Origin and History

The Samoyed takes its name after an area in North West Siberia and the tribes that inhabited this area became known collectively as the Nenets.  The Samoyed is an ancient breed, which in its native Siberia is used to herd reindeer, pulling sleds, guarding (more to notify of a strange presence than anything else) and its hair and hides were used for clothing.

This breed is stunning in appearance for its white coat but the original Samoyeds used in polar expeditions and imported into the UK were not just pure white but mixed in colour including brown and black but with the white being the most favoured.

As mentioned above the breed was used on early polar expeditions including those by Jackson, Nansen and Shackleton and many of the survivors of these expeditions were imported back to the UK to help found the breed here.  However, the first true reference that has been found to Samoyeds is in 1690, although the first Samoyed came in to the UK in the 19th Century as a present to the Prince of Wales from his Russian cousin.  Indeed in a portrait painted of the Prince and Princess of Wales for their Silver Wedding a Samoyed can be seen laying in front of them.  However, the breed was first seriously imported into the UK in 1889 by Mr Kilburn Scott.  Mr Scott and his wife began breeding and showing Samoyeds from 1896.  The breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1905.  Currently approximately 1000 Samoyeds are registered with the Kennel Club each year.

Temperament

Above all, the Samoyed is known for its kindness to all mankind.  It is an affectionate and playful dog.  Displays of nervousness or aggression to man are taken as serious faults.  Having said that male Samoyeds can be quite aggressive towards each other and it can be difficult to keep two male Samoyeds together when there are bitches around.

General Appearance

This is a working dog whose appearance should be strong, active and graceful.   The watchword for Samoyeds is medium and well balanced – there should be nothing exaggerated in any way.  The breed standard states strong, active and free of coarseness.   It is a dog is built for endurance rather than sprinting being required to work all day herding/guarding as well as pulling as required.

A Samoyed therefore should be well boned, muscular with a deep chest, well sprung ribs and strong loin. Feet should be flat and long with good furring. 

The coat is the crowning glory of the Samoyed and should consist of a thick, close soft undercoat with a harsh overcoat coming through which stands away from the body.  The tips of the outer coat should be silvertipped.  The quality of the coat was critical to survival in Siberia.  A feature of the Samoyed is its smiling expression.  Ears should be thick, not too long and rounded at the tips set well apart and well furred on the inside.

Height
Dogs – 20”- 22” at the shoulder                        
Bitches – 18”- 22” at the shoulder
Weight in proportion to size.  Average weight for dogs is approximately 30 kg and 20-22 kg for bitches.

Colour
Pure white, white and biscuit and cream.  Outer coat should be silver tipped.

• Very affectionate        
• Good with children
• Sociable
• Keen to please
• Intelligent and keen to work
• Strong