The Samoyed is one of the most amazing Nordic dog breeds. His dense white fur and serene gaze make more than one and more than two of us imagine him as a wolf living in the Arctic, something that, in fact, is not far from reality.
If you are thinking of living with this magnificent dog, first of all, let me tell you everything you need to know about him: its origin, its characteristics, its character and, most importantly, its care.
Origin and history of the Samoyed
The Samoyed is a breed native to the peoples of northern Russia, where it was used as a sled dog, to help with herding and also to protect its family from the cold at night. After the Russian Revolution, various Arctic explorers, including Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, took several specimens to Europe to establish the first breeding sites.
Nansen wanted to explain the north, and he wanted to do it with these dogs. But, unfortunately, the situation did not end well for the dogs. For his part, Amundsen took a group of dogs led by a Samoyed to explore the South Pole.
Different DNA studies reveal that it is one of the oldest breeds, since it has been growing for at least 3000 years, which is wonderful.
Physical characteristics
The Samoyed is a medium-large-sized dog. Males weigh between 20 and 32,5kg, and females between 17 and 25kg. They have a height at the withers of around 57cm, the females being shorter than the dogs. Its body is protected by two layers of hair to keep it protected against the low temperatures of its natural habitat. The most common color is white, but cream is also accepted.
Its head is more or less triangular, with almond or black eyes, and erect ears. The legs are robust, and the tail keeps it curved over the back.
His life expectancy is 14 years.
Behavior and personality
This is an ideal dog for active families. Enjoy a lot playing, giving and receiving love. Due to his past as a sled dog, he has a tendency to pull on the leash, but there is nothing like a few treats and a lot of patience to teach him to walk by your side.
Otherwise, has a jovial, cheerful character. He's a bit shy around strangers, but if he socialized since puppy, no problems will arise.
How to take care of a Samoyed dog?
Food
When choosing what type of food you are going to give your Samoyed, you have to take into account its nutritional needs; that is, your protein needs. Although all feed has, it must be taken into account that there are different types: there are those that come from vegetables such as corn or oats, and those that come from the meat of an animal.
If we think that the dog is a carnivore, it is very important to make sure that the diet you are going to follow is precisely rich in meat. Therefore, you must read the label of the ingredients of the feed to be able to discard those that include any type of cereal, since these can cause intolerances.
Hygiene
By having abundant hair, you have to brush it every day. During the shedding season, it can lose a large amount of hair, especially if the weather is warm, so you will have to brush it several times. But in addition, once a month it will be necessary to give him a conscientious bath, with water and suitable shampoo, making sure that nothing gets into his eyes, nose, mouth or ears.
Also, as a preventive measure, it is advisable to put an antiparasitic to protect it from parasites, both internal (worms) and external (fleas, ticks, mites).
Exercise
Like all Nordic dogs, the Samoyed enjoy moving, exercising and having a great time while pleasing your family. Therefore, you can start teaching him some basic tricks since he is just a puppy, since he is an intelligent animal that is always ready to do some activity.
Also, think that when you take him for a walk, that route should be as long as possible. And is that if you do not spend all your energy, you will tend to be nervous and could have unwanted behaviors, such as biting things until they break, for example, as a result of boredom.
"Salud"
Since the Samoyed is a breed of dog that humans have not really experimented with much, which is why almost nothing has changed since their evolution began, they can enjoy enviable health. In fact, there is only one disease of the Samoyed which is the hereditary glomerulopathy which causes kidney failure, especially if it is a male.
Therefore, it is necessary that you always have veterinary attention. You have to take him to get the vaccines he needs, since they examine him from time to time (once a year is the most common) so that, in case of problems, they are detected in time.
On the other hand, it is necessary that in order to live well, the weather is temperate or coldWell, if it is warm or tropical, it can be very bad.
How much is a Samoyed worth?
The price varies greatly depending on the place where it is purchased, and the age of the animal. But more or less, and based on the fact that it is a puppy that has been completely weaned and that has been raised in a professional kennel, which takes good care of the animals, it can be worth a few 800-1000 euros.
Can you find a Samoyed for adoption?
The abandonment of animals does not understand races. Although it is not the most common, yes you can find samoyeds in shelters and shelters. Of course, they are adults who, for some reason, have ended up there. Purebred puppies you will not find, but perhaps you will mix.
In any case, we advise you to contact associations and animal shelters if you intend to adopt a Samoyed.
Samoyed photos
Finally, we attach some photos:
