Description: The name Samoyed derives from the Samoyed Tribes in Northern Russia and Siberia.  In Southern parts of the area they used white, black and brown parti-coloured dogs as reindeer herders ; in the northern parts the dogs were pure white, had a mild temperament and were used as hunting- and sledge dogs. The Samoyed dogs lived close to their owners, they even slept within the shelters and were used as heaters.  The British zoologist Ernest Kilburn Scott spent three months among Samoyed Tribes in 1889.  Returning to England he brought with him a brown male puppy called « Sabarka ».  Later he imported a cream coloured bitch called  « Whitey  Petchora » from the western side of the Urals and a snow white male called « Musti » from Siberia.  These few dogs and those brought by the explorers are the base for the western Samoyed.  The first standard was written in England in 1909. 

Since ancient times there has lived in Siberia a population of hunters and fishermen known as Samoyeds. For centuries, they have used a beautiful, robust white dog to pull their sleds. This dog has become known by their name. In 1889, the explorer Robert Scott brought several of these dogs to England, where the breed was developed and spread throughout the world. Elegant and agile, it is now one of the most fashionable show and companion breeds, yet has a history of hard work in severe conditions.

Medium in size, elegant, a white Arctic Spitz.  In appearence gives the impression of power, endurance, charm, suppleness, dignity and self-confidence.

 The expression, the so called « Samoyed Smile », is made up of a combination of eye shape and position, and the slightly curved up corners of the mouth.  The sex should be clearly stamped. 

The compact muscular body of this hard-working breed indicates its strength. The thick, silver-tipped coat comes in white, biscuit, yellow and cream, but pure white is preferred. The Samoyed is a strong, dynamic, active dog. It has a powerful wedge-shaped head with a black or brown nose and strong jaws. Its eyes are dark, oblique and deep. The ears are medium-sized, slightly rounded at the point, and carried erect. The tail is long, full-haired and carried rolled on the back. Its legs are solid and muscular and its feet are flat and covered with hair. Its coat is thick and harsh, not wavy, with a thick, soft undercoat, which protects it against the arctic cold.

Utilization: Sledge- and companion dog.

Behavior/Temperament: Samoyeds are gentle dogs. Peaceable and dignified. Very devoted, they tend to favor one person, but love everyone. They are easy-going, friendly and quite playful. It will gladly be friendly to all, including intruders. They are too friendly to be of much use as a watchdog, although its bark will alert you to the presence of strangers. It willingly adapts to family life and gets along well with children. They are highly intelligent, but often willfully resistant to formal obedience training. It eventually responds to firm, patient training, which should be started at an early age. Since it is accustomed to working in teams, its outstanding qualities often do not have the opportunity to be expressed. However when it becomes attached to a single master, it proves itself an outstanding, good-natured, lively, and sociable dog. It never seeks trouble but can handle an adversary if necessary. They have a reputation of being chewers and may become very destructive if left alone for many hours at a stretch. Samoyeds should not be trusted with small non-canine pets, however there are plenty of them that live and get along with family cats. This breed tends to bark a lot.

Friendly, open, alert and lively. The hunting instinct is very slight.  Never shy nor aggressive.  Very social and cannot be used as guard dog.

Coat: Profuse, thick, flexible and dense polar coat.  The Samoyed is a double coated dog with short, soft and dense undercoat and longer, more harsh and straight outer coat.  The coat should form a ruff around the neck and shoulders framing the head,  especially in males.  On head and on front of legs, hair is short and smooth ; on outside of ears short, standing off and smooth.  Inside the ears should be well furred.  On back of the thighs the hair forms trousers.  There should be a protective growth of hair between the toes.  The tail should be profusely covered with hair.  The coat of the female is often shorter and softer in texture than that of the male.  The correct coat texture should always have a special glistening sheen.

Colour: Pure white, cream or white with biscuit.  (The basic colour to be white with a few biscuit markings.)  Should never give the impression of being pale brown.
 

Height: Dogs 21-23½ inches (53-60 cm.) Bitches 19-21 inches (48-53 cm.) Ideal height : male 57 cm with a tolerance of ± 3 cm and females 53 cm with a tolerance of ± 3 cm.
Weight: Dogs 45-65 pounds (20½-30 kg.) Bitches 35-50 pounds (16-20½ kg.)

Health: Samoyed are particularly prone to hip dysplasia and some suffer from diabetes. Also prone to skin allergies. They are prone to PRA (eyes) primarily in male dogs.

Life Expectancy: About 12-15 years.

Grooming: Extensive grooming is needed. They are seasonally heavy shedders. The fluffy double coat needs frequent brushing, but tends to stay white without bathing.