Samoyeds or Samoyed huskies have been known since ancient times. It was this breed that accompanied the nomadic tribes of the ancient northerners, protecting deer herds and hunting for bears and walruses. Animals were also used as sled dogs. In this breed, everything would seem clear, except for the name itself - "Samoyeds." Why are the pets called so, historical facts will explain.
Breed history
The dog breed "Like Samoyed" belongs to the category of Spitz. This is an ancient native dog, known to mankind for three thousand years. The first Samoyeds were found on the northern lands of the Russian Empire, between the banks of the Danube River and the White Sea. Nomadic tribes used faithful pets as reliable watchmen, dexterous hunters, hardy cabmen. Samoyed huskies are universal companions of man in all fields.
After a large resettlement of nomads in the Arctic, Samoyeds became popular among a wide range of owners. Many northern tribes conquered the endurance of the breed. Dogs began to be used in everyday life.
As an independent breed, the Samoyed husky arose at the beginning of the 19th century. The English canine and zoologist Ernst Kilburn-Scott, having lived among the Nenets for 3 months, was subdued by the dedication of the squirrels (as the owners called their four-legged companions). Returning to his homeland in 1889, Ernst, together with his wife, founded the first Farmingham Samoyed Dog Kennel in Europe. The ancestor of the European version of the breed was the snow-white handsome Masti brought by Kilbourne to England.
The first conquests of Europe
The first club of breed lovers, organized by the same Ernst Kilburn-Scott, in 1909, in his homeland. The club gathered the most desperate Samoyed lovers who wanted to engage in breeding offspring and find out the most interesting facts about four-legged pets. The most common question concerned the name of the breed itself - Samoyed. Why dogs are called like this was one of the secrets that opened gradually.
By the way, it was in the first English club that a system of standards for the Samoyed breed was developed, which is still used today.
France intercepted the baton to create Samoyed clubs. Here, in 1932, a community of pet lovers appeared who also wondered about why like samoyed is so called. The French club gathered true fans of the breed, engaged in the promotion of Samoyeds throughout Europe.
The first expedition to the North Pole, with the help of a team of Samoyed huskies, was made by the Norwegian polar traveler Roald Amundsen. In the process of conquering the North, remarkable intelligence and endurance of the breed manifested itself. Samoyeds were even smarter than huskies, malamutes and huskies, which were used earlier as cabmen. Dogs, it would seem, understood the master at a glance, implicitly carrying out all his commands.
Samoyed dog breed: why so called
Around the name of the Samoyed breed, disputes have long been whetted and various versions have been put forward. As a result of this, several options have appeared for explaining the origin of the term “Samoyed breed”. Why this type of dog is so called sets out a historical fact. The fact is that dogs for several millennia have been faithful companions of the nomadic tribes of "self-believers" (modern Nenets), who were called so as a result of their isolation and closeness to other nationalities. Actually, the breed actually originated in these tribes. Hence the name of the type of huskies - Samoyeds.
According to another version, the term "Samoyed" came from "saam jedna" - "the earth itself." Saami - an ancient tribe that inhabited the vastness of modern Finland.
Another option for explaining why the so-called Samoyeds are called is related to their direct activity. Snow-white dogs harnessed to the sled literally merged with the snowy expanses. From a distance, it seemed that the sled was driving by itself. Maybe that's why the animals were called "self-foods."
Samoyed breed exterior
Today, there are 7 official standard criteria for Samoyed husky breeds. The International Cynological Federation and the Cynological Union of America use the English system developed by Ernst Kilborn-Scott in the evaluation of exhibition individuals.
There are two types of Samoyed breed:
- Bear type. The main characteristics of such dogs are a short back, a strong physique and a wide head.
- Wolf type. Such dogs are distinguished by a lean physique, a narrow chest and a wedge-shaped elongated head.
The general criteria of the norm for both types are the harmony of physique. According to the standard, the height of Samoyed girls should not exceed 51 cm, boys - 56-58 cm. The weight is also due to the framework: bitches should weigh no more than 25, and males - 30 kg.
Appearance standards
The first individuals of the Samoyed breed were of three colors: white, black and brown. But today only snow-white or cream-colored representatives of Samoyed huskies are known.
Samoyed puppy is distinguished by slightly slanting eyes and a crafty look. The coat is characterized by a thick undercoat and a hard top coat. A luxurious fluffy tail lies with a curled bagel on the back of a Samoyed. This magnificent fan seems to never be in a static state, but is an indicator of the pet's mood. A wedge-shaped head is crowned with erect triangular ears. Samoyeds have a strong skeleton and powerful paws. A distinctive feature of the breed is its unsurpassed “smile”: Samoyeds are almost the only dogs that know how to “smile”.
Samoyed character
Despite its independence and independence, the Samoyed is a dog, easy to communicate. A gentle, loyal, extremely hardworking dog will become not only a true friend, but also a full-fledged companion. When getting a dog of this breed, it should be remembered that guarding and guard qualities are alien to it: Samoyeds are very non-conflict. Why are dogs so called non-aggressive? Yes, because they have long been accustomed to working in a pack. A well-coordinated team completely eliminates conflict and aggression.
Samoyed husky is able to adapt to any climate. Thick hair saves the dog not only from the cold, but also from the scorching sun.
In addition to driving qualities, Samoyed is also characterized by hunting habits. Living in a family, he seeks to be at the center of all family affairs.
The breed is characterized by unlimited patience. Therefore, families with small children willingly give birth to it.
Features of training Samoyed huskies
When starting a Samoyed husky, you should remember that you need to start training the animal no later than 3 months of age.
Samoyed is a pack dog. And in a pack, all its members obey the leader. As a result, the owner needs to show his advantage. A few key points will help simplify the task:
- You need to feed the animal only after the owners themselves have eaten - after all, in the pack, its leader eats first.
- The dog should always go behind the owner, especially enter the room.
- Samoyed should have his place in the house and not get confused under the feet of the owners.
When working with a Samoyed, physical violence should not be allowed. Samoyed husky is a proud and independent breed with self-esteem. However, if the puppy is guilty, he should be punished. In most cases, it is enough to shake the pet at the withers and press it to the floor. An intelligent animal will understand its mistake and will try to circumvent sharp corners in the future.
After a successfully mastered team, the dog must be encouraged with a treat and a kind word. In case of failure, the owner should be patient - over time, a difficult team will gain a foothold in the mind of the pet and will be executed automatically. By the way, Samoyeds are smart dogs, they train well and with pleasure.
If you wish, you can send the dog to a special school where an experienced dog handler will show you the basics of training. Especially if the owner’s plans include registration of the animal for service in the Ministry of Emergencies, police, and sport.
How to care for Samoyeds
Like any other breed, Samoyed husky needs careful care. Experienced owners understand what work needs to be done so that in the end the pet is luxurious and healthy.
Samoyed husky is one of the few who do not have a characteristic "dog" smell. As a result, the need to bathe a pet too often disappears. Samoyed should be washed no more than 4-5 times a year, or if necessary, when the dog got dirty. Every day, after a walk, it is enough to wipe your paws so that there are no dirty marks in the house.
Samoyed will have a thick and shiny coat as a result of daily combing. It is especially necessary to carefully process the areas behind the ears and under the paws. It is there that the wool falls off and gets tangled up. The fur between the fingertips needs to be cut.
The ears and eyes of the animal require special attention. On the inside of the auricle, excess hair forms which should be removed. In case of contamination, the corners of the eyes are treated with a cotton swab dipped in warm water.
In the photo - Samoyed dogs. It is difficult to say exactly why these animals are called so, since there are many versions that were considered at the beginning of the article.
Snow-white animals literally merge with the snowy expanses, and only black eyes and nose give out pets hiding in the field. Samoyed husky loves to walk in any weather. Two or three hour and a half walks a day will bring not only joy to the pet, but also significantly improve his well-being and mood. During the promenade it is worth doing dog training. Perceiving the training as a game, the Samoyed will better understand the teams and will be happy to fulfill them. During the walk, the person’s contact with the dog strengthens, and friendship becomes strong and durable.
How to feed a pet
Samoyed dogs - why is the breed called so? Well, of course, not because pets eat themselves! Animals prefer a more substantial and varied food. Dry balanced feed or natural food will be in the pet's diet, depending on the owner. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering some of the rules of feeding a dog, which will help to avoid possible digestive problems.
- All prepared feeds are balanced and rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Feeding a pet with dry food is not difficult: just pour a serving into a bowl and the dish is ready.
- Using dry food saves time - you don’t need to cook porridge, meat, cook vegetables for a long time.
- A dog eating ready-made feeds practically does not need supplements - vitamins and other useful substances. All elements are organically included in the composition of food.
However, when choosing a dry food should focus on the quality of the product.
Giving preference to natural food, it should be remembered that food should always be fresh, and additional vitamins should be purchased separately. The basis of the diet of the Samoyed, like other breeds of dogs, should include lean meats - beef, lamb, poultry. Giving meat is necessary, after boiling or scalding with boiling water. To fill the dish with carbohydrates and fiber, porridge and vegetables should be mixed with meat. The source of calcium is cottage cheese, milk, fermented baked milk, kefir. It should be remembered that the snow-white coat of the Samoyed, after eating carrots or beets, can be painted in the corresponding color. It will acquire a red or pinkish tint. Therefore, these vegetables should be given in small quantities or completely excluded from the diet.
And no matter what the dog eats, it should have free access to a bowl of water. This is especially true for animals that eat ready-made feed.