Dogs are the Best
And best dogs are Samoyeds!
Samoyeds are among the world's most ancient breeds, with a history stretching back more than 5,000 years. As the last Ice Age disappeared, wild reindeer became the key source of food for people living across northern Eurasia. One group, known as the Nenets or Samoyeds, survived by herding and breeding domestic reindeer on the Russian tundra. Their working partners were beautiful white multi-purpose dogs, who were named for the people they served for centuries. Here are 5 things you probably didn't know about Samoyeds.
- Samoyed is one of the 14 ancient breeds most genetically similar to the wolf and has not been dramatically changed by human selective breeding.
- Samoyeds are very smart, get bored easily, and thrive when given tasks to complete.
- Samoyeds make exceptional therapy dogs and are innately gentle with children and senior citizens alike.
- Historically kept in the their nomadic owners' animal-skin chums (teepee-like tents), Samoyeds thrive with close human contact. It is not a breed that does well kept apart from the human family.
- They have lots of energy and need sufficient exercise. They make terrific walking companions; some enjoy swimming. Most love the snow.