The Samoyed breed originally lived and worked with the nomadic Siberian people, who relied on these dogs to help sustain their daily lives and civilization. Day in and day out, these pure white animals pulled their sleds, guarded their reindeer and kept the huts warm at night. Eventually, Samoyeds accompanied many of the arctic explorers on their long, dangerous expeditions. They endured indescribable hardships, withstood blood-freezing temperatures and pulled heavy sleds across miles of frozen wilderness. Samoyeds were part of Roald Amundsen’s successful expedition to the South Pole in 1911.
In my song “White on White,” I describe the Samoyed’s huge contribution to mankind.
Even today, these dogs cheerfully give of themselves and are always full of smiles. One of the most popular characteristics of this breed is the “Samoyed smile.” When happy, these intelligent, self-less animals literally look as though they are smiling or laughing at you.
