Facts about Samoyed

1. 07

   In 1906, Ernest Shackleton brought Samoyeds to Antarctica for his Nimrod Expedition, where they successfully hauled sledges across the continent's ice despite temperatures reaching minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

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2. 06

   Samoyeds were brought to England in the 1870s and quickly became favorites of European royalty, with Queen Alexandra acquiring several dogs for Sandringham House in Norfolk.

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3. 05

   Samoyeds possess a specialized gland called the nictitating membrane that produces a pinkish tear staining around their eyes, which becomes more pronounced during shedding season.

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4. 04

   At 40-60 pounds and standing 19-23 inches tall, Samoyeds were bred with substantial size to generate body heat and survive extreme Arctic temperatures below minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

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5. 03

   The breed's distinctive white coat served a practical purpose, allowing Samoyeds to blend into snowy Arctic landscapes while herding reindeer and making them visible to handlers in blizzard conditions.

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6. 02

   Samoyeds shed their double coat twice yearly, with each shedding cycle lasting 3-4 weeks and producing enough fur to fill multiple garbage bags.

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7. 01

   Originally bred by the Samoyede people of Siberia around the 1600s, these dogs were used to herd reindeer and pull sleds across Arctic terrain.

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