Life Span:	between 12 and 15 years.
Litter Size:	between 4 and 6 puppies.
Group:	Spitz, Working Dog
Recognized By:	CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Color:	Typical colors for the Samoyed are a mixture of white and biscuit coloring. However, all white and all biscuit colored dogs are not uncommon. The white of the overcoat does appear to have some silver.
Hair Length:	Long
Size:	Medium
Shedding:	Heavy Shed
Male Height:	21-23 1/2 inches
Male Weight:	44-65 lbs
Female Height:	19-21 1/2 lbs
Female Weight:	37-55 lbs
Living Area:	The Samoyed is a dog that will do well in many different environments. This breed will adjust and live comfortably in an apartment style atmosphere as long as the owner makes sure that the dog receives enough exercise and activity. They will also do well in a larger environment when a fenced yard. However, because of their desire to be with the family, tendency for separation anxiety, and excessive barking, they are not to be left alone outside for long periods of time. It is essential for the owners of Samoyeds to ensure that they are not left alone for hours on end. This will make the dog happier and less likely to destroy anything which in turn will make the family more content with owning a Samoyed.

About this Breed

The Samoyed is naturally a working dog and should exhibit qualities of strength and alertness while remaining to be elegant and beautiful. The Samoyed cannot be long in the back because the length makes the back weak and therefore the Samoyed is useless to perform its necessary tasks. However, the females may be slightly longer in the back than the males. The body should be muscular with a deep chest and well sprung ribs. The bone structure of the Samoyed is much heavier than expected for a dog of this size, but it should not be so heavy as to take away from the dog's ability to be agile and perform tasks. The upper thighs should be well developed and the legs should be parallel when viewed from behind. The front legs should be powerful and straight to the pasterns. The pasterns should have some spring while remaining strong, sturdy, and straight. The shoulders should be long and sloping. The feet of the Samoyed are large, long, and flattish. They are slightly spread but not played and there is hair growth between toes for protection. The feathers on the feet are more common found on the females, but are not too essential. The skull is to be wedge shaped and form an equal lateral triangle on lines between the inner ears and the central point of the stop. The skull should not be round or apple-headed. The muzzle should be of medium length and medium width. The whiskers are not to be removed. The lips should be curved up at the corners to give the smiley appearance. Their expression is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the Samoyed. This "samoyed expression" is illustrated by the sparkling of the eyes and the lighting up of the face. The ears should be alert. The expression is a combination of the eyes, ears, and mouth.