A breed with a built-in grin, the smile of the Samoyed dog serves a dual purpose: not only does their upside down frown prevent the dog from drooling (which could be hazardous in sub-freezing temperatures), it also melts the hearts of every human they meet. The breed has become so beloved that dog devotees have declared May 1st as International Samoyed Day!
Fun Facts About the Samoyed
In celebration of this pet holiday, we’ve fetched a few fun facts about the Samoyed:
The Samoyed dog was named in honor of the Samoyedic people from Siberia, where the breed originated. Not only did they prove to be excellent hunters, herders and sled dogs, the fluffy white canines with the double coat also kept their humans warm through painfully frigid weather by sleeping alongside their guardians. [Don’t miss our post on Samoyed Names with names inspired by the Samoyed’s Siberian origins.]
Samoyeds may hold the number one spot in the hearts of their pet parents, but the breed ranks 55th on the American Kennel Club’s annual list of the most popular dogs.
Samoyed-loving sightseers in Seoul, South Korea can mingle with their favorite breed at Gyeoul’s House Cafe, a cafe complete with a pack of Samoyeds. The establishment was named in honor of a senior Samoyed called Gyeoul (a Korean word which means “winter”),
Canine-loving crafters will be interested to know that excess undercoat fur of the double-coated Samoyed can be spun into yarn and turned into apparel!
Famous Samoyed dogs
Etah — Believed by many to be the first non-native to complete the trek to the South Pole, Etah was a Samoyed who acted as the lead sled dog on Raold Amundsen’s 1911 expedition.
Moustan of Argenteau — In 1906 this Sayoyed represented his breed as the first Samoyed to be registered by the American Kennel Club.
Rex — The tale of this stout-hearted Samoyed, who took part in more than 30 rescues, transported a doctor to stranded passengers aboard a snowbound train and was lead dog on the U.S. mail run, is told in The Story of Rex of White Way, The Blizzard King by Jim Cheskawich.
Famous Pet Parents of Samoyeds
Ariel Winter — The Modern Family star’s fur family includes a Samoyed named Casper.
Constantin Brancusi — During the early 1920s Samoyed called Polaire was a fixture of Parisian nightlife as the canine companion of this modern sculptor/photographer.
Karen Carpenter — The companionship of a Samoyed named Mush put a song in the heart of the iconic crooner who topped the charts in the 1970s.
King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra — Knowing that dogs rule, the late British monarch and his Queen were guardians of not only Samoyeds (one of whom was presented to the couple by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in 1886 while they held the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales), but also Basset Hounds, Clumber Spaniels, Collies, Dachshunds, Fox Terriers, French Bulldogs, Japanese Spaniels, Pekingese, Poodles, Pugs, Spitz and St. Bernards.
Lucille Ball — The I Love Lucy star loved dogs, and over the years was a proud pet parent to a bevy of barking buddies of various breeds, among them Cocker Spaniels, Fox Terriers (her tail-wagging chum during her teenage years was a Fox Terrier dubbed Whoopee), Toy Poodles and at least one Samoyed called Blanquito!
Adopting A Samoyed
If you are a potential pet parent who is thinking on International Samoyed Day about welcoming a Samoyed into your heart and home, look for a breed specific rescue in your area!
Search for adoptable Samoyed online:
- 24Petconnect (formerly Pet Harbor) https://24petconnect.com/
- AdoptAPet
- PetHarbor
- Petango
- PetFinder
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