1. The Name
The Samoyed, also called Samoiedskana Sobaka, is also known for its various nicknames such as “Sam,” “Sammy,” “Smiling Sammy, ” and, what it’s most famous for, “The Smiley Dog.”
There’s enough reason Samoyeds are called Smiley Dogs. Primarily, their distinctly black lips that curl up and extend all the way near their ears combined with sparkling dark and deep-set almond eyes give a very happy, mischievous, but completely adorable expression for which they are known.
2. The Look
Not only do Samoyeds have pretty smiling faces. They also carry an elegant and royal look with their commonly pure white double-coat, although there are some with coats that is a mixture of white and biscuit, cream, or pure biscuit. You will never go wrong in spotting these medium-sized dogs with their curled, hairy tails that usually touch their back, their small, erect ears and their black or brown nose. The Samoyed’s body is generally broad on the shoulders and back, with wide chest, and well-developed muscles.
3. Ancient Breed
The nomadic Samoyede people of Siberia, from which the dog’s name Samoyed came from, is an old tribe who have very special association with their dogs whom they called “bjelkier.” The name means “white dog that breeds white.” Because of their animistic religion and similar social structure, the Samoyede people and their dogs adapted very well to each other. Their daily lives are greatly intertwined as the Samoyed dogs were trained and used at all times for pulling sleds, herding reindeers, and keeping the family warm on their beds.
4. Royal Relations
In the era following expeditions, the Samoyeds have been used as gifts to queens and czars. Aside from being part of expeditions because of their intelligent, sturdy, and adaptable traits, their beautiful and friendly charm won the European royalty’s interest eventually making the Samoyeds a frequent part of royal portraits such as that of King Edward VII.
5. Fluffy Fur
Our fluffy and furry friend has very thick double-coat that sheds seasonally. Some say that the Samoyeds shed so heavily that in the olden days, their hair is sewn into yarn.
Their inner coat is woolly and very thick indeed. Meanwhile, the outer coat is straight and repels soil and water. However, frequent brushing and grooming is recommended, although their coats generally don’t get easily wet or dirty. Samoyeds also have a ruff around their neck and carry a tail that is heavily coated
6. Hardiness and Health
The average life span of Samoyeds is between 12 and 15 years. They have average health which may be kept in shape by frequent exercise. Some of the common health problems of Samoyeds are hypothyroidism, diabetes, skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) leading to blindness. Emotionally, the health of Samoyeds depends heavily on how much they feel loved by their human families, owing to their long history of human interaction. They tend to be lonely when left alone, even if it just means keeping them out of the room while you watch TV. As they are also a very perceptive breed, they also feel terribly disturbed once they feel that there is something extremely bothering you.
7. Agile Athlete
The Samoyed is very alert physically and mentally, requiring its pet owner to engage this energetic dog in daily exercise. They are working dogs and enjoy different activities ever since the ancient days when they joined their human families in hiking, herding, and sledding. This makes them very good companions especially to people with active lifestyles. They are also naturally very playful – a trait that never wanes until their old age.
8. Musical Madness
A dog that does not only love to bark, the Samoyed also loves to sing and yodel at the top of their high-pitched voices. They would create so many sounds that there are times when we would seriously like to teach them to use words already as they seem to talk to us.
9. Intelligence and Independence
Aside from their tendency for a barking and singing spree, the lovable Samoyed is also noticeably intelligent and independent-minded. They are very confident and have a preference for social structure that its owner must clearly establish oneself as the pack leader, otherwise the Samoyed will naturally assume leadership. Because of this, they may have a tendency to be stubborn when obedience training is not done properly and early on.
10. The Hugest Heart
The Samoyed is not only “The Smiley Dog” because of its smile on its face. We too are guaranteed to put on a smile on our lips whenever we live with Samoyeds. They are family-oriented and extraordinarily sensitive of human feelings. They are unarguably excellent companions who equally love the people around them as much as they are loved. They want to be where we are at all times, feeling completely ecstatic whenever their human pack leaders are pleased with their presence.
Samoyeds require much attention as expressed in hugs and cuddles. They are very trusting, gentle, and loving as much as they are also trustworthy, endearing, and lovable. Indeed, they are “The Smiley Dog.”
