PROFILE OF THE
SAMOYED
by George Jones

     Imagine if you will, a bleak, flat, neverending tundra.  A cold, harsh unforgiving isolation.  From the environment of the tundra in summer, wander to the forest that gives scant protection from the cold, ice and snow that nevertheless gives the herds of reindeer their needed food to survive the arctic winters.  This is the world that the Samoyed was bred to work, play and  live in.  The Samoyede people loved their dogs and depended on them not only for the work that they performed, but also for the warmth of their bodies and the joy of play.  If you do not have any books, no radio, no TV, no computers, no contact at all with the outside world other than your family, and a few neighbors,  what else would bring laughter to your world?  The Samie was bred by these ancient tribes of people to be a companion, to love family life, to help in the daily struggle to survive.
     The Samoyed is a highly intelligent and very active breed of dog.  If a person is a couch potato and enjoys sitting for hours in front of the TV doing nothing, do not even consider this breed as a possible pet.  If a Samie gets bored, this dog can and will find entertainment, sometimes it is destructive to everything around it, and sometimes the dog will do damage to itself just to be doing something.  This is an action and working dog, not a vegetable.  It wants to please its human master, and lives to love its family.  It will not tolerate rough handling, nor will it be patient with badgering.  A Samoyed loves people, especially little children, around whom it is very gentle.  It is a wonderful companion, especially if it can work with its human master.  Not a bad watch dog, the Samoyed possesses a good loud bark, but definitely it is not an attack guard dog.  Every one is a potential friend, and this dog will not miss out on the opportunity to make friends.
     The Samoyed is a double coated breed.  It sheds once or twice per year in copious amounts.  Owners have said that the Samie drops clumps of hair, rather than single strands everywhere, so it is supposed to be easier to pick up after.  Weekly grooming, and daily brushing, will limit the overwhelming sensation that owners get when faced with this time of year.  If you are into weaving, and knitting, the Samoyed hair can be used to make scarves, hats, mittens, rugs, etc.  The hair takes dyes very well and has the texture of angora.
     The male Samie will weigh between 45 and 65 pounds, and measure 21 to 23-1/2 inches to the withers.  The female averages between 35 and 50 pounds, and measures 19 to 21 inches to the withers.  These dogs are stunning to look at when properly cared for.  They are rugged and sturdy animals.  Their origins is from that of a nomadic, wandering life.  This is unfortunately true even today.  Samoyeds will tend to explore, and wander.  The males tend to have more wanderlust than the females, but nevertheless, they will go when the mood strikes.  Therefore, a sturdy fenced in yard is absolutely necessary.  Also, a regular exercise routine.   Lots of exercise.  The human had better make up its mind to enjoy it, too.  The Samie will not tolerate being ignored, or living without a human companion.


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