THE samoyed

ASIDE FROM THEIR SMILE, A FEATURE THAT SAMOYEDS ARE KNOWN FOR ARE THEIR TAILS, WHICH CURL OVER THE BACK, FALLING ONLY WHEN THEY ARE RELAXED.

IN 1906, A DOG NAMED MOUSTAN OF ARGENTEAU WAS THE FIRST SAMOYED TO BE REGISTERED IN THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB.

The Samoyed hails from Siberia, where they were bred as working dogs for the nomadic Samoyede people. Their double coat of fur ensured that they stayed warm, even in the most extreme cold weather. Sometimes called ‘Sammie’ for short, Samoyeds are known for their strength, agility, and endurance. They pulled sledges and served as hunting, herding, and tracking dogs, as well as hiking companions. They were furry blankets on cold nights, sleeping on top of their humans.

They were introduced to the rest of the world in the late 19th to early 20th century, when they joined early Arctic expeditions. A member of the Spitz family, they are also known by other names like Bjelkier, Samoiedskaya Sobaka, and Nemetskaya Laika.