Samoyed — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Samoyed — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The Samoyed comes from Northern Russia and Siberia, its name taken from the Samoyed tribes of that region (FCI).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* FCI records it as standard N° 212 with the Nordic Kennel Union as patron; it is used as both a sledge dog and a companion (FCI).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Under the FCI system the breed sits in the fifth group, the Spitz and primitive types group, and within that in Section 1, the Nordic sledge dogs section, with no working trial (FCI).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The AKC describes a working dog of beauty, alertness and strength with agility, dignity and grace, carrying a heavy, weather-resistant coat suited to cold climates (AKC).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* AKC height is 21 to 23½ inches for males and 19 to 21 inches for females at the withers (AKC).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The coat is double: a soft, short, thick, close under-layer of wool with longer, harsh, straight outer hair that is free of curl, forming a ruff around neck and shoulders that is fuller on males and showing a silvery sheen (AKC/FCI).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Accepted colours are pure white, white with biscuit, cream, or all biscuit; the FCI adds that the base should be white with a few biscuit markings and never look pale brown (AKC/FCI).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Disqualifying colours under both clubs are any coat colour apart from pure white, cream, biscuit, or the white-and-biscuit mix; blue eyes are also a disqualification (AKC/FCI).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The disposition is intelligent, gentle, loyal, adaptable and alert, full of action and eager to serve, friendly yet reserved rather than shy or overly aggressive; unprovoked aggression is severely penalized (AKC).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The FCI temperament is friendly, open, lively and alert, with only a slight hunting drive; it is never shy or aggressive, very social, and unsuitable as a guard dog (FCI).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The head is a powerful wedge with a broad skull and a strong, deep muzzle about as long as the skull, tapering to a straight bridge; the lips are black and curve up at the corners to form the characteristic Samoyed Smile (FCI/AKC).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Eyes are dark (brown per FCI, dark preferred per AKC) and almond shaped, while the ears are erect, thick and triangular with slightly rounded tips, set high and well apart (FCI/AKC).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The tail is moderately long, reaching about the hock when lowered, and is carried curled forward over the back or side when the dog is alert, dropping at rest (AKC/FCI).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* FCI ideal height is 57 cm for males and 53 cm for females, each with a tolerance of ±3 cm; the body runs about 5% longer than its height at the withers (FCI).
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Eliminating faults under the FCI include an aggressive or excessively shy nature, obvious physical or behavioural abnormalities, blue or unevenly coloured eyes, overshot or undershot bite, ears that are not erect, and any non-permitted coat colour (FCI).