SAMOYEDS COME TO

MELPORT MEADOWS!

The introduction of Samoyeds to our family came about when we still had lots of young homeschooled children at home. Our oldest Great Pyrenees had passed away, and I was contemplating finding a new Pyr pup. But my children let me know that they would like something that was a little more exciting than the "Gentle Giants" we'd had for many years. They thought a sled dog team sounded like fun! So we began researching the Arctic breeds. When we found that the Samoyeds rated the highest for playfulness, getting along with children, and getting along with other dogs, the search was on for a different kind of "white furry".

As we acquired our first Samoyeds, just as with the Great Pyrs, we especially enjoyed the Sammys' working nature. Developed through hundreds of years of working with the Samoyed people on the tundra in Russia, a Sammy is an active breed, happiest when his body and mind is engaged. Whereas most of the Northern breeds were traditionally tethered out when not pulling a sled, the Samoyed dogs were a part of the family. (In fact, I read somewhere that the dogs were/are more valuable than a man's wife because they're harder to replace!) The dogs not only pull sleds, but herd the reindeer that are the livlihood of the tribe, and sleep with the children to keep them warm at night! Their fur is spun into wool (arctic breeds have a hollow insulative core in each strand of fur, making it the warmest of the wools) and when they pass away, their pelt is used as well.

When the children were still young we had a lot of fun with our sled dog team... unfortunately, everyone remained very amateur mushers and never really learned to teach the dogs to go where we wanted them to go on a consistent basis! We found out firsthand that 4 dogs hitched to a sled is a LOT of power, and potentially a great time - or a serious disaster waiting to happen! I hope some day to be able to go to a dog camp and learn to do the job right. Ski-joring with one dog was the easiest way to have fun in the snow with our Sammys, and is something anyone can do.

We also found that our first papa dog (now grandpa), Nikita, has been a great help in herding our cattle and poultry when they need to be rounded up. The herding instinct is tamer in a Samoyed than in a Border Collie, but it's definitely there!

And last but definitely not least, our dogs' talking, smiles, and funny antics continually bring enjoyment to us and to everyone who meets them!

KATIYANA

A Samoyed dog is not for everyone, and we stress that it is imperative to be certain that the breed is a good fit for your family before committing to take one home. The Sammy is a very social dog and loves to be with people and to please his people. Some have called the Sammy a difficult dog to train. This is because they are very intelligent and so can be easily bored with repetitive training methods. Keep your dog's attention with interesting methods and you will be rewarded!

As a social and active dog, the Samoyed will not be happy to be left at home by himself while the family is gone for a full work or school day all week long. We have had way too many dogs returned to us for re-training and re-homing due to behavioral problems developed through boredom and negligence or confinement in a crate. If your dog would be in this situation you should have a plan in place for caring for your pup during the time you are away. For some, the plan is to have more than one dog so they can have canine companionship. For others, it may be doggie daycare, or a neighbor or relative who can care for your dog at least some of that time. A large outdoor kennel or fenced yard can help, but will still not solve the socialization issue. A crate is never a solution, except for housebreaking at night and short daytime periods. This is simply not a breed that typically does well in a crate, and if left in one all day long will most certainly develop behavioral issues.

YESHKA

Melport Meadows Pups

Details About Our Samoyed Dogs