Samoyeds

The Samoyed (pronounced SAM-A-YED), named after the Samoyede (pronounced Sama-yedya) tribes people, derive from the northwestern regions of Siberia.

There they were highly depended on. They helped their people hunt bear, herd reindeer, fish, as well as haul their sleds and boats. In addition, they also protected their families by keeping the wolves away, and they kept the children warm.

The Samoyede people, whom were kindly people, always treated their dogs as family, and because of that the Samoyed developed a strong sense of trust and loyalty in its people, which is carried on in today's Samoyeds.

Not only are Samoyeds beautiful, but beneath that façade they truly are an all purpose dog.

They are intelligent, loyal and affectionate. They are even tempered, good natured and friendly to all. A very people oriented dog (all thanks to the Samoyede people).

They will and do have minds of their own (some can be more headstrong than others and some more mischievous), but with a lot of love, respect and praise, they are an easy breed to train. On the flip side, they do not take lightly to forceful commands/threats - these actions will lead to an unmanageable dog. Therefore they are not recommended for homes that are used to strong-arm training methods, or homes that will keep it in a kennel, or tied up outside all day.

A Samoyed will thrive if they are treated as a family member. So, include it in your everyday life, take it for rides, take it for walks, let it spend time lots of time with your kids - in return you will be rewarded with a smiling, loving, obedient, trust-worthy dog that will do anything you ask of it (I always say they give 125% at anything they are asked to do), watch over your children and much, much more.

A Samoyed won't care if you live in an apartment, condo, or house they will make due as long as they have human companionship, however, a fenced yard is highly recommended. They can be trained to respect the property boundaries, however it will take a lot of time (and bonding) and you'll constantly be fighting the wanderlust desire, so a fence makes ownership much more pleasurable.

In addition, if you're looking for a dog to have fun with, then the Samoyed is definitely a dog to be considered. Have a bike - go bikjoring. Have a sled - go sledding. Have a scotter - go scootering. Have skiis - go skijoring. Have some sheep, ducks or deer - let it herd them. Live on the lake - dock dive/jump. Like to hike - strap on a pack and take your companion. Wanna get out and do something fun - take it to agility, join a flyball team or compete in a weight pull or a dog show! The possibilities for fun are endless.

Worried about the weather? No worries. Despite their Arctic heritage, they have adapted to the warmer climates of places like Texas, Florida and Southern California, to name a few. Whatever you do though, never shave its coat! That white coat protects their sensitive skin from the sun, and it also helps reflect those rays!

As long as we're on the topic of coats, a little daily brushing will keep the double coat from matting. They will shed (males once a year, females twice a year) so you will find hair everywhere at that time - unless you head it off at the pass, which I'll explain more in a Grooming post to follow. A good vaccum is highly recommended!

By the way, many folks aren't aware that you can also save their hair (which is odorless) and have it spun and carded, which you can turn into something beautiful just for you.

Many times we get inquiries from allergy sufferers, asking if a Samoyed would work for them. Honestly, it really depends on each individual person.

Many allergy sufferers can successfully live with a Samoyed, because the Samoyed's dander doesn't get to the surface easily. But, many admit that it worked for them as long as they frequently bathed and groomed them.

For example, we have a friend who is allergic to dogs, who deals with many types of dogs on a daily basis (and also breeds/owns Samoyeds). She says she's far less allergic to her Samoyeds than the other dogs (thanks to the double coat) and recommends the following:

Keep them clean
Always wash your hands after touching them
Vacuum often
Have a dog free zone where you can escape too (like your bedroom)
Do not bury your face in the dog's ruff
Don't snuggle puppies too close

Your best bet is to contact a local breeder, to see if you can sit and visit in a contained room (probably at a mutual site - as the breeder probably won't have a room that is completely dog free) with a dog for a half an hour or so to see if it will work for you.

Last resort, there are always desensitization shots, but again it all depends on your individual degree of allergic reaction.

You can find a list of responsible breeders to contact, off the Samoyed Club of America website here: http://www.samoyedclubofamerica.org/sca/about/breeder_ref.html

So, you're ready to take the plunge and welcome a Samoyed into your family.

First you need to decide on whether you're looking for an older dog, perhaps a rescue, or a puppy.

If you're looking for a rescue, you'll want to check out this link, to find a rescue organization near you: http://www.samoyed.org/rescue_org.html

But, if you're wondering where to find a puppy, read on...

As with any type of purchase you have a few options, and much to know, I'll explain...

First there's the pet shop.

Finding a Samoyed is somewhat rare in a pet shop but you may find one on occasion. It's very unlikely that the shop will know much about the breeder, the facility in which the puppy came (which will probably be a puppy mill), it's health record or much about the puppies parents so you are left in the dark about any health history that may be lurking and which will probably arise in the future.

Then there's the puppy mill.

A puppy mill is a place that breeds for profit - plain and simple - they are usually commercial kennels - that sell to pet stores. Profit is placed before the animals welfare. The mothers only live to breed.

Then there's the BYB (backyard breeder).

The BYB is typically either a person who had two dogs (warning- which may have been closely related), and let them breed to each other, or they could just be operating as a small time puppy mill - again putting profit above everything else. Breeding stock isn't tested annually, and in most cases the puppies are pushed out of the door before they are even weaned to save the BYB costs of de-worming, giving boosters, etc. BYB's will typically place ads in the paper, or put signs out front. The puppies will usually be on the cheap end - but the health issues that may arise in the future may be astronomical.

Lastly, there's the responsible breeder.

A responsible breeder breeds only those dogs that have proven to be of sound health, structure and temperment. Many of these dogs, and the dog's before them have also proven their worth in the conformation ring (meaning the Samoyed is suitable to be bred) and have garnished Champion titles from the American Kennel Club. Responsible breeders will test their breeding stock well before the breeding takes place (with Samoyeds Hip and Eye clearances are extremely important), and many times a breeding is planned years in advance. They take a lot of care to socialize the puppies and keep them up to date on shots and de-wormings. They know each dog's history, they will gladly answer any questions you have and the puppies are raised in the family home, just as you will when you bring the puppy home. They do it for the love the breed, not for the economical benefit.

So, please support a local Samoyed rescue, or responsible breeder today.

Having trouble identifying a real life responsible breeder? Put them to the test and check out my next post...

You've located a breeder and they've put you through the ringer with a gazillion questions. Now it's your turn to cross check to make sure that they are in fact a responsible breeder!

A good breeder will:

Be knowledgeable about the breed, compete in conformation and other events with their dogs.

Raise the puppies (and keep the dogs) in their home, not in a kennel facility.

Typically only breeds one breed of dogs. Although some do breed two - just do your research.

Encourage you to meet the parent's prior to the pregnancy (many times though it will only be the mother as the father will reside elsewhere).

Have happy, healthy, obedient, friendly dogs that are excited to meet you.

Will require you to fill out a thorough questionnaire.

Provide you with a health record (with typically one booster and about 3 dewormings before heading home - which is no sooner than 8 weeks of age).

Provide you with an AKC registration form or other paperwork (depending on the breeder's location/club choice).

Offer guidance and support throughout the life of the puppy (and beyond) no matter what the topic.

Can provide references.

Will feed a high quality food, and will be happy to recommend foods to you.

Is at least a member of their specific breed club, meaning they follow the parent clubs ethics in regards to breeding procedures.

Will provide you with a written contract including a health guarantee, with a clause allowing you to return the dog if there is ever a time in which you can't care for it.

Will require you to provide proof of spay/neuter (providing you didn't want a working/show prospect).

And, in general, answer any and all questions you may have.

The one key thing is to choose a breeder that leaves you with a good feeling - they truly love their dogs, and what they do.

Never buy a puppy from someone with whom you find is aggressive, or has left a bad taste in your mouth. Never buy a puppy from a breeder that complains about their chosen breed.

Either way, the breeder you choose should be someone you'd be comfortable contacting about anything, well into the future, for the life of the dog.

So you've waited for what seems like an eternity, and your little Samoyed bundle of joy is now ready to come home...

Here is a checklist of what we advise our homes to have ready for the puppies homecoming...

A leash (typically provided)

A collar (typically provided)

Some food (typically provided - but good to have extra on hand)

Your vet's and breeders phone numbers on hand - just in case

Some puppy safe toys

A stainless steel water and food bowl (please avoid those plastic bowls as they contain cancer causing agents)

Crate

Bonus: Something that smells like Mommy - for comforting

Lastly, puppy proof your home. Best way to do that is to crawl around, make sure your home is picked up (and that there isn't anything tempting at that level to chew), and the most important thing is to make sure that your floors are free and clear of socks, unmentionables, toilet paper, paper towels, etc., as they love anything white and we certainly don't want the little puppy to eat something they shouldn't and get all blocked up!

When switching between different brands of foods, you'll always want to do so slowly.

(You won't have trouble if you're just changing from one flavor to another from the same dog food company though).

Mix a little of the old with a little of the new food daily, increasing the new and decreasing the old - slowly, until you're completely on the new.

If you don't do so, your dog will be miserable (terrible tummy ache, etc.) and you will be left to clean up the explosive diarrhea it has left behind for days.

Also, it's best to avoid foods that require a transitional supplement in order to switch foods.

Here's a checklist of what you're going to need before getting started:

A Shower Wand Attachment (if you don't already have one)

A Suction Cup based attachment that will attach to the dog's collar to keep it in place while you spray and shampoo

OR A Booster Bath (in lieu of the above two)

AND...

A Large Pin Brush

A Whitening Shampoo

A Reconstructive Shampoo *

A Conditioner *

A Slicker Brush

Scissors

A Steel Comb (a.k.a. a greyhound comb)

A Really Good Dryer/Blower *

Nail Clippers (or a dremel)

A Dog Toothbrush & Toothpaste

A Rake (not the gardening kind)

A Grooming Table *

And Some Towels

* optional - but really helpful

Note: don't get all dressed up for the occasion, as you will most definitely get wet. :)

Here's a link to a really great Grooming Booklet: http://www.denversamoyed.org/Grooming%20Seminar%202001_r.pdf

I hope to add our Grooming instructions soon...

We love to do agility around here, as do our Samoyeds.

We've found it's a really great way to build your bond with your dog.

First things first, look into it - and read all about agility.

Then, when you're ready to get started you'll want to look into your local breed clubs/or individual facilities to see where your local agility classes are. The AKC has listings of local kennel clubs, many of which offer agility (as well as obedience, rally and conformation classes). They also have listings for seminars that you can participate in.

A quick Google search will also let you know if there are any additional places near you that offer agility classes.

In addition, there are a lot of inexpensive practice sets that will allow you and your dog to practice things at home, so that you excel in agility class (and even gear up for competitions).

P.S.: It's helpful if you've already taught your dog to sit, stay and lay down - as these will be required as you advance.