Samoyed

Samoyed, breed of working dog developed in Siberia, where its ancestors were kept by the Nenets (formerly Samoyed or Yurak) people as a sled dog and companion and as a herding dog for their reindeer. The Samoyed is sturdily built, with erect ears, dark almond-shaped eyes, and a characteristic “smile.” Its long heavy coat is white, cream, biscuit (grayish yellow), or white and biscuit. The Samoyed stands 19 to 23.5 inches (48 to 60 cm) tall at the withers and weighs 35 to 65 pounds (16 to 29.5 kg). The breed was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906.