Don’t judge the book by its cover. This saying is not only used for humans but also dogs. There are dogs that are built for work; some breeds showcase their athletic and strong features through their sturdy appearance. However, there are also breeds that you might find deceiving, mainly because of their elegant and adorable looks. A great example of these characteristics is the Samoyed.
The Samoyed is a medium-large breed that is equipped with excellent traits. You can easily notice this breed for its beautiful coat and fascinating facial expressions. Despite having a charming look, the Samoyed proves to be a powerful and athletic dog in the field. Its thick white coat is not only for display; it acts as a shield to protect its body from the harsh elements outside. Thanks to its sturdy legs, this dog is able to work effectively in various types of canine tasks.
With all these said, we can say that the Sayomed is a great dog that works best as a family companion and working breed. There are many other traits that make the Samoyed an attractive breed. In this article, we are going to look into the origins and characteristics of the Samoyed.
Origins of the Samoyed
We can trace back the origins of the Samoyed to thousands of years ago. From the name itself, the Samoyed was the companion of Samoyedic people who once lived in Asia, then migrated to Siberia. The Samoyed was known for being able to withstand freezing temperatures that could go down as low as minus sixty degrees. Besides the extreme climate in Oymyakon, Siberia, the Samoyed was still able to work hard and help the Samoyedic people in various tasks.
The Samoyed lived together with humans for many years. It helped humans survive the harsh climate by providing warmth with the use of its thick coat. Because of this, it didn’t take long for the Samoyed to develop a strong bond with humans, making it an ideal companion.
Besides providing warmth, the Samoyed also works in various types of canine tasks. This versatile breed is known for sledding and transporting items to various places in Siberia. In addition to this, the Samoyed also earned a reputation for their trustworthy watchdog features and keen hunting instincts.
Interestingly, the Samoyed incredible hunting skills are used for hunting deers, which are vital for the Samoyedic people’s survival. These people used the Samoyed to hunt deers for their fur, food, and leather – which are all essential needs for them to survive the extreme temperatures. The Samoyed remained to be a reputable deer hunter for many years until its expertise was shifted into herding. Instead of hunting deers, the Samoyed gained recognition for herding them. These activities performed by the Samoyed prove this dog’s versatility when it comes to working.
Moreover, the Samoyed was introduced to England during the 18th century. It is believed that Arctic explorers brought the dog to England and gained recognition from the British people. Over the years, the breed became more popular not just in England but also in other countries.
Characteristics of the Samoyed
Height: 19 – 23.5 inches
Weight: 35 – 65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Hypoallergenic: No
As mentioned earlier, the Samoyed is a medium-large breed that could stand up to more than thirty-five inches tall and weighs up to sixty-five pounds. This dog is known for its powerful body and adorable appearance. Its medium-large body allows it to work effectively in the field.
In terms of its appearance, the Samoyed is famous for its elegant and thick white coat. Its coat is so thick that it serves as a shield to protect it from the harsh elements outside. That explains why this dog was able to withstand the freezing temperatures of Siberia. Besides the thick coat, the Samoyed is known for its fox-like face, which consists of a long muzzle, erected ears, and adorable eyes.
Interestingly, many dog lovers admire the Samoyed not just because of its beautiful appearance; dog lovers find this breed attractive because of its substantial body and incredible wits. Furthermore, it is also extremely friendly, so it is no wonder why this is popular around the globe.