The Samoyed's origin is that of central Russia, specifically, Siberia.  This area of the world is considered by most as one of the harshest and most unforgiving terrains in which humans have ever lived.  The Samoyede people who lived here made their homes of conical tents that were covered with reindeer hides, or bark, called "chooms".  These people lived a nomadic life, moving with the seasons, and with the movement of their herds of reindeer.  With this type of life, a single purpose dog would be inappropriate, therefore, the Samoyed had to fill a number of jobs within the family circle.  These dogs were developed by the ancient Samoyede people to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and to help hunt wild animals, including the polar bear, for food and clothing.  Due to the fact that this area is so remote, the Samoyed was bred true for many centuries, without interference or crossbreeding to other breeds.
     During the late nineteenth century, the Samoyed became known to the outside world due to the exploration of the North and South Poles.  The teams of men who went to these bleak areas found that the companionship and the hardworking Sammie was as comforting to them as the Samoyede people had.  When the men returned to their homelands, many brought the dogs with them.  Some of the dogs ended up in zoos, others in homes.  It is speculated that there were only twelve dogs that constituted the original breeding stock outside of Russia.
     In the early twentieth century there were a number of arctic explorers that discovered the usefulness of this breed of dog, including the Norwegian, Roald Amundsen, who in 1911 ran a Samoyed lead dog, to become the first man to reach the South Pole.
     The first Samie to come to American shores was in 1904, when the Princess de Montyglyon brought her Samoyed with her as a companion. This Samoyed was presented to her by the Grand Duke of Russia, the Czar's brother.  After World War I very few Samoyed stock were exported out of Russia due to the Communist Revolution  that effectively shut down the borders.  So whatever stock was available in England, America, and other European nations was all that was used.  In America, it was mostly the English show stock that was used to continue the breed, and to provide champion pedigrees.
     The first Sammie was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1906.  The Samoyed Club of America was accepted for A.K.C. membership in 1923.  The Sammie is a member of the Working Group.  Today the Samoyed not only is seen in the Conformation ring, it is also proudly shown in Obedience, Tracking and Field Trials, Herding, Agility, and is being used on many occasions as a Service Dog.  Samies enjoy sled racing, excursion sledding and skijoring.  They have competed in weight pulling and can do packing for those outdoor people who enjoy hiking.

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