Onward through Mongolia, then the centre of the world’s culture, on and on until eventually the Samoyed people found themselves entrenched behind snow and ice in the vast Tundra stretching from the White Sea to the Yenisei River.
Here they lived for many generations as nomads depending on their reindeer herds with their dogs as working sledgers and househod companions.
The Samoyed have bred true for centuries and of all the modern breeds today it is probably the breed that is most early akin to the primitive dog.
Their constant companionship with man through the ages has given them an uncanny “human’ understanding due to their history of guarding the reindeer, always protecting and never killing – this has produced a unique disposition.
The breed was introduced into Britain about 120 years ago. It is an eye-catching breed with its pure white coat and “smiling” face, dark, intelligent eyes, black lips and strong, muscular body.
The Samoyed being a working dog should present always a picture of beauty, alertness and strength, together with dignity and agility. His coat should be heavy, weather resistant, well-groomed and of good quality. The male carries more of a ruff (decorative collar) around his neck than the female. He should be strong and not long in the back, but neither should he be too short as being close-coupled would prove a disadvantage as a draft dog.
The legs should be moderately long as they have a deep body and their hind angulation should be well-developed with no sign of weakness. Bone is heavy but not so massive as to prevent speed and agility.
In size the male should be 57cm and the female 53cm.
The Samoyed is a double-coated breed. The whole body should be covered with a short, close wool with longer harsh hair growing through it to form the outer coat which stands straigh out, never curly or wavy. the coat should glisten with a silver sheen. The female will not carry as big a coat as the male.
In movement the Samoyed takes quick agile strides and should be free and well-balanced. The back should remain firm and level when on the move.
The skull is wedge shaped, broad, and should form an equalateral triangle on the lines between the inner base of the ear and the centre point of the stop (eyebrows). The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The ears are strong, thick and carried erect, slightly rounded at the tips. The nose is usually black and the lips are always blackest of black and form the well known “smile”.
As a pet they are excellent guards, loving protectors of the family and not known as agressive with family or friends. They do require daily brushing and a good walk to keep them healthy.