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The Samoids, the smiling sled dogs, were born to hard work in the coldest areas of the world. For example, in the Siberian city of Oymakon, the temperature is minus-60 degrees normal. Sammy’s famous white coat is thick enough to protect against such cruel conditions. A Sammy is a pathetic and destructive creature sentenced to solitary confinement in the yard. These are smart, social, naughty dogs who demand love and attention. Sammy needs a very firm but loving hand in training.
The name Samoyed comes from the Samoदिकidic people (Samodic people), a semi-nomadic people of Asia who migrated to Siberia a thousand years ago, of the family of Sayantasi. They worked hard to raise dogs in the coldest habitable places on earth. (In the Siberian city of Oyamakon, for example, minus -60 degree temperatures are common.) Samoans lived in tents and roamed for warmth with their dog packs during Arctic nights. This kind of human-dog collaboration for mutual survival created a tight bond between Samoan dogs and people. While not carrying heavy loads in the vast expanse of Siberia, Samoyed dogs earned their feed as watchdogs and hunters. The Samoids relied on reindeer as an important source of food, fur, and leather. At first, they used their dogs to hunt reindeer. But over time, the Samoid culture moved from deer hunting to grazing. Bold white Hunting Dogs and riders got a new role as stock dogs, roaming and protecting herds.
At the end of the 18th century, Arctic explorers returning to England introduced the Samoids to British dog lovers. Queen Alexandra was a fan who did much to promote the breed as a companion and to show the dog. In the US, a shiny white dog named Mouston of Argentina made history in 1906 as the first of the breed registered by the AKC (known as the Samoyed). American and European mushers of the early 20th century knew the Samoyed as an enthusiastic carrier of supply, capable of sledging one and a half times its weight. Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen are some of the most famous explorers of the era who rode past Sammies through the frozen expanse.
Samoy, essentially being a Working Dog, must present a picture of beauty, alertness and strength with agility, dignity and grace. As his work is done in cold climates, his coat should be heavy and weather resistant, well groomed and of good quality rather than quantity. Males must be masculine in appearance and exile without undue aggression; The bitch should be feminine without weakness of structure or obvious tenderness of nature. Bitch may be slightly longer in the back than men. Both of them must give the impression that they are capable of great stamina, but are free from rigidity. Due to chest depth required, the legs should be moderately long. General appearance should include movement and general structure, indicating balance and good substance.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time’
The samoid has a plentiful double coat, with a long outer coat of stiff hair and a soft, thick, woolen undercoat. Samoids shed significantly less all the time, even more during the shedding season, which can happen once or twice a year. Daily brushing will help remove dirt and loose hair and help the dog look its best. Mats or tangles can be worked with a slicker brush or metal comb. Nails should be trimmed every three to four weeks or as needed.
Samoans lived in tents and roamed for warmth with their dogs on brutal Arctic nights. This unusual degree of dog-and-owner proximity created a tight bond between the Sammies and the human race. Sammy is a pathetic and destructive creature sentenced to solitary confinement in the backyard. These are smart, social, naughty dogs who demand love and attention. Sammy needs a firm but loving hand in training.
The Samoids love being with their people and participating in family activities. They require some daily exercise and enjoy long walks with their owner safely in a fenced yard or on a leash. The breed has an intense desire to run and roam, and if loose, Sammy can travel for miles, putting himself at risk.
Samoyed should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight levels. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
Samoaids are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders tested their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye and cardiovascular disorders. Using toothpaste designed for dogs, Samoyed’s teeth often need to be brushed. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help the dog ensure a longer, healthier life.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: