Full-grown black Samoyeds are a rare and striking sight, with their thick coats and piercing eyes. They typically weigh between 60-85 pounds and stand between 19-23 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can be a challenge for some owners. Regular brushing and occasional bathing can help keep their coats in top condition.
One of the most distinctive features of the black Samoyed is its eye color, which can range from a bright yellow to a deep brown. Their eyes are often described as "almond-shaped" and are a key part of their endearing expression.
In terms of exercise needs, black Samoyeds are high-energy dogs that require regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or run, combined with playtime and training sessions, can help keep them in top shape.
Physical Characteristics
A full-grown black Samoyed dog is a rare and beautiful sight. Black Samoyeds do not exist in the traditional sense, as the breed's standard requires black or brown eyes and nose color, but we can discuss the breed's general physical characteristics.
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Samoyeds typically weigh between 35-65 pounds, with males weighing more than females. Males stand between 21-23.5 inches at the shoulder, while females stand between 19-21 inches.
Their eyes are usually almond-shaped and can be black or brown in color. Blue eyes are not allowed in the show ring, but they can occur in rare cases.
Samoyeds have thick, triangular ears that are covered with fur and stand erect. Their ears are almost always white, but can have a light to dark brown tint.
The Samoyed tail is one of the breed's distinguishing features, carried curled over the back and touching the back, not held in a tight curl or flag-like.
Samoyeds have a dense, double layer coat with a topcoat of long, coarse, and straight guard hairs that appear white with a hint of silver coloring. The undercoat is dense, soft, and short, keeping the dog warm.
Here's a breakdown of the breed's physical characteristics:
The Samoyed's coat sheds heavily once or twice a year, and they require frequent grooming to keep it clean and healthy.
Temperament and Behavior
Samoyeds are known for their friendly and affable disposition, making them poor guard dogs. However, they can be diligent watchdogs, barking whenever something approaches their territory.
Their tendency to bark is a common trait, and they're also prone to using their teeth to get attention. This behavior is more common when Sammies are not fully trained, and they'll nip or tug at you with their teeth in a non-aggressive manner.
Samoyeds are whip-smart and crave attention, so they can become mischievous if left bored or neglected. They need plenty of TLC and socialization to stay active, engaged, and challenged.
Their independent spirit can present training challenges, but with a loving, firm, and consistent approach to positive reinforcement, they'll learn to obey commands and behave well.
Temperament
Samoyeds are known for their friendly and affable disposition, making them poor guard dogs, but excellent companions for small children or other dogs.
Their tendency to bark makes them diligent watchdogs, alerting you to anything approaching their territory.
A bored Samoyed can become destructive or start to dig, so it's essential to provide them with mental and physical stimulation.
Samoyeds are intelligent and crave attention, which can lead to mischief if they don't receive enough TLC.
They form deep bonds with their human families and have a pack mentality, requiring proper socialization to keep them active, engaged, and challenged.
Samoyeds are natural athletes, bred for work in the arctic, and can handle extreme sports like sledding and skijoring with ease.
They thrive on task-oriented activities, which make them happy and reduce boredom, but a bored Sammie can get into trouble, even plucking out their fur if distressed.
Proper training is crucial to manage their strong-willed nature and independent spirit, requiring a loving, firm, and consistent approach.
Samoyeds are natural communicators, using yips, woofs, and snorts to express themselves, and their body language is dramatic, but they also bark a lot, which can be a challenge for owners.
A Sammie is a true family-oriented dog, eager to play outdoors and herd children around, but also content to snuggle indoors by the fire.
Their gentle demeanor makes them a great candidate for therapy dog work, where they can provide comfort and affection to those in need.
Judging the Movement
Judging the movement of a Samoyed is all about looking for a quick, well-timed side gait that's free, balanced, and vigorous. The gait should have good reach in the front and equally good driving power in the rear.
The back should remain strong, firm, and level, without a lot of up and down motion. If there's more reach than drive or more drive than reach when viewed from the side, it's not a balanced animal.
A Samoyed should single track on the down and back, which means its legs will gradually angle inward as speed increases, resulting in an efficient, ground-covering gait. This gait can be maintained for hours.
If you move a single-tracking dog through water, it will leave one line of pawprints on the concrete, instead of two.
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Care and Maintenance
Full-grown black Samoyeds have a double coat, which requires regular brushing to keep shedding under control. Brush their coat at least two to three times a week, and daily brushing is even better.
Their double coat also protects them from the heat and cold, and helps regulate their body temperature, so avoid shaving them, even if it might seem easier. Shaving can cause their fur to grow back incorrectly and make them susceptible to sunburns and overheating.
Trim their nails every three to four weeks, as you'll know it's time when you hear them clicking on your tile floors. And don't forget to brush their teeth daily to keep them healthy and prevent periodontal disease and other health conditions.
Care
Samoyeds require regular brushing to keep their shedding under control. With their double coat, they shed year-round, but especially in the fall and spring when their coat is going through a seasonal transformation. Daily attention is necessary during these periods.
You'll need to brush their coat at least two to three times a week, with daily brushing being even better. Grooming tools like a long hair de-shedding tool and a metal dog comb can help remove dirt and loose hairs.
A Samoyed's fur is so clean that they only need a bath every three months or so. However, if their fur is full white, some people use special shampoo to keep it that color. Regular baths are essential to keep their coat looking spiffy.
Frequent teeth cleaning with doggie paste is also crucial to prevent periodontal disease and other health conditions. Start brushing their teeth at an early age, working your way up to once every day.
Diet
When it comes to feeding your Samoyed, high-quality dog food designed for their age is a must. This can help prevent issues like tear stains, hot spots, and skin allergies.
Your vet can help you pick the best food for your pup's lifestyle. They're in the best position to advise on the right food and portions.
Keep an eye on your Samoyed's calorie intake and weight, as those extra calories can add up and contribute to weight gain. Treats are a big contributor to calorie intake.
Make sure your Samoyed's water bowl is always full so they can hydrate whenever they need.
Health and Lifespan
Black Samoyeds are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. They typically live between 12 to 14 years, which is impressive for a purebred dog.
One of the most common health concerns for Samoyeds is cataracts, which can cause cloudiness in the pupil, eye inflammation, and squinting. Regular eye exams are essential to catch this condition early.
Samoyeds can also suffer from Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a genetic disease that can lead to blindness. Genetic screening testing is available to help identify affected dogs.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are also common in Samoyeds, causing arthritis, pain, and bone degeneration. Weight management and physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Heart conditions, such as pulmonic stenosis, can also affect Samoyeds, making it harder for blood to flow from the heart to the lungs. Medications or surgery may be necessary to treat this condition.
Kidney disease, or Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy, is a genetic disorder that can lead to kidney failure. A genetic screening test is available to identify affected dogs.
Here are some common health concerns for Samoyeds:
- Cataracts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Cardiac disorder (pulmonic stenosis)
- Hypothyroidism
- Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy (kidney disease)
It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has had their dogs tested for these conditions. By being aware of these potential health issues, you can take steps to prevent or manage them and ensure your Black Samoyed lives a happy and healthy life.
Size and Development
A full-grown black Samoyed dog is a majestic sight to behold. Adult males typically weigh between 45 and 60 pounds.
Samoyeds are medium to large-sized dogs that need time to grow, and their size can be estimated by referencing a growth chart. According to the chart, at 12 months, males weigh between 45 and 65 pounds and females weigh between 35 and 50 pounds.
To give you a better idea, here's a rough estimate of a Samoyed's growth stages:
Keep in mind that every puppy grows at their own unique rate, so don't worry if your Samoyed pup is a little ahead of or behind these numbers.
How Big Will My Get?
Your Samoyed will likely need a minimum of 12 months to reach their full size, but some may take up to 18 months to fill out completely.
The American Kennel Club Official Breed Standards indicate that adult male Samoyeds should weigh between 45 and 60 pounds, while females typically weigh between 35 and 50 pounds.
Male Samoyeds should stand around 21 to 23.5 inches tall, while females will be slightly shorter at 19 to 21 inches tall.
You can estimate your Samoyed's mature size by considering their age, paw size, gender, and parents. For example, if your Samoyed is less than a year old, they are still growing, and you can reference the Samoyed growth chart to get an idea of how much bigger they may get.
Here's a quick reference chart to help you estimate your Samoyed's size at different ages:
Keep in mind that all puppies grow at their own unique rate, so don't worry if your pup is a little ahead of or behind these numbers.
Rear Assembly
The rear assembly of a Samoyed is a crucial aspect to consider when evaluating their size and development. Upper thighs should be well developed, which can be checked by palpating the upper portion of the thigh behind the stifles to feel the muscle mass.
Stifles should be well bent, approximately 45 degrees to the ground, to indicate proper development. This is important to note, as straight stifles are considered objectionable.
Hocks should be well developed and set at approximately 30 percent of the hip height. This is a key indicator of proper rear assembly development.
Cow hocks, or hocks that are too close together, should only be determined after the dog has had the opportunity to move. This allows you to see how the hocks function in motion.
History and General Information
Samoyeds have a long, rich history as a part of Samoyedic culture in Siberia, where they were important family members and provided critical warmth and companionship.
Their Siberian ancestors helped with the nomadic reindeer hunts of the Samoyede people, giving them natural herding instincts.
Samoyeds have been bred to be powerful haulers and effective hunters, and they've also been close companions for children.
In the late 1800s to early 1900s, Samoyeds traveled with famous explorers such as Ernest Shackleton, Roald Amundsen, and Robert Falcon Scott during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.
Queen Alexandra of England fell in love with the breed and helped popularize Samoyeds as both show dogs and companions, with many of her dogs' descendants found in kennels throughout the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain.
Samoyeds are members of the Nordic spitz canine group, which originated in Asia and is one of 14 breeds with direct ties to ancient wolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Samoyed dogs be black?
According to breed standards, black is not a recognized color for Samoyed dogs. Their coats are typically white, cream, or biscuit-colored.
What are the weaknesses of Samoyeds?
Samoyeds can be prone to rambunctious behavior if not provided with regular exercise and mental stimulation. Without adequate outlets for their energy, they may exhibit destructive chewing and excessive barking.
Is a Samoyed a good house dog?
Yes, Samoyeds can make great house dogs for active families, but they require regular attention and exercise to prevent destructive behavior. With proper care, they can be loyal and loving companions.
Sources
- the original (akc.org)
- "Samoyed" (akc.org)
- "Samoyed" (wordcentral.com)
- Samoyed Dog Breed - BeChewy (chewy.com)
- Preventing Bloat (sunnysidevetclinic.com)
- Health Issues (samoyedclubofamerica.org)
- Samoyed (akc.org)
- Samoyed Club of America (samoyedclubofamerica.org)
- AKC Breeds (akc.org)
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