Selecting and Identifying Samoyeds:

The back of a Samoyed should not be too long, as a weak back would render it unable to perform its normal duties, diminishing its value as a working dog. However, an overly compact body is also disadvantageous for a draft dog. With this consensus in mind, enthusiasts can use this as a reference when choosing a Samoyed. A top-quality Samoyed should have a relatively short but well-muscled body. The chest should be deep with well-expanded ribs, and the neck must be strong. The forequarters should be straight, and the waist very robust. Males should appear robust without unnecessary aggressiveness, while females should have a delicate appearance without seeming weak. The back of females may be slightly longer than that of males. Their appearance should convey great endurance without appearing rough. Due to the deep chest, the legs should have sufficient length, and a dog with very short legs is highly undesirable. The hindquarters should be well-developed, with the hocks moderately sloping, and any issues with the hocks or cowhocks will be severely penalized. Like the curling bear, the Samoyed has a double coat, with a short, dense, soft, downy undercoat covering the body, and guard hairs, coarser and longer, standing erect over the undercoat, never curly. The coat forms a “mane” around the neck and shoulders. The quality of the coat is crucial for weather resistance, making quality more important than quantity. Hanging undercoat is undesirable. Keeping these basic points in mind along with relevant standard data will help in selecting an excellent Samoyed.

Eight Guidelines:

1. Choose a puppy born around 40 days old, as during this period, the puppy has not yet separated from the mother, and the bonding with the owner plays a crucial role in future relationships. Dogs have a strong memory of their first owner even after many years of separation. However, there is some risk as the overall quality of dogs is not determined before 5 months, so careful consideration is necessary.
2. Pay attention to whether the parents have excellent qualities, and choose the most robust puppy from the litter. Select a dog that is neither too timid nor too aggressive in front of strangers. You can place the puppy on its back, and if it actively turns over, consider it as passed.
3. Choose a puppy with a pure and less mixed coat color. Do not believe explanations about shedding; shedding is normal, but excessive shedding is not. Select a puppy with abundant and tactile fur that bounces back when touched.
4. Ensure the eyes are distinctly almond-shaped. They should be black, clear, and transparent, without any cloudiness.
5. The nose should not be too long, with a certain width, and the nose should be black. At this stage, it may not be completely black, and that’s okay.
6. Samoyeds should have erect ears.
7. Check if the limbs are horizontal forward, without inward or outward deviations.
8. Additionally, examine the body for any lumps or other abnormalities.

These guidelines, combined with relevant standard data, can help in selecting an outstanding Samoyed.