Group: Utility

Size: Medium / Large

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Exercise: Medium

Grooming: Medium

Trainability: Low

Watchdog ability: Very high

Protection ability: Very low

Area of Origin: Russia (Siberia)

Date of Origin: Ancient times

Other Names: Samoyedskaya Original, Samoyede

Original Function: Herding reindeer, guardian, draft

Temperament: Known as the smiling dog, this breed is dependable and happy and loves nothing more than to play in the snow. This friendly and loyal dog loves the company of children. Samoyeds work best in teams and are much too friendly to be watchdogs, though they enjoy barking.

Upkeep: The Samoyed is active and needs a good workout every day, either in the form of a long walk or jog or a vigorous play session. It likes to pull and herd, and it loves cold weather. It can live outdoors in temperate to cold climates, but it much prefers to live indoors with its human family. Its thick coat needs brushing and combing two to three times a week when shedding.