Smiley Dog

There’s no other Russian Dog that can smile like the Samoyed with its always upturned mouth corners. It is an old all-white Russian dog breed covered in a long fluffy and weather-resistant double coat, with black eyes, lips and nose. The Samoyed dog has a nice fox-like face and a solid, muscular body (click for video). This Smiley dog is a happy, well-natured creature having an enthusiastic attitude towards life and the people it lives with.  Being mostly a family pet, the Samoyed still belongs to working kind of dog.  (Photo Credit: KitAy/Flickr)

Originally bred by Samoyede (now know as the Nenetsky) people group in Siberia, the Samoyed dog was used to hunt, haul sledges, and herd reindeer. At cold Siberian nights it slept on top of the hunter to warm him, and also pulled heavy carts and sleds. Most of the modern Samoyeds are descendants of just 12 dogs brought out of Russia to England in 1889.

This Smiley dog doesn’t lose its childish jolly when it grows up, and almost never becomes angry, belligerent or harmful. The Samoyed is active and playful, ready to make friends with everyone and willing to help with any task. It easily allies with its master but still loves everyone in its family, especially kids. This affectionate dog is a poor choice as a guard dog but can make a good watchdog because it enjoys barking a lot, and is able to control its territory. Though sled racing is usually associated with Alaskan Huskies, the Samoyed dog can perform it successfully too.

Being generally a healthy Russian dog breed, the Samoyed may suffer from hip dysplasia, skin allergy or some eye problems. Its coat sheds heavily in spring and fall, and needs regular brushing. This kind of dog shouldn’t stay out for long on hot days, as well as in too much heated rooms. On the other hand, it doesn’t have any “doggy smell” and is accustomed to living indoors. Its life spans 12-14 years.

Just don’t forget that it is a working breed. The Smiley dog is not for those owners who prefer calm and quiet sofa pets. It is an excellent companion for active people like farmers and ranchers, especially those living in cold climate. Without daily outdoor exercise it can become overweight and cranky. This Russian dog loves to be with people, sharing their activities, posing for great Samoyed pictures, and will become miserable if left alone for long.  (Photo Credit: stirlingr/Flickr)

Measures:

Height: 19 to 24 inches (males 21-24, females 19-22)

Weight: 45 to 66 pounds (males 55-66, females 45-55)

Breed Names and Nicknames:

Samoiedskaya Sobaka, Bjelkier, Nenetskaya Laika, Sam, Smiley, Smiling Sammy, Sammy

Breed Standard is here

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