The last couple of years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership rise by nearly eight per cent. But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog. There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears on prospective owner’s canine wishlists is the Akita – a breed that can be willful but are alert, courageous, and fiercely loyal to their family. Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
The Samoyed was bred in Siberia by the Nenet people from a breed called Reindeer Herding Laika. They were used to hunt, herd reindeer, and pull sleds.
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Samoyeds’ are one of the most friendly and affable breeds of dog, leading to the nicknames ‘Sammie smile’ and ‘smiley dog’.
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In the 19th century Samoyeds were regularly used by explorers seeking to reach the North and South Poles – including Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen and Britain’s Robert Scott.
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The Samoyed takes its name from the Samoyedic peoples – the indigenous inhabitants of Siberia.
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