Samoyed (dog) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Samoyed

Other names

Bjelkier, Samoiedskaya Sobaka, Nenetskaya Laika

Common nicknames

Smiley, Sammy

Origin

Northwest Russia and Western Siberia

Patronage

Nordic Kennel Union

Traits
Height	Male	51–56 cm (20–22 in)
	Female	46–51 cm (18–20 in)
Color	White
Life span	12–13 years

Classification / standards
FCI	Group 5 Spitz and Primitive dogs, Section 1 Nordic Sledge Dogs #212	standard
AKC	Working	standard
ANKC	Group 6 (Utility)	standard
CKC	Group 3 – Working Dogs	standard
KC (UK)	Pastoral	standard
NZKC	Utility	standard
UKC	Northern Breed	standard

Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Samoyed is a large, fluffy dog breed. It has a thick, white, double-layer coat. These dogs are known for their friendly nature and "Sammie smile."

The Samoyed breed gets its name from the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia. These nomadic reindeer herders used these dogs to help them with herding reindeer.

A Look at Samoyed History
What Samoyeds Look Like
Samoyed Personality
Fun Activities for Samoyeds
Images for kids
See also

A Look at Samoyed History

A Samoyed dog around 1915

The Samoyed is a very old dog breed. It existed long before many modern dog breeds appeared in the 1800s. It belongs to the spitz or northern dog group. These dogs, called laikas, were used in Eurasia for many tasks. They helped with hunting, herding, guarding, and pulling sleds.

The Samoyed comes from a dog called the Nenets herding laika. These older laika dogs came in many colors, not just white. Samoyeds were first used for hunting and herding reindeer. They also pulled sledges for the Samoyede people in Siberia. A famous explorer, Fridtjof Nansen, used Samoyeds on his trips to the North Pole. He believed they were the best way to travel in the cold Arctic.

What Samoyeds Look Like

An adult Samoyed dog

Samoyeds are medium to large dogs. Male Samoyeds are usually 51–56 centimetres (20–22 in) tall at the shoulder. Females are a bit smaller, typically 46–51 centimetres (18–20 in) tall.

Their eyes are usually dark brown or black and shaped like almonds. Blue eyes can happen, but they are not allowed in dog shows. Samoyed ears are thick and covered with fur. They are triangular and stand up straight. Their ears are almost always white, but sometimes have a light brown tint, especially at the tips.

The Samoyed's tail is special. It curls over their back, often touching it. It should not be a tight curl. When it's cold, Samoyeds might sleep with their tails over their noses. This helps keep them warm. When they are relaxed, their tails usually drop down. But when they are alert, the tail curls back up.

Another adult Samoyed

Samoyeds have a very thick, double layer coat. The outer layer has long, coarse, straight hairs. These hairs are white but can look a bit silver. This outer layer helps keep the dog clean. The inner layer is a dense, soft, short fur. This undercoat keeps the dog very warm.

Samoyeds shed their thick undercoat heavily once or twice a year. This is called "blowing coat." However, they do shed fine hairs all year round. These hairs can stick to clothes and float in the air.

Most Samoyeds are pure white. Some can be a mix of white and a light brown color called "biscuit." Males often have more fur around their necks, like a big collar. People sometimes say Samoyeds are "hypoallergenic," but they do shed a lot. They need regular grooming. If you have severe allergies, you should still be careful.

The fur that Samoyeds shed can be used for knitting. It feels similar to angora. People have made sweaters from Samoyed fur that keep them warm in very cold temperatures. Samoyeds usually live for about 12 to 13 years.

Samoyed Personality

An active Samoyed dog

Samoyeds are very friendly and happy dogs. This means they are not very good guard dogs, as they rarely act aggressive. They are known for their alert and happy face, which people call the "Sammie smile." Even though they are friendly, they can be good watchdogs. They will bark to let you know if something is approaching their home.

Samoyeds make great companions. They are especially good with children and even other dogs. They stay playful even when they get older.

If Samoyeds get bored, they might start to dig or become destructive. Because they were originally sled dogs, they love to pull things. An untrained Samoyed might pull its owner on a leash instead of walking nicely. Samoyeds also used to herd reindeer. They might try to herd people, especially children, by gently nudging them in a different direction during play.