How to Identify a Samoyed

The Samoyed is an Arctic spitz breed and a member of the working group. [1] They were first used to hunt reindeer for their people but eventually were switched to herding them instead. [2] Samoyeds are fairly similar to many other breeds, especially some other dogs of the spitz-type heritage, but they do have some unique traits of their own. This wikiHow will help you identify a Samoyed by learning to recognize these key traits.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Inspecting the Structure

  1. Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs. Males stand at 21–23.5 inches (53–60 cm) in height and weigh 45–65 pounds (20–29 kg), while females are 19–21 inches (48–53 cm) tall with a weight of 35–50 pounds (16–23 kg). [3]
  2. A Samoyed's head is broad and wedge-shaped with a slight crown. It forms an equilateral triangle from the bases of the ears to the central point of the stop. [4]
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  3. The eyes of a Samoyed are dark and almond-shaped. They are deep-set and placed well apart on the dogs head with dark rims. The lower lid of the eye seems to slant toward the base of the ears. A Samoyed should have an expression highlighted by a sparkle in the eyes. [5]
  4. Samoyeds have small "bear ears" that resemble triangles with rounded tips. They are thick and strong, standing erect on the dog's head. The ears are well set apart, mobile, and covered well with hair on the inside. In size, they conform to the dog's head and body, and the length is approximately equal to the distance between the outer corner of the eye and the inner base of the ear. [6]
  5. A Samoyed's muzzle is medium in both length and width, being proportionate to the dog and the head's width with depth. The muzzle tapers toward the nose, which may be black, brown, liver, or Dudley. The black lips curve slightly upward at the corners of the mouth, and the strong teeth overlap in a scissors bite. [7]

    Did you know? The color of a Samoyed's nose may sometimes change depending on the dog's age or the weather. [8]

  6. The paws of a Samoyed are large, long hare-feet that are slightly spread and seemingly flattish. They turn neither in nor out when the dog takes a natural stance, though they may slightly turn in if the dog is pulling something. The pads are tough and thick, while the toes are arched with protective hairs between them. [9]
  7. Samoyeds have moderately long, profusely coated tails. When the tail is down, the bone reaches the hock, and it may be dropped when the dog is at rest but is carried over the side or back when alert. The tail is both mobile and loose. [10]
  8. A Samoyed appears strong, agile, and muscular with balance and good, well-rounded substance. They have a well-arched neck, sloping shoulders, a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, parallel legs, and a straight, medium-sized back. Samoyeds trot with agility, freedom, vigor, and balance as there is both good reach in the front and a strong drive in the back. [11]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Analyzing the Coat

  1. Samoyeds have thick double coats consisting of a short, soft, thick, woolly undercoat and a straight, harsh, long outer coat. The coat is weather-resistant and forms a ruff around the shoulders and neck to frame the head. [12]

    Did you know? Samoyeds were bred to work in places with temperatures as low as −60 °F (−51 °C), so it's no surprise that their coats are long and thick. [13]

  2. A Samoyed may have one of four coat varieties. These are solid white, white and biscuit, cream, and biscuit. Samoyeds are never seen in any other color. [14]
  3. Samoyeds are frequent shedders. They shed year-round and even more so during shedding seasons that occur once or twice a year. [15]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Considering Temperament

  1. Samoyeds are very playful and need regular outlets for their energy. They are especially fond of outdoor activities in colder weather. If they aren't exercised enough, they may become bored and potentially destructive. [16]
  2. Though they are also known to be very bright, Samoyeds often are independent-minded and stubborn. Consistent training is the best way to overcome any dominance or manipulation. [17]
  3. Despite their independent minds, Samoyeds value the companionship of people. Although they may seem to favor one family member, they are equally as willing to spend time with others. [18]
  4. Samoyeds are frequent and loud barkers. Their barks, which may be very high-pitched and intense, need to be addressed during training to prevent excessive barking. [19]
  5. Overall, Samoyeds are friendly dogs and desire to be part of the family. Their friendliness even extends to other animals - they are usually not aggressive toward other animals, though they may have instincts to chase them. [20]
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      Tips

      • If you wish to identify your own dog's breed, consider using a DNA test. Doing so will confirm if your dog is a Samoyed.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/samoyed/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/samoyed/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/samoyed/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Samoyed.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Samoyed.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Samoyed.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Samoyed.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Samoyed.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Samoyed.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Samoyed.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Samoyed.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Samoyed.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/samoyed/
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Samoyed.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/samoyed/
      7. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/samoyeds.html
      8. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/samoyeds.html
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/samoyed-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/samoyeds.html
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/samoyed-temperament/

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