It is said that a Samoyed named Etah was the dog that led the sled teams of Roald Amundsen's expedition to reach the South Pole. And, over the years, this exceptional breed — in both character and appearance — has become increasingly popular and beloved even in urban settings. A precious aid to reindeer herders, the Samoyed is a magnificent white dog with a wolf-like appearance, an intelligent and lively face that seems to smile at the world.

The breed belongs to the group of sled dogs, and it is precisely as a draught animal in the snowy landscapes of the far north that the Samoyed took its first steps. It appears that dogs of this type originated in Russia and, after accompanying the first explorers in their conquest of the pole, made their way to North America and then, gradually, to the rest of the world, where they have established themselves as excellent companion animals and stunning show specimens.

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A versatile dog suited to everyone

It is no longer uncommon to spot these wonderful white dogs with their smiling faces on the streets of our cities. Over the years, in fact, the Samoyed has established itself as an excellent life companion thanks to its good nature, its great adaptability and its undeniable beauty.

"The Samoyed is suited to people of every kind, from those who live alone to families. Originally it was called 'the children's guardian'. It is also perfect for an elderly person, precisely because of its calm and sociable character," says Marco Dal Zotto of the Baita delle nevi breeding kennel.

The breed is currently used in pet therapy as well as in sporting activities such as dog trekking, ski dog, agility and, of course, the sport in which it excels: sleddog. "The Samoyed is a dog one might call 'multifunctional': originally, the Samoyedic people — an ancient nomadic population that lived in certain areas of Siberia along the Yenisei river — used it mainly as a herding dog for reindeer," Dal Zotto continues. But it was the pure-white Samoyeds that, when hunters ventured away from the villages to hunt, also became watchful guardians of the children and animals of the village, protecting their family group from wolves and other predators.

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The Samoyed's daily care

A hardy breed tolerant of extreme temperatures, the Samoyed does not require any particular care. "It can adapt to living in a flat too, as long as it is guaranteed at least two walks a day," Marco Dal Zotto assures. "It is an easy breed when it comes to care and management. The Samoyed can be brushed as little as once a week; it is important, however, to accustom the puppy from the first months of life to being touched and combed. Baths can be carried out every two or three months, with professional grooming salons equipped with specialist hairdryers and blowers being preferable." The Samoyed's coat is resilient and unafraid of bad weather or excessive heat, while the undercoat is designed to protect the skin optimally. "This is a dog that suffers less from both heat and cold compared to short-coated breeds, precisely because its coat protects it perfectly from both sub-zero temperatures and scorching climates," the breeder notes. Moulting occurs twice a year: once in summer and once approaching the winter months.

The Samoyed's health

A strong and resilient dog, the Samoyed can nonetheless carry conditions such as hip dysplasia as part of its genetic make-up. "The breed requires mandatory tests and checks with regard to the Enci beauty championship: in Italy, in order to compete, dogs must belong to class A or B and be tested for eye conditions," Marco Dal Zotto specifies. Samoyeds are, in fact, at risk of developing cataracts and retinal dysplasia. Mandatory tests and checks vary from country to country, and the rules are decided by the official national breed club (in Italy this is the Cirn: Club italiano razze nordiche).

Dysplasia screening is nonetheless very important for the breed, to the extent that professional breeders test their breeding stock in order to gradually reduce its incidence. "In Switzerland, for example, DNA testing, freedom from class A and B dysplasia, and an eye condition test are all compulsory. This applies to having a litter as well, not only within the Enci beauty championship," the expert clarifies.

As regards diet, the Samoyed favours a good protein intake that helps it, over the years, to maintain its ideal weight and the distinctive lustre of its coat. Obesity and excess weight are, in fact, matters to keep in check for this smiling, sociable dog that comes from the north.