The beautiful, snow-white Samoyed (sam-uh-yed) was originally bred to pull heavy sleds in frigid climates. The breed's name, which was taken from that of a Nordic tribe, became official in 1992. Characteristics - Energy (figure A)
- Strength (a conditioned male can pull more than 1,000 pounds)
- Friendliness
- Playfulness
- Endurance
- Good attitude (figure B).
The Samoyed is a member of the spitz family and -- like other spitz breeds such as the Alaskan malamute and the Siberian husky -- has a reputation for being somewhat aggressive. This breed, however, is said to be undeserving of the reputation: a Samoyed doesn't even make the best watchdog -- she will bark at an intruder but will do little else to frighten him off. The breed's personality makes her an ideal playmate for children (figure C), although some people may find a Samoyed too energetic for their tastes. Potential Health Problems The Samoyed is generally a healthy breed, but there are a few conditions that may occur. A veterinarian can diagnose these conditions, and a Samoyed that will be used for breeding should certainly be screened and certified healthy. - Congenital heart defects (pulmonic stenosis, atrial septal defects)
- Hip dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes
Tips on Choosing and Caring for a Samoyed - When you decide to adopt a Samoyed, first call the Samoyed Club of America for an information package. They can provide a list of reputable breeders and references.
- Training depends on the individual dog's personality, but owners recommend love -- and treats!
- The coarse white fur requires regular maintenance, but with the right tools, such as a blower for removing loose hair, upkeep isn't especially demanding.
RESOURCES :
All About the Samoyed
Model: 1852790857
Author: Beryl Grounds and Geoff Grounds
TFH Publications, 1998
Samoyeds
Model: 0764101757
Author: Betsy Sikora Siino
Barrons Educational Series
February, 1998
Barron's Educational Series, Inc.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
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