All about Samoyeds

The spectacular appearance and friendly disposition of the Samoyed Laika (or, as they are also called, the Samoyed or the Arctic spitz-dogs) are capable of touching and touching absolutely any person. Even at the dawn of the appearance of the breed, the Samoyeds were used primarily as sled and hunting dogs, capable of traveling long distances in harsh climates. By the time our Samoyed Laika days are increasingly being raised as companion dogs, able to brighten up the leisure of their owner and his family members.

This breed is considered one of the oldest, since the history of its origin dates back to the XI century BC. The origin of the breed is considered the north of Russia (Siberia).

Initially, dogs of this breed were bred by small northern tribes (Samoyeds)that were the ancestors of the modern Nenets, Selkups, Enets, Nganasans. Since all the representatives of these tribes kept dogs of the same type, the researchers had an assumption that at certain times the Samoyedians managed to domesticate the white wolf. The indigenous people of the North used these dogs as hunting, less often - sled dogs. In addition, they were used by Samoyedians and as shepherd dogs to help reindeer herders, and even as nannies.

The Samoyeds' friendly temper and to this day allows them to get along perfectly and find a common language with the youngest members of the family.

Samoyed huskies helped representatives of nomadic tribes to survive the harsh polar nights. To this end, with the onset of darkness, the dogs were driven into dwellings, where they slept, embracing with them.

Curious versions explaining the origin of the name of this breed. It is believed that it goes back to the collective name of the northern tribes - Samoyeds (another name - Samoyeds). According to another version, which is not officially confirmed, but having a completely logical justification, the name of the breed is due to the fact that when these dogs were harnessed to sleds, the animals merged with the snow-covered road. In the dark, the impression was created that the sleds were moving on their own, which is why they began to be called Samoyeds (that is, from the phrase “they themselves go”). Later this name stuck with the breed.

Samoyeds, also called Samoyeds, have medium size. Height at withers can vary from 50 to 60 centimeters (depending on the gender and the individual characteristics of the animal). Weight indicators range from 15 to 30 kilograms.

The appearance of dogs of this breed makes a strong impression. Samoyeds literally emit confidence, power, strength, charm and nobility. Dog handlers and professional breeders of Samoyed Spitz claim that the owner of such a dog will never go unnoticed by others.

The samoyed face is very expressive. Slightly slanting eyes and rising corners of the mouth create the impression that the animal is smiling.

These dogs have a large and powerful head proportional to the body. Triangular ears are set wide apart, slightly rounded at the tips. The ears of the Samoyeds should be standing and symmetrical.

The muzzle of the Samoyed huskies is neat, slightly tapering towards the nose. Scissor bite, lips tightly closed, black.The nose should be black, but in some cases (for example, in spring or winter) hypopigmentation is permissible, with brown-pink spots on the lobe. However, when the lobe is discolored, its border should remain black.

The eyes of the Samoyeds are dark brown, small, with dark brown edging. Heterochromia and blue eyes are usually classified as serious, critical flaws.

The neck of the Samoyed huskies is powerful and strong, with a slight bend. The body is compact, slightly longer than the height of the animal at the withers. The back is moderately extended, has clearly marked withers and a strong strong loin. The body of the Samoyeds is muscular and strong, well built.

Both hind and front paws of Samoyed Laika are strong and even, with pronounced and well-developed muscles. The fingers are not tightly closed.

The tail is high enough. When a dog is agitated, it can take the shape of a half ring, dropping on its back or to the side.

The coat is very thick, dense and radiant. The coat is formed from short undercoat and long guard hairs.

A unique feature of Samoyed wool is the ability to self-clean. Thanks to her, dogs of this breed do not need frequent bathing.

The breed standard provides for a snow-white or cream coat color. Also acceptable is a white color with a few areas of biscuit tint. Light brown color of wool is considered a defect.

There are no other colors, except those provided by the breed standard, for Samoyeds. Many inexperienced dog breeders often mistaken for a Samoyed black-colored husk a separate species of northern Spitz - Swedish Lappund. Both physique and habits both of these breeds are very similar. However, the color of the dogs of these breeds is different: snow-white - in the Samoyeds, black - in Lapphunds.

The average life expectancy of samoyeds varies from 12 to 15 years. As practical observations show, males of Samoyeds live a bit longer than bitches. Thus, the life span of males is about 14-15 years, bitches - 13-14 years. With proper care and compliance with all recommendations on the content of a dog's life span can reach 17-20 years.

Before you buy a dog of this breed, you should carefully familiarize yourself with its features, strengths and weaknesses. Experienced owners of Samoyeds do not recommend getting such dogs, impressed only by their spectacular exterior and good-natured disposition. Like any other animals, Samoyeds have their own specific pros and cons.

So, it is customary to attribute to the indisputable advantages of the Samoyeds not only their luxurious appearance, but also:

• friendly character;
• friendly attitude towards children;
• good health;
• endurance.

Breeders of this breed claim that the Samoyeds, having increased mobility and vigor, do not let their owners get bored. This aspect is important to consider those people who prefer quiet and measured leisure.

The relative disadvantages of dogs of this breed, in turn, include such as:

• propensity to dominate;
• tendency to stubbornness, disobedience;
• propensity for vagrancy;
• intolerance of loneliness;
• need for regular grooming.

However, the controversial nature of this animal is often manifested in attempts to dominate the owner. This behavior must be stopped, and this, in turn, requires the owner of the dog to properly treat animals.

Another specific nuance in the content of the Samoyed is that this breed has poorly expressed protective qualities. When starting a samoyed husky to protect the house, the owner of the animal usually does not get the desired result.

Also note that Siberian origin of this breed determines the appropriate structure and specific characteristics of dog hair. Usually Samoyed husky shed once a year, but the duration of this process takes up to 3 weeks. That the dog during the period of a molt looked tidy, the owner will have to devote a sufficient amount of time to combing the pet. A lot of trouble and delivers Samoyed and the subsequent drying of wool. However, here it should be noted that the wool of these animals practically does not accumulate an unpleasant odor in itself - what is commonly called “dog” in everyday life.

Despite the fact that the history of the origin of this breed has more than 3 thousand years, professional cynological communities by historical standards became interested in it relatively recently. For this reason in each country began to emerge and improve their own breed standards, which today there are 7.

There is also a different classification of the Samoyed varieties proposed by the British zoologist Ernst Scott. Within the framework of this classification, division of dogs into types is provided based on the structural features of their skulls. In accordance with this classification, it is customary to distinguish the following types of Samoyeds:

• bearish;
• wolfish;
• fox

Representatives of the bear type are distinguished by their massive and powerful build, large heavy head, shortened and wide muzzle. For the wolf type, in turn, characterized by a thinner and lean body, an elongated head and a slightly elongated muzzle. The same type is characterized by lean build, narrow muzzle, slightly larger and slanting eyes (in contrast to the previous types).

Dogs of this breed have a very bright, playful, friendly, but at the same time contradictory nature. Some representatives of this breed often show self-centeredness, tend to win a dominant position in the host-dog bond.

In the absence of proper upbringing and control by the owner, an overly inquisitive and playful Samoyed is able to escape while being free-range. For this reason, experienced breeders recommend that, from the very first days of the puppy's purchase, devote a sufficient amount of time to the correct and proper upbringing of the pet.

As practice shows, Samoyed huskies get along well with children, show heightened attention to them and even try to take care. The potential of this breed actually allows, with the right approach, to raise from a pet a conscientious nanny, a reliable friend and companion for children.

Samoyeds are hyperactive animals that need regular intensive loads. To strangers, they are incredulous, but they do not show aggression.

When planning to start a Samoyed Spitz, you should decide to purchase a pet. If the potential owner expects to buy a puppy for the purpose of further participation in exhibitions, it is necessary to pay special attention to the pedigree of the animal. In addition, at the stage of selection, it is important to exclude any possible flaws that may later cause disqualification of the dog. An important role is played by the exhibition potential of the puppy, which he inherited from his parents. It is preferable that parents have a successful experience of participating in exhibitions, possess appropriate awards and titles.

Professional breeders recommend before purchasing a puppy to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the breed standard. If a dog is purchased not for show, but for home and “for the soul”, minor deviations from the standard can be considered uncritical. A more important condition is the state of health of the baby, the lack of genetic or chronic diseases.

Visually, the puppy should not look sick or weak. Wool should be clean and shiny. On the body of the puppy should not be seen scratching, bald spots, traces of activity of skin parasites. The color must be in accordance with the breed standard.

The skin of healthy puppies is pinkish, clean, without blemishes, acne, growths and strange formations. Ears and eyes should be clean, with no trace of any discharge.

There should be no unpleasant smell from a puppy, which often indicates infectious diseases or endocrine disorders. Also, an unpleasant smell emanating from an animal may indicate serious problems with digestion, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

During the inspection, you must feel the puppy. His stomach should be tight, but not swollen. A swollen abdomen in combination with dull matted hair suggests that the animal is infected with worms.

For healthy puppies characteristic mobility, activity, curiosity. They are willing to make contact, they are interested in a stranger. Aggression or cowardice indicate an unstable psyche of the animal, so these puppies are undesirable to acquire.

Evaluate the gait of a puppy. When moving, the animal should not collapse or limp. Gait abnormalities often indicate problems with the joints or diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Both rear and front paws of a puppy should be straight and symmetrical, pads - black, elastic. Dewclaws should be removed. The tail may be omitted if the animal is at rest. If the puppy is excited, its tail should be thrown on its back and go down on one side.

When acquiring a puppy boy, you must carefully feel his scrotum. Both testes must be left out. Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles in the scrotum) is considered a serious defect.

Ears should be small, triangular. They get up at Samoyed puppies usually for 4-5 months of life.

In choosing a suitable name for a Samoyed puppy, you can focus on both its external features and character. As quite popular variants of names here you can give such as Sunny, Sammi (another name for Samoyeds), Whitey, Belka (Belek, Belash), Snowball (Snowball, Snowflake), Suga (Sugar), Snowy, Snow. Other common names are Blank (Bianca, Blanca), Alba (Albert, Albo), Salt, Zephyr, Pearl, Ice, Froese, Cloud, Angie (Angel), Crystal (Krista).

The Samoyed Spitz boy can be called Cosmos, Old, Prime, Grand, Bright, Titan, Atlanta, Boeing. Playful and mischievous puppies are often given such nicknames: Tyson, Veit, Game, Play, Fly, Casper, Charlie, Dexter, Joy, Brivy.

Dogs of this breed will be nicknamed, consonant with the names of ancient deities and mythical characters. Examples include the following options: Zeus, Hermes, Mars, Uranus, Hercules, Argo, Pegasus, Sphinx, Orpheus, Hephaestus, Theseus, Jason. Girls of the Samoyed breed will come up with the following names: Nymph, Venus, Athena, Hera, Vesta, Diana, Shakti, Ariadne, Medea, Callipso.

Very often Samoyeds are called beautiful and euphonious foreign names. The most popular options here are such nicknames for puppies-boys: Charlie (Charles), Archie (Archibald), Arthur, Oscar, Tyler, Gordon, Jamie, Jakey, Dexter, Ryan, Edward. For puppies, girls often choose these names: Gerd, Greta, Margot, Berta, Emma, ​​Adel, Britney, Ivy, Grace, Amelie, Alice, Rose, Darcy, Xena, Giselle, Chloe, Heidi, Aisha, Ivory, Ivetta, Vega .

Nicknames associated with the world of secular fashion and the attributes of glamorous life are very popular among dog breeders. Examples of such names as: Versace, Prada, Tiffany, Gucci, Dior, Cartier, Carden, Chanel, Dolce, Chloe, Birkin, Rolex, Bentley. The original nicknames are: Snoopy, Bambi, Shanti, Pretty, Darcy.

It is preferable to keep a samoyed husky in an open-air cage, but by no means on a chain. It will be great to feel the animal in the conditions of a private house with a small lawn and a closed yard for walking.

Allowed and content Samoyeds in the apartment. However, it is important to bear in mind here that these hyperactive and mobile animals will need regular and long walks. Small puppies initially will not be inconvenient when kept in a residential environment, but over time, their need for movement and exercise will begin to increase.

If the dog is supposed to be kept in an open-air cage, it is important to consider that this design must be sturdy. Movable, physically powerful and strong Samoyeds can not only easily break the fragile door and tear the net, but also dig and even jump over the high wall of the enclosure.

Many Samoyed owners claim that these animals are not too pretentious to food. However, for a full development and physical activity they need a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and trace elements. Specialized dry foods from reputable manufacturers can provide this. Professional Samoyed breeders recommend products from Bosch, Belcando, Diamond brands.

If the Samoyed ration is planned to be based on natural food, the owner should take into account what products and in what form the pet should be offered. Thus, the list of approved products recommended for daily ration includes the following:

• beef, ground beef;
• chicken, turkey;
• offal (beef heart, lungs, chicken stomachs and chicken heart);
• ocean and sea lean fish;
• buckwheat-rice porridge;
• dairy products (kefir, low-fat cottage cheese, ryazhenka, varenets);
• goat milk and goat milk curd.

It is allowed to dilute the diet of Samoyed with vegetables - cauliflower, Chinese and white cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, sweet peppers. Some dogs of this breed are very fond of fruits, from which they can be given apples, bananas and pears. Vegetables and fruits are introduced into the diet of animals carefully, following the reaction of the pet's organism in order to avoid allergies or digestive problems.

Experienced dog breeders remind you that the diet, consisting of natural food, must be supplemented with vitamin-mineral complexes. It is categorically not allowed in the diet of the dog sweets, spices and spices, bones, fatty meats. Also not allowed to give animals beets and potatoes.

Samoyed huskies do not require specific care, but their thick and fluffy hair needs to be combed and combed. These procedures are preferably carried out daily, preventing the formation of mats.

During the molting period, animals are combed out with a special wire brush. Such a tool copes well with the fallen out hair, prevents its stalling into lumps.

Dogs of this breed do not need frequent washing. According to the breeders, Samoyed enough to bathe 1-2 times a year. To allow the animal to dry faster after bathing, it is allowed to use a hairdryer (provided that the dog is not afraid of it).

Practically there is no need to trim the claws if the dog walks a lot and often. During walks, Samoyed’s nails are stitched to an optimal length.

After walking, it is advisable to inspect the pet's paws every time. Given that these dogs are very active and move a lot during walking, there is often a risk of injuries to the pads. If there are wounds, abrasions or cuts on the pads, it is necessary to treat the damaged area with hydrogen peroxide and then smear it with fucorcin.

Paws Samoyed should be washed after each walk. This simple hygienic procedure will help in the winter to protect the paws of the dog from the effects of harmful reagents, and in the summer to clean it from dust and dirt.

Many owners of huskies, trying to make life easier for pets in extreme heat, are shearing and even shaving their charges. According to experienced dog breeders, you should not shave Samoyeds. After this procedure, animals become even more susceptible to high temperatures, since wool serves as a kind of thermal insulation for them. In addition, it is noticed that shaving adversely affects the state of the animal's fur in the future: it grows more slowly, and its structure becomes much worse.

Samoyeds perfectly trainable. This is facilitated by their natural ingenuity, curiosity and good memory. Even without the knowledge of a professional trainer, any persistent owner can train his pet a number of simple commands.

Training and education of the animal must begin to engage in puppy age. An adult animal is much more difficult to train the right teams. To a greater degree the situation is aggravated in cases when the adult dog tries to occupy a dominant position or ignores the owner.

The list of basic commands that the owner of a samoyed can train a pet on his own includes such as “Ko me”, “Sit”, “Lie”, “Fu”. Proper execution of the host team during workouts is recommended to encourage a delicacy. As a treat, professional breeders recommend using boiled chicken hearts, cut into small pieces, slices of hard cheese or pieces of boiled beef liver, dried in the oven.

At the age of 3 months, the Samoyed puppy must be recorded on the general course of training. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, the dog will quickly learn how to perform an extended list of special commands, including those that are served to the animal with the help of gestures.

Training and training samoyeds husky should be combined with sports training. Dogs of this breed need intense physical exertion, which strengthen the muscles of the animal, develop endurance, and have a positive effect on the neuro-psychological state.

When practicing a samoyed husky on your own, you must adhere to general recommendations related to the upbringing and training of the dog. TSo, you should give commands in a calm, even, stern and confident voice. Shout is not allowed, threatening or, conversely, too gentle intonation. Categorically it is impossible to apply brute physical force.

If the animal is tired, the training must be interrupted. During the breaks with a pet, you can play ball or give the dog the opportunity to relax and gain strength.

According to testimonials from owners of dogs of this breed, Samoyeds are unusually charming, charismatic creatures with a bright character. Their unique features are ingenuity, curiosity, good memory, ability to learn quickly. The non-evil nature of the Samoyeds makes it easy for them to get along with other pets, to find a common language with children and those around them.

However, the content of dogs of this breed has its own specific features. For all those who want to start a Samoyed, you need to bear in mind that this dog is primarily a companion. Samoyeds tolerate loneliness very badly, they need a master's attention and love. With such a dog you will not be bored, therefore a sociable and benevolent person leading an active lifestyle can become the best owner for a Samoyed.

When planning to buy a dog of this breed, it is important to take into account that its luxurious appearance is the result of competent and tireless grooming. The fur of Samoyed wool can stray into untidy mats and clumps, causing discomfort and discomfort to the animal. The future owner should be ready for the fact that he will have to devote a lot of time combing wool. However, the results will consistently exceed all expectations.

It is difficult to imagine a more dedicated and intelligent animal that can compete with Samoyed. This dog can make it bright any weekday, charge it with a positive, give a lot of joyful and positive emotions. A person who decides to become the owner of this unique breed will never regret his choice.

How to keep Samoyed at home, see the following video.