Samoyed

The Samoyed is named after the Samoyedic peoples (now the Nenets) of northern Siberia, who used it to herd reindeer, pull sleds and keep warm.

It later took part in several polar expeditions.

Friendly, cheerful and very sociable, the Samoyed loves everyone and is no guard dog. It adores company and copes poorly with being alone.

Independent, it can be stubborn, so positive, patient training is needed. It barks and howls readily.

Hip dysplasia, some eye diseases, diabetes and an inherited kidney disease should be monitored.

Heatstroke is a major risk in hot countries.

Good-quality food matched to its activity suits it.

Avoid excess weight.

It needs one to two hours of daily activity, only during the cool hours in summer: walks, games and light pulling.

It gets bored quickly if left alone.

It needs a cool (often air-conditioned) home, constant shade and water, and no daytime exertion in summer. It is more comfortable in mountain regions. Think carefully about the climate before adopting one.

Its thick double coat sheds enormously: brush several times a week, daily during the moult.

Do not shave it: the white coat also protects it from the sun.