings and defects in them. Otherwise, they are wonderful friendly pets who will be real friends to you. Price – $250-$300.
• breed class. Non-champion individuals with inconspicuous non-critical deficiencies, quite suitable for producing offspring. The price is $300-$400.
• show class. An elite puppy, a future champion. Fully complies with the breed standard. Ideal for breeding work. The price starts from $500, sometimes reaches $700 and above. When booking a puppy in advance, the first male from the litter will be the most expensive.

Analysis of data on the cost of the Samoyed dog shows that there are no significant fluctuations in this indicator in different regions of the country.

The high price is a certain guarantee that a person who is willing to pay such a lot of money for a samoyed will carefully and responsibly raise and maintain his pet.