Samoyed E-Book

Richard G. Beauchamp

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: Comprehensive Owner's Guide
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 249

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2012

Beschreibung

The experts at Kennel Club Books present the world's largest series of breed-specific canine care books. Each critically acclaimed Comprehensive Owner's Guide covers everything from breed standards to behavior, from training to health and nutrition. WIth nearly 200 titles in print, this series is sure to please the fancier of even the rarest breed!

Leseprobe

Physical Characteristics of the Samoyed

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Skull: Wedge-shaped, broad, slightly crowned.

Eyes: Dark for preference; should be placed well apart and deep-set.

Stop: Not too abrupt, nevertheless well defined.

Ears: Strong and thick, erect, triangular and slightly rounded at the tips.

Neck: Strong, well muscled, carried proudly erect.

Muzzle: Of medium length and medium width…should taper toward the nose and be in proportion to the size of the dog and the width of skull. The muzzle must have depth.

Nose: Black for preference.

Lips: Black for preference and slightly curved up at the corners of the mouth, giving the “Samoyed smile.”

Jaws and Teeth: Strong, well-set teeth, snugly overlapping with scissors bite.

Chest: Deep, with ribs well sprung out from the spine and flattened at the sides to allow proper movement of the shoulders and freedom for the front legs.

Front End: Legs should be parallel and straight to the pasterns. The pasterns should be strong, sturdy and straight, but flexible. Because of depth of chest, legs should be moderately long. Shoulders should be long and sloping.

Loin and Back: Loins strong and slightly arched. The back should be straight to the loin, medium in length, very muscular.

Tail: Moderately long.

Rear End: Upper thighs should be well developed. Stifles well bent–approximately 45 degrees to the ground. Hocks should be well developed, sharply defined and set at approximately 30 percent of hip height.

Coat: Body should be well covered with an undercoat of soft, short, thick, close wool with longer and harsh hair growing through it to form the outer coat, which stands straight out from the body and should be free from curl.

Height: Males–21 to 23.5 inches; females–19 to 21 inches at the withers.

Color: Pure white, white and biscuit, cream or all biscuit.

Feet: Large, long, flattish–a hare-foot…toes arched; pads thick and tough, with protective growth of hair between the toes.

Contents

History of the Samoyed

From the tundras of northern Europe, the Samoyed was originally intended as a hunter, herder, guard and companion. Follow the introduction of one of the oldest and most people-friendly breeds into the Western world and learn about the people who were instrumental in the Samoyed’s development.

Characteristics of the Samoyed

The Samoyed’s cherubic face says it all…well, almost all. Beneath the “smile” and the lush white coat lies a dog with intelligence, hardiness and a bit of mischief. Learn about temperament, the unique responsibilities of caring for a heavily coated breed and breed-specific health concerns.

Breed Standard for the Samoyed

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Samoyed by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Your Puppy Samoyed

Find out about how to locate a well-bred Samoyed puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.

Proper Care of Your Samoyed

Cover the specifics of taking care of your Samoyed every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are the dog ID, safe travel and boarding.

Training Your Samoyed

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Samoyed, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Enter Puppy Kindergarten and introduce the pup to his collar and leash, and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

Healthcare of Your Samoyed

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVDBecome your dog’s healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Showing Your Samoyed

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Here’s how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized, what’s required for your dog to become a champion and the basics of ring procedure.

Behavior of Your Samoyed

Analyze the canine mind to understand what makes your Samoyed tick. Among the issues discussed are the following potential problems: aggression, separation anxiety, chewing, barking and sex-related problems.

KENNEL CLUB BOOKS®SAMOYEDISBN 13: 978-1-59378-259-7eISBN 13: 978-1-59378-985-5

Copyright © 2004 • Kennel Club Books® • An Imprint of I-5 Press™ • A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC™3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USACover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 • Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

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Photography by:

Paulette Braun, T.J. Calhoun, Alan and Sandy Carey, Isabelle Français, Carol Ann Johnson, Bill Jonas, Antonio Philippe, Alice Roche and Alice van Kempen.

Illustrations by Renée Low and Patricia Peters.

The publisher wishes to thank all of the owners whose dogs are illustrated in this book, including A-la Kasan Samoyeds, Eleanor Berghold, Raymond Carpentieri, Nadine Cortese, Louisa-Elisa E. Frein, Frank Harned, Janice Hovelman, Cecile Mourgues, Dianne E. Sorrentino, Louis and Frances Thompson and Don and Donna Thornton.

The Samoyed descended from the rugged northern wolf, Canis lupus, to become the splendid working and companion dog known around the world today.

ANCESTRAL GROUPS

Richard and Alice Feinnes’s extensive research relative to the descendancy of purebred dogs is looked upon by most dog historians as some of the most thorough and accurate available. Together the husband and wife team wrote The Natural History of Dogs, which classifies all dogs as having descended from one or a combination of four major groups: the Greyhound group, the Mastiff group, the Dingo group and the Northern or Arctic group. All four of these categories trace back directly to separate and distinct branches of the wolf family.

The group that is of particular interest to the lovers of the Samoyed breed is the Arctic or Nordic group, which descends directly from the rugged northern wolf (Canis lupus). Included in this group are the Alaskan Malamute, the Chow Chow, the German Shepherd, the much smaller Welsh Corgi and the Spitz-type dogs as well as the Samoyed (pronounced Sammyyed, with the accent on the last syllable).

The Nordic group, like their ancestors, maintained the characteristics that protected them from the harsh environment of the upper European countries. Their weather-resistant coats were of the ideal texture to protect them from rain and cold. This type of coat had a long, coarse outer coat that shed snow and rain, with a dense undercoat that insulated against sub-zero temperatures. The coat was especially abundant around the neck and chest, thereby offering double protection for the vital organs. The well-coated tail could cover and protect the nose and mouth should the animal be forced to sleep in the snow. Small prick ears were not as easily frostbitten or frozen as the large and pendulous ears of some of the other breeds. The muzzle was long enough to warm the frigid air before it reached the lungs. Leg length was sufficient to keep the chest and abdomen above the snow line. The tail was carried horizontally or up over the back rather than trailing behind in the snow. Skeletal remains of these early wolf descendants have been found throughout northern and central Europe, northern Asia and the Arctic regions of North America. The group stands as the forerunner of what are also commonly referred to as the Arctic breeds.

One of the earliest American Samoyeds was Ch. Gorka, owned by Mrs. Horace Mann of Trenton, New Jersey. He was an American champion that greatly influenced the development of the Samoyed in the US.

The Nordic or Arctic group can be divided into four categories: hunting dogs (examples: Norwegian Elkhound, Chow Chow and Karelian Bear Dog), draft dogs (Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky), herding dogs (Samoyed, Swedish and Finnish Lapphunds) and companion dogs (including most of the Spitz-type dogs—German Spitz, Shiba Inu and Volpino Italiano).

There may have been crossbreedings of the four major groups; indeed, abilities particular to one group may also have been possessed by another. In fact, some historians believe that many of the Northern or Arctic breeds that retain a degree of hunting ability owe this strength to their Asian Dingo-type heritage, which is absent from other breeds whose ancestors were not exposed to this admixture. It is also believed that the Dingo cross provided some of the Northern breeds with a more refined attitude and tractability. The Samoyed’s looks and abilities are definitely in keeping with those common among Northern breeds.

DOG OF THE TUNDRA

The Samoyed breed was developed during the reign of the Russian tsars by the ancient tribe of people whose descendants lived in the tundra region reaching from northern central Siberia to northern Europe. These people are credited with developing their dogs not simply as superior sled dogs but as all-around assistants to man.

The incredibly rugged constitution of this particular family of dogs was inherited from their northern wolf ancestors. The ruggedness made the dogs as valuable to man as the other breeds that were tamed to serve as draft dogs, but the Samoyede tribes’ dogs had another distinct advantage as well. Through selection, the tribespeople had developed their breed of dog so that it also served as herder, hunter, guard and companion. As a guard and companion dog, the tractable Samoyed, so named for its people, was permitted into their owners’ living quarters. The breed lived closely with its people and this is why it is believed that the modern Samoyed is such a people-oriented breed, spending time happily both indoors and out. The Samoyede tribespeople were very attached to their dogs; the people relied heavily on their dogs and the functions they performed to ensure the survival of the tribes.

Fancier Mrs. McDowell with a few of her Samoyeds in Los Angeles during the 1920s. The dogs are Patricia Obi, Nico of Cruz, White Countess of the Arctic, Snow Frost of the Arctic and Tiger Girl.

Snow Boots was born in 1931 and owned by Mrs. Stuckey. He attained his championship in 1933. Snow Boots was the son of the Samoyed champions Kara Sea and Edelweiss.

CANIS LUPUS

“Grandma, what big teeth you have!” The gray wolf, a familiar figure in fairy tales and legends, has had its reputation tarnished and its population pummeled over the centuries. Yet it is the descendants of this much-feared creature to which we open our homes and hearts. Our beloved dog, Canis domesticus, derives directly from the gray wolf, a highly social canine that lives in elaborately structured packs. In the wild, the gray wolf can range from 60 to 175 pounds, standing between 25 and 40 inches in height.

The inaccessibility of the regions that the Samoyede tribes had occupied resulted in their dogs being recognized as one of the oldest and purest breeds known to man. The term “purest” refers to the belief that no admixture of other breeds or crossbacks to their lupine ancestors were used once the breed was established.

SAY IT RIGHT

The correct pronunciation of Samoyed is Sammy-yed with the accent on the last syllable. The breed was originally written and spelled Samoyede but the final “e” was dropped by England’s Kennel Club in 1923 and by the American Kennel Club in 1947.

Because of its Northern heritage and the many characteristics that identify that heritage, the Samoyed is mistakenly classified simply as another breed of sled dog. Quite the opposite is true. The historical versatility of this breed is not only documented by historians and sled-dog enthusiasts but also unquestionably confirmed by such noted Samoyed authorities as Mrs. Ivy Kilburn Morris (the former Ivy Kilburn-Scott). The late Mrs. Kilburn Morris was the daughter of Ernest Kilburn-Scott, who was the original importer of Samoyeds to England and author of the first standard for the breed.

Ms. M. Keyte Perry’s Samoyeds were famous world-wide because of their success in the show ring. They were reputed to be the most expensive Samoyeds during the years of the Great Depression.

Mrs. Morris lived out her later years in Durban, South Africa, and it was there in 1984 that I had the great privilege of meeting her. She spoke long and eloquently of the history and use of the dogs that her father had first brought to England.

“Some were almost brown when they arrived,” she said, “partly because they were a biscuit-cream sort of a color and partly because they had never seen a soap bath in their lives. The dogs were used as many things in Archangel (Russia) where my father first got his, but I want to state emphatically that the Samoyed is not simply a sledge dog! Any breed can pull a sledge.” She went on to state that it was wrong to say the breed was “just any one thing” but if it were necessary to do so, “they should be classified as herding dogs.” Samoyeds did, in fact, herd reindeer and also alerted their owners to danger. Although classified in the AKC’s Working Group today, the Samoyed is permitted to participate in AKC-sanctioned herding events along with all of the breeds of the Herding Group and the Rottweiler, a fellow Working breed.

ONE OF THE OLDEST

The Samoyed, named for the nomadic Samoyede people of the Siberian Arctic, is among the world’s oldest known breeds. The dogs were heavily relied upon as hunters, herders, sled pullers and even “nannies” for the children.

Photographs taken in Britain in the late 1920s—quite a scene indeed!

The breed first became recognized by the Western world when Fridtjof Nansen, the Norwegian explorer, relied on teams of Samoyeds during his 1894 expedition to the North Pole. Nansen’s glowing reports and recommendation brought the Samoyed dogs to the attention of other explorers. The Arctic explorers following Nansen employed the services of the Samoyed with varying degrees of success. However, more often than not, when the dogs did not achieve the goals set for them by their explorer-owners, failure was due far more to human error than to canine inability.

THE SAMOYED GOES TO THE UNITED STATES

In 1902, Mercy d’Argenteau, the Princess de Montyglyon, a Belgian countess and hereditary princess of the Holy Roman Empire, journeyed to St. Petersburg, Russia. While she was there, the princess, an ardent dog lover, attended the St. Petersburg Dog Show. There she saw and fell in love with a large white Russian champion Samoyed dog named Moustan. Moustan had been entered at the show by his owner, the Grand Duke Michael, brother of Tsar Nicholas II. In the truly grand tradition of the Russian monarchy, Duke Michael gave the princess the dog as a gift. This ignited the princess’s interest in the breed so much that by 1904, when she emigrated to the US, she was accompanied not only by Moustan but by three other Samoyeds as well. Moustan was shown extensively and in 1906 became the first of his breed to be registered with the American Kennel Club.

THE SAMOYED IN ENGLAND

The first Samoyed dog to be imported into England as a foundation dog for a breeding program was Sabarka (meaning “the fat one”), a brown-colored dog with white chest and feet. Sabarka was purchased in 1889 in Archangel, Russia by Ernest Kilburn-Scott as a gift for his wife. The breed’s color varied from tribe to tribe, but it was the beautiful white dogs seen in his expeditions that caught the eye of Kilburn-Scott. Soon after, the Kilburn-Scotts imported Whitey Petchora, a cream-colored female. The two imports were bred together and their offspring found their way into the hands of other English dog lovers who championed the cause of these beautiful Arctic dogs.

One of the Kilburn-Scotts’ most influential Samoyeds was found, not in Siberia or anywhere in the Arctic Circle, but in the Sydney Zoological Park in Australia! The dog was the Kilburn-Scotts’ Antarctic Buck. Buck was a descendant of the dogs from much earlier Arctic expeditions led by explorers Carsten E. Borchgrevink and Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Prominent fancier Lady Sitwell’s love for the breed drew others to the white dogs and, during the following few decades, the number of imports and homebreds grew. There is no doubt that the gift of an import named Jacko to Queen Alexandra helped fan the flames of interest among fashionable society. The breed was given the name “Samoyede” by the Kilburn-Scotts in 1892.

The breed was first shown at the Leeds Dog Show in 1893 in the Foreign Dog class as “Samozia Sledge Dogs.” It was not until 1901 that the English Kennel Club granted the breed registration privileges. Full breed recognition came in 1909. In that same year, the Kilburn-Scotts’ designation of the breed as the “Samoyede” was given official sanction (later the final “e” was dropped) along with a standard of the breed, which also had been drawn up by the Kilburn-Scotts.

The famous Kara Sea was one of the great Samoyed winners of the past! From 1926 to 1932, this Samoyed won an unprecedented total of 21 Challenge Certificates, the building blocks of an English Championship.

Samoyeds are popular because they are hardy, intelligent and beautiful. These characteristics saw the breed develop a following all around the world, especially in the US, the UK, Spain, Germany, Scandinavia and Australia.

RUSSIAN NAMES

Voinaika is a name by which the Samoyed has sometimes been referred to in Russia. It can be translated to mean a number of things including carriage, lead or direction dogs and protection or war dogs. Russian natives themselves are more likely to call the dogs Bjelkiers, which means “white dogs that breed white.”

The princess also owned the lead dog of the team used by Roald Amundsen for his expedition to the South Pole in 1911. Amundsen, a Norwegian, took 99 days to make the 1,860-mile round-trip journey with 52 dogs and 4 sledges, arriving a full month before other explorers. Many of the dogs used for Arctic and Antarctic exploration went to other owners after their expeditions; today the pedigrees of most Samoyeds in the Western world can trace back to these canine pioneers.

The famous “Sammy” smile!

Without a doubt, World War I had a severe impact on the Samoyed on both sides of the Atlantic. However, as peace returned there was a definite upswing in breed interest in both the US and England. Quality dogs continued to be imported into the US and the breed also attracted more and more notable fanciers in the UK.

One import in particular is looked upon as a milestone in the development of the breed in the US. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred H. Seeley of New York purchased and imported Barin, a son of Eng. Ch. Kieff out of the female Ivanofva. The dog was renamed Donerna’s Barin and the fact that he was directly descended from the most famous Siberian and Arctic expeditionary stock made him extremely popular as a stud dog in America. (Barin came to have some 120 sons and daughters registered with the American Kennel Club.)

An interesting tale was recounted by Mr. Seeley regarding the use of Samoyeds during a polar expedition from England around the turn of the century. He said that some members of the expedition mistakenly advocated docking the dogs’ tails, believing that the tails “interfered to some degree with the dogs’ speed.” Robbed of the ability to use their tails as covers for their muzzles when sleeping in the open, all the dogs died of pneumonia in a short time. Thus it was realized that the tails acted as filters to warm the frigid air before it entered the lungs.

In 1923, the Samoyed Club of America was formed in New York City. The English breed standard was adopted in full but, according to Robert H. and Dolly Ward’s The Complete Samoyed, the words “black or black spots to disqualify” were added. The organization held its first parent club specialty show in 1929 in conjunction with the Tuxedo Park Kennel Club dog show in New York. There was an entry of 40 dogs.

As the years progressed through the 1930s and ‘40s, the Samoyed breed grew in numbers and strength in both the US and the UK, gaining momentum in the show ring by placing in and winning Working Groups in both countries. Following World War II, enthusiasm leapt forward and in 1949 the breed achieved its ultimate recognition in America by winning its first all-breed Best in Show at the Toledo Kennel Club. Today the Samoyed remains on steady footing, with annual American Kennel Club registrations around 1,500.

The Samoyed Club of America is the breed’s national parent club, a member of the American Kennel Club. Its membership comprises Samoyed enthusiasts across the country. These owners, breeders and exhibitors are dedicated to the breed’s best interests. The club is in charge of the breed standard, having drawn up the first American standard in 1923, the year in which the club was granted membership with the AKC. Since that time, any revisions to the AKC standard come from the club, and all changes require approval from the club members. Another important function of the club is public education about the breed and responsible dog ownership.

The club’s national specialty rotates between five regions of the country, held in a different location each year. National specialty time is a much-anticipated annual event, with many fanciers and exhibitors traveling far distances to attend. It’s more than just showing, as the specialty is a week’s worth of fun and educational events. It’s the Sammy social event of the year for those involved in the breed. In addition to conformation classes, there are obedience, agility, herding and weight-pulling events.

The Samoyed Club of America Foundation is a branch of the club dedicated to health research, raising funds to further these efforts in an attempt to eliminate genetic disorders from the breed. Further, the club offers breeder referrals and links to local clubs all over the country. No matter where in the US you live, you’ll find devoted Sammy people.

Before dashing out to buy a Samoyed—in fact, before thinking about buying any dog—you should definitely sit down and think the prospect out thoroughly. In the case of the Sammy, those little balls of fluff all snuggled together and fast asleep one on top of the other are absolutely irresistible, I can assure you. Why else would you see their sweet faces so often gracing greeting cards or calendars in all parts of the world?

The Samoyed’s cherubic little face is a good part of what encourages well-meaning but misguided individuals to dash out to buy a puppy for themselves or as gifts for unsuspecting loved ones. This is not to say that the pudgy little ball of fluff you bring home will not duplicate those angelic greeting card poses on occasion. The operative words here, however, are “on occasion.” Real puppies spend their days investigating, digging, chewing, eating, relieving themselves, whining to go outdoors and then immediately insisting they be let back in.

Although most Samoyeds don’t herd for a living these days, Diva isn’t most Samoyeds. This multi-titled bitch is AKC, UKC, Int. Ch. Omega Winterway It’s Showtime, STD-s, HTD1-s, HSA-s, HIC, owned by her breeders and handlers, Louis and Frances Thompson of Omega Samoyeds.

Puppies don’t come preeducated; at least, not the puppies I have known. Everything you think a well-behaved dog should know how to do will have to be taught—either by you or by a professional. Samoyeds learn quickly but no more quickly or more slowly than most other breeds. It all takes time, and the question you must ask yourself is whether or not you have the time to do this educating.

QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED

Above all, it is important to be absolutely positive that the person who will ultimately be responsible for the dog’s day-to-day care really wants a dog. It must not be a reluctant “yes” to placate the rest of the family, but a sincere desire to want to care for and enjoy a canine addition to the family. If that person is you, you already have the answer.

Good dog owners are not inclined to stand by and watch any creature be neglected. They take the dog to the vet, rush out to buy the dog’s food and take the dog out for walks. Pet care can be an excellent way to teach children responsibility, but it should be understood that in their enthusiasm to have a puppy, children will promise just about anything. It is what will happen after the novelty of owning a new dog has worn off that must be considered. Does the lifestyle and schedule of the household lend itself to the demands of proper dog care? Don’t forget, there must always be someone available to see to a dog’s basic needs: feeding, exercise, coat care, access to the outdoors when required and so on. If you or your family are gone from morning to night or if you travel frequently and are away from home for long periods of time, the dog still must be cared for. Will someone willingly be present to do so? Are you prepared to pay the costs of frequent boarding for your dog while you are gone? The Samoyed thrives on companionship, so do you truly have the time to devote to this affectionate dog who needs to be with his master(s)?

“LOVELY WHITE RUSSIAN…”

The first known mention of the Samoyed breed in England appeared in several newspapers. It read “Lovely white Russian (Samoyed) sledge dog pups, like small polar bears, most gentle and affectionate. Splendid coats and tails. Very rare. Parents imported.”

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Taking care of the Samoyed’s coat takes time and patience, but some owners go a step further. There are Sammy owners who spin the breed’s hair and make items of clothing for humans. Those who have used these items say there is nothing that can keep you warmer!

You must also stop to think about the suitability of the breed for the household, whether “household” means half a dozen children and adults or just you. Very young children can be very rough and unintentionally hurt a puppy of any breed. It also takes a lot of talking to convince a very young child that a Samoyed’s tail is not a “handle!” On the other hand, a young and very rambunctious Sammy can overwhelm and sometimes injure an infant or small child in an enthusiastic moment. Sharing a tiny apartment with a very active dog that thrives on outdoor recreation can prove extremely difficult for both dog and owner if the owner does not have the time to provide the dog with sufficient activity.

Then too there is the matter of hair. A luxuriously coated dog is certainly beautiful to behold, but that hair takes time and attention. In the case of a Samoyed, a quick brushing when the mood strikes will not suffice. Brushing an adult Samoyed requires time and elbow grease. Both long- and short-haired dogs shed in the home. Naturally, the longer white hair of the Sammy is more noticeable and will deposit itself in every nook and cranny of the household. However, on the bright side, the long Sammy hair is easier to pick up than the bristly hairs of the short-coated breeds, and the white color makes it so easy to see! Many households are more than happy to contend with Sammy hair in return for the breed’s coat being non-allergenic.

As great as claims are for any breed’s intelligence and trainability, remember that the new dog must be taught every household rule that he is to observe. Some dogs catch on more quickly than others, and puppies are just as inclined to forget or disregard lessons as young human children.

WHO SHOULD OWN A SAMOYED?

Just as a prospective buyer should have a checklist to lead him to a responsible breeder, so do good breeders have lists of qualifications for potential puppy owners. These are just a few of the “musts” for a prospective Sammy owner:

1. The yard must be securely fenced; if the home has no yard, the owner must be able to safely provide the required exercise elsewhere.

2. The Sammy must not live alone exclusively outdoors.

3. Children must be over four years of age.

4. Everyone in the family must want a Samoyed and the breeder should talk to all family members about them their desire to own a Sammy.

5. The buyer must be financially able to provide proper veterinary and home care.

As sturdy a constitution as the Samoyed may have and as high as his tolerance for discomfort might be, a Sammy is completely incapable of withstanding being struck in anger. This devastates the Samoyed and, if subjected to treatment of this nature, it can turn even the most amiable youngster into a neurotic and unpredictable adult.

SMILE!

The Samoyed’s “smile” is one of the most cherished characteristics of the breed. Even those who owned the earliest imports considered it to be as important to the essence of the breed as the glamorous white coat and contrasting black pigment.