Oz Doggy would like to thank the Samoyed Club of Victoria for this breed profile.

The Samoyed is a fine example of an ancient working dog. His eye-arresting beauty and gentle, companionable nature, coupled with unusual intelligence, demand the love and loyalty of his owner, which he will return a hundred-fold.

His magnificent white coat has two layers, a dense, woolly undercoat, which is typically shed out once a year, and a silver-tipped harsh outer coat of long, straight guard hairs. Grooming this lovely coat can be a pleasure, or a chore, for both dog and owner.

Hardy, vibrant and even tempered, the Samoyed was originally used to hunt, herd reindeer, and haul sledges for the Samoyede people they served in north western Siberia. The Samoyede tribesmen were peaceful nomads, who manifested extraordinary love for their beautiful dogs, treating them as members of the family. Thus their dogs developed a love and understanding of humankind and an unfailing sense of trust and loyalty which is retained in the breed to this day. They remain the delightful playmates and faithful protectors of children.

Samoyeds were brought out of Siberia at the end of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century to pull sledges on Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. These valiant dogs endured terrible hardships serving man in his quest for the poles. Only a few returned. Clearly, no toy or miniature version of the Samoyed breed could have performed those tasks.

Only one breed; the powerful, gentle, magnificent Samoyed - a true working dog. Despite his Arctic heritage, the Samoyed has adapted well to warmer climates. He can sleep outside, although he prefers to sleep inside, and needs to spend a significant part of each day being a beloved part of the family, in the centre of everything you do. We Sam fanciers find this zealous participation in the whole of our lives to be their greatest asset.

Samoyeds are active, inquisitive, quick witted and mischievous. They remain playful through to old age. With a twinkle in their dark, intelligent eyes and their ever present Samoyed smile, they are truly dogs with Christmas in their hearts the whole year long.