Samoyed Breed Introduction

The Samoyed, also known as the “Smiling Sammies,” belongs to the working dog group. It originated in Russia and was named after the Siberian nomadic people called the Samoyede. Renowned for its endurance and robust physique, the Samoyed gained fame as European explorers used these dogs to pull sleds during Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. They are known for being alert, powerful, highly active, noble, and graceful. Due to their work in cold regions, Samoyeds have a thick coat that can withstand various weather conditions. Their Samoyed smile is said to represent their actual temperament—composed, excellent, cheerful, and friendly towards people. In the late 19th century, fur traders introduced Samoyeds to countries like the United States and Europe, leading to their widespread breeding worldwide.

Development and Origin of the Samoyed
Over many years, the history and legends surrounding Samoyeds have been as intriguing as the breed itself. The story begins on the Iranian plateau, the earliest human habitat, where powerful tribes drove weaker tribes—along with their families, livestock, and dogs—far away to secure ample food. The displaced tribes, traveling north, crossed China (one of the world’s cultural centers) and reached the vast frozen tundra between the White Sea and the Yenisei River. They found safety behind the natural barrier of ice and snow. These people became the Samoyede, the earliest inhabitants of Siberia. The Samoyede people are considered a transitional race between pure Mongolians and Finns. They led a nomadic life, herding reindeer and using dogs for herding and sled pulling, as well as companionship.

For centuries, Samoyeds remained purebred. Among all modern dog breeds, Samoyeds are one of the closest to the original, without any wolf or fox bloodline. The Arctic sunlight and snow gave Samoyeds a pristine, ice-like luster to their white coats. Their incredible understanding comes from prolonged interaction with humans. Samoyeds, protectors rather than killers of reindeer, have unique characteristics. The joyful and childlike nature of the original inhabitants is found in every Samoyed.

Despite long companionship with humans, Samoyeds have not become pampered. As working dogs, they held an unsurpassed record in polar expeditions. The sled dogs of early polar exploration teams (9 males with an average weight of 26.63 kg; 9 females with an average weight of 22.91 kg) worked day after day in extremely harsh conditions. Despite pulling loads equal to one and a half times their own weight, they remained happy and carefree, showcasing the typical Samoyed temperament. The successful Antarctic expeditions of explorers such as Jackson-Harmsworth, the Duc d’Abruzzi, Borchgrevink, Shackleton, Scott, and the most famous Roald Amundsen in 1911 added glory to the history of Samoyeds.

In less than 100 years since being introduced to the UK, Samoyeds have been the center of attention at every dog show. Queen Alexandra had a great fondness for this breed, and many breeders in the UK and the US still have descendants of her Samoyeds. Samoyeds are now found all over the world. Born in Siberia, Samoyeds safely crossed the equator and maintained their health in the ice and snow of Antarctica. Samoyeds returning from Antarctic expeditions faced the test of Australian sunshine upon their return to the UK, where they settled.

Physiological Characteristics of the Samoyed

• Birth: 0.8 pounds – 1 pound
• 1 week: 1.3 pounds – 1.8 pounds
• 2 weeks: 1.8 pounds – 2.7 pounds
• 3 weeks: 2.7 pounds – 3.6 pounds
• 4 weeks: 3.6 pounds – 5.6 pounds
• 5 weeks: 5.6 pounds – 7.25 pounds
• 6 weeks: 7 pounds – 7.9 pounds
• 7 weeks: 8.1 pounds – 10.8 pounds
• 8 weeks: 10 pounds – 12.7 pounds

Standard Weight of Samoyed After 3 Months (male and female):

• 3 months: 7.5 kg – 12.5 kg
• 4 months: 11.5 kg – 18.5 kg
• 5 months: 15.5 kg – 25.5 kg
• 6 months: 15.5 kg – 28.5 kg
• 7-8 months: Weight generally no longer increases

Samoyed Intelligence Description
The Samoyed ranks 33rd in the world in terms of intelligence among dog breeds. This places the Samoyed in the upper-middle range of intelligence. In the early stages, they may show a somewhat confused response after repeating a command 15 times, but with more practice, they become proficient. They have a 90% probability of responding to commands, and their responsiveness depends on the amount of time spent training.

Overall, their intelligence is comparable to breeds ranking higher, with slightly slower reactions. In training, they may easily become distracted and deviate, but with enough patience, training will bring surprises and joy. This aspect should not be overlooked.