Recognized for their snow-white soft fur, curly wagging tail, amiable nature, and affinity to frigid temperatures, the Samoyed breed is purposefully crafted to flourish in working and herding roles in harshly cold climates. Originating from the Reindeer Spitz of Russia, these canines are ascribed the name “Samoyed” due to being linked to the Nenets people, a native group inhabiting the furthest northern region of Russia.
Medium to large in size (35-65 pounds), Samoyeds exhibit a confident posture and have a distinct thick hair coat made up of two layers- a long topcoat with straight hair and a soft undercoat that is dense. They possess round, thick, triangular ears, a deep chest, strong hind legs, and a fluffy, curled tail that lies on their back. The curvature of their mouth corners is often mistaken for a smile but the breed was, in fact, bred to avoid icicle formation.
Caring for a Samoyed
The friendly and playful Samoyed makes an excellent companion and family pet, although its thick, double-layered coat necessitates regular grooming and makes it unsuitable for warmer climates. Owners should keep in mind that Samoyeds are susceptible to heatstroke in hot weather or even during mild spring and summer seasons in moderate temperature zones.
The Samoyed is a powerful working dog and does not tire easily. These dogs are most known for pulling sleds, herding, agility, and hunting. They need regular exercise and are very playful, active dogs who love to be social with people and other dogs.
Samoyed Health Issues
Although the Samoyed breed can have a lifespan of up to 14 years, they may have a genetic inclination towards various health concerns such as heart and eye problems, hip dysplasia, and kidney disease. Additionally, their vulnerability to high temperatures can exacerbate their susceptibility to other medical conditions.
Retinal Diseases
Located at the back of the eye, the retina detects light and transmits signals to the brain for visual identification. Samoyeds typically suffer from two types of retinal diseases.
Abnormal folds in the retina that result in reduced vision and eventual blindness are known as retinal dysplasia. In Samoyeds, this condition may be hereditary and can be detected through DNA testing.
PRA, a hereditary condition that results in the degeneration of photoreceptors on the retina, causes blindness in Samoyed dogs of young to middle age. Genetic testing using DNA is also available to identify PRA.
Although there is no particular cure for retinal illnesses that are related to genetics in dogs, gene therapy could potentially be used as a means of treatment.
Uveodermatologic Syndrome
UDS is a condition affecting a dog’s appearance and eyesight, where their immune system erroneously targets melanin production responsible for the diverse skin and hair pigments as well as certain eye structures. Symptomatic of UDS include skin abnormalities, depigmentation, inflamed eyes, and vision impairment. Treatment typically involves administering steroids or cyclosporine for immune response suppression.
Heart Problems
The Samoyed can be predisposed to several heart problems, including the following:
ASD is a condition where there is a hole between the heart’s two atria, which are two of the heart’s four chambers. This hole should naturally close during embryonic development before birth. However, if it remains open post-birth, it can cause irregular blood flow and result in heart failure. Although it is not prevalent, dogs with ASD may not exhibit any apparent symptoms.
As a dog ages, aortic stenosis occurs when the opening of the aortic valve in the heart is narrowed. Although a veterinarian may observe a heart murmur during a physical exam, this often has no major effects, and the dog can live a normal life. However, if there is severe aortic stenosis, the dog may display symptoms such as lethargy, coughing, shortness of breath or collapse. The treatment options for severe aortic stenosis include daily medication, such as a beta-blocker, and exercise restriction. Additionally, the use of a specialized balloon, known as balloon valvuloplasty, may be a surgical option.
A narrowing of the pulmonic valve in the heart characterizes pulmonic stenosis, a congenital illness. Lethargy, shortness of breath, coughing, or collapse may or may not manifest as clinical symptoms similar to aortic stenosis. Balloon valvuloplasty is an often-preferred method for treating severe pulmonic stenosis, although alternative surgical options are available.
Typically, a veterinarian will detect a heart problem by identifying a heart murmur during a physical examination, and it is advised to keep track of the issue every 6-12 months by taking echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds) and chest x-rays.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a health issue that results from improper functionality of the hip joint and can lead to discomfort. Although there is a hereditary likelihood for this problem, other variables such as the growth rate, muscularity, food intake, and physical activity of a Samoyed can also play a role in the emergence of hip dysplasia.
PennHIP screening is accessible for testing the possibility of hip dysplasia occurrence in dogs. Upon diagnosis of hip dysplasia in your dog, available options for its treatment and long-term management include medication, joint supplements and surgery. Proper weight management also holds significance.
Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy
SHG is a genetic disease of the kidneys which is commonly found in Samoyeds. The glomerulus, that acts as a filter in the kidney, is impacted by the disease. When the glomerulus is affected, substances such as albumin that are present in the blood are likely to leak into the urine. Gradual damage to the glomerulus ultimately results in kidney failure, which is generally observed in a Samoyed suffering from SHG by the age of 5.
A genetic DNA test for SHG exists, and though there is no known cure, the advancement of disease can be delayed through the use of ACE-inhibitor drugs and protein-restricted diets that are suitable for the kidneys.
Behavior and Training Tips for Samoyeds
Samoyed Personality and Temperament
With a friendly and playful disposition, the Samoyed breed is keenly aware of its surroundings, making it an excellent pet choice for families. They tend to be vociferous, often barking, growling, and whining when engaged in stimulating activities or interactions. They exhibit a fondness for interacting with new acquaintances, whether they be human or canine.
Samoyeds are a highly active dog breed that require physical activity and entertainment. Due to their sociable nature and boundless energy, it is essential to ensure that Samoyeds are securely enclosed within a fenced area or kept on a leash when being walked to prevent them from straying.
Samoyed Behavior
The Samoyed breed requires abundant space and regular exercise due to their enthusiastic nature and work-oriented behavior. Inadequate space or lack of stimulation can lead to destructive behavior and anxiety in a Samoyed.
Samoyed Training
Early training and socialization are crucial for Samoyeds, as is the case with many other dog breeds. Samoyeds are intelligent animals that usually respond well to training, and they excel at participating in physical activities such as herding, dogsledding, and agility training when properly trained.
Fun Activities for Samoyeds
A long walk or run
Riding a sled down a snowy hill.
The ability to move quickly and easily.
The activity of pulling weights.
Shepherding
Playing joyfully in the snow.
BONUS: Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Recipe
Due to the ever-changing nature of recalls and details regarding commercial dog foods, an increasing number of dog owners are choosing to create their own dog food at home. Although dogs thoroughly enjoy home-cooked meals, crafting homemade dog food is distinct from cooking for oneself or others in the household. It is crucial to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the well-being of your canine companion.
Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?
The popularity of homemade diets is increasing due to the ability to control ingredients, avoiding any concerns about dog food recalls. Furthermore, some individuals desire to provide healthier meals for their pets as they pursue healthier eating habits themselves, resulting in a preference for homemade diets that feature whole food components deemed healthier than processed dog food.
Before making the decision to switch your dog to a homemade diet, it’s important to take into account certain factors. Home-cooked dog food isn’t suitable for everyone.
- Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
- It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
- Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
- If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.
How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs
It is crucial to ensure your homemade dog diet is complete and balanced by following a recipe. After selecting a suitable recipe with the help of your veterinarian, you may begin preparing it.
- Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
- Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
- Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
- Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
- Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
- Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
- Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
- In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.
A lot of pet owners opt to cook food in large batches and store them in pre-measured containers in their fridges or freezers. Although it’s an excellent method to save both time and money, it’s advisable to start with smaller portions to monitor your dog’s response to the diet.
Sample Dog Food Recipes
Northwest Holistic Pet Care: Cooked Meal for a 20 lb. Dog
It is crucial to first seek advice from your holistic vet before altering your dog’s diet, considering their current health condition. Take note of your dog’s weight before modifying their diet, to have a reference point for future adjustments in case they gain or lose too much weight. The amount of food your dog needs depends on their age, activity level, and general well-being.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ground organic turkey thigh (boneless)
- 2 tbsp ground organic turkey organ meat (liver, gizzards, hearts)
- ¼ c finely grated organic veggies
- 1 tsp ground raw sunflower seeds
- ½ tsp organic coconut oil
- ½ tsp salmon oil
- 500 mg Calcium Citrate (*must include this!)
Modify the ingredient proportions according to your dog’s weight and level of physical activity. The servings provided in the previous section are suitable for a 20-pound dog that engages in light exercise. If your dog engages in rigorous physical activity, their calorie intake may increase four times over. Ensure to regularly supervise your dog’s weight and change meal sizes accordingly to meet their calorie threshold.
- 40 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 2
- 60 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 3
- 80 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 4
Directions:
Boil the vegetables until tender and keep them aside. Simmer the ground turkey thigh and organs on a moderate heat. Turn off the heat when most of the meat has become white, but a scant bit is still rosy. Put the boiled veggies in a blender or a fresh coffee grinder and blend until they are finely grated. Combine all constituents and make sure the blend has cooled down adequately before serving.
When food is cooked, the vital energy it possesses is reduced by the heat. However, partially cooking it in a gentle manner will preserve more of its vitality while making it easier for certain pets to digest compared to raw food. Vegetables can be made easier to digest and nutrient absorption can be enhanced by blanching them and finely grating them.
