Samoyed
General
This beautiful looking breed, is one of the ancient breeds and was called after the Samoyedic people from Siberial. It is part of the spitz group, and has a very thick, white double layer coat. They were bred to help with herding of reindeer and also pull sleds and hunting. It was bred from the Nenets herding Laika, which comes not only in white, but also a variety of colours, however, breeding resulted that this dog always has a white coat.
It is thought that it was first brought to the UK in late 19th centuary and un the USA about 1905 where it was recognized by the AKC the same year.
Apart from being a beautiful looking dog, this breed has a temperament to match, being very friendly to all it meets. It has actually earned the nicknames 'Sammie Smile' and 'Smiley Dog' from the happy, smile like look on its face and is often known as the Sammie.
This beautiful looking breed, is one of the ancient breeds and was called after the Samoyedic people from Siberial. It is part of the spitz group, and has a very thick, white double layer coat. They were bred to help with herding of reindeer and also pull sleds and hunting. It was bred from the Nenets herding Laika, which comes not only in white, but also a variety of colours, however, breeding resulted that this dog always has a white coat.
It is thought that it was first brought to the UK in late 19th centuary and un the USA about 1905 where it was recognized by the AKC the same year.
Apart from being a beautiful looking dog, this breed has a temperament to match, being very friendly to all it meets. It has actually earned the nicknames 'Sammie Smile' and 'Smiley Dog' from the happy, smile like look on its face and is often known as the Sammie.
Is this the right dog for you?
These dogs can make excellent companions and can be very good watch dogs barking if anybody comes near their homes, however they are not guard dogs and once the visitor gets close enough to be greeted, a huge fuss will be made of the new 'friend'!
This breed is know as being supreme escape artists so if left alone, must be secure in the home, or they will find a way to escape. They do not do well being left alone at all.
They are not hard to train and must be trained as they can be very indepent. The best ways of training are the use of positive reinforcement methods and being so independent, it is important for the owner to be constantly consistent and show that they are in charge of the human/canine social structure.
They do tend to bark a lot, and it is very high pitched. A good idea to do lots of early training with Bark & Shush to prevent excessive barking.
What needs to be borne in mind, is that this dog can really battle in hot weather, so always ensure that walks take place in the early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are more suited to the thick double coat. Also bear in mind that they are heavy shedders and with the coat being white, easy to see on a lot of surfaces.
Should you have 2 of the same, or 2 pups together?
On average the Samoyed is friendly to other dogs, however you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
On average the Samoyed is friendly to other dogs, however you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Do they get on with other dogs?
On average this breed gets on with other dogs. However, dont just base this on the breeds natural personality, make sure you get your dog from a good breeder who will have done their best to ensure correct temperament, and also take the pup for puppy socialization and continue socialization to keep good social skills in place.
Do they get on with other dogs?
On average this breed gets on with other dogs. However, dont just base this on the breeds natural personality, make sure you get your dog from a good breeder who will have done their best to ensure correct temperament, and also take the pup for puppy socialization and continue socialization to keep good social skills in place.
Do they get on with other animals?
On average they are good with other animals, but do have a very high prey drive and will chase strange cats, small animals if the opportunity occurs.
On average they are good with other animals, but do have a very high prey drive and will chase strange cats, small animals if the opportunity occurs.
Are they good with children?
This breed is known to get on well with children. However do make sure you purchase your pup from a good breeder that has bred with the temperament in mind as well. Early socialization with children and continued socialization is always good and make sure that the good social skills remain in place.
This breed is known to get on well with children. However do make sure you purchase your pup from a good breeder that has bred with the temperament in mind as well. Early socialization with children and continued socialization is always good and make sure that the good social skills remain in place.
Health
This is an averagely healthy breed, and the common conditions it can be prone to are HD and Elbow dysplasia. Eye conditions such as PRA (progessive retinal atrophy and Cataracts. It is also prone to diabetes, hypothyroidism and skin allergies. Like many big breeds it is prone to bloat and suggestions given to avoid this are not to eat at least 1 - 2 hours after excessive exercise, and at least an hour after. Other suggestions are to prevent the dog drinking vast amounts of water in one go, and another idea is to lift food bowls about a foot off the floor.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
This is an averagely healthy breed, and the common conditions it can be prone to are HD and Elbow dysplasia. Eye conditions such as PRA (progessive retinal atrophy and Cataracts. It is also prone to diabetes, hypothyroidism and skin allergies. Like many big breeds it is prone to bloat and suggestions given to avoid this are not to eat at least 1 - 2 hours after excessive exercise, and at least an hour after. Other suggestions are to prevent the dog drinking vast amounts of water in one go, and another idea is to lift food bowls about a foot off the floor.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’t
Do’s
- Do get your pup from a KUSA registered breeder and do read the articles on Breeders and also choosing a pup
- Sterilize at approximately 6 months of age.
- Do take your pup for socialization - pups should start at 8 weeks of age and this should not be missed - lays the foundation for future social interactions.
- Do continue the socialiazation - keeps solid social skills in place
- Give daily, regular exercise which this breed really needs.
- Supply chew toys and mental stimulation when left alone.
- Allow your dog to be part of the family
- Give regular brushing and annual vacs.
- Supply mental games such as behaviour games, scenting games etc in the garden to mentally stimulate this breed.
- Do keep them on lead while out walking as they are likely to chase anything that moves.
- Take your dog for basic training and keep simple house rules in place
Don’t
- Don't walk them in the heat under any circumstances - exercise should take place early morning and evening, when temperature is likely to be lower. Remember this breed came from frozen climates and is adapted to life there.
- Don't use aversive training methods.
- Leave this breed outside alone – behaviour problems will develop