Height: 19 to 24 inches at shoulder
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
Coat: straight and thick
Life span: 12 to 14 years
Breed Group: Working Dogs

Originally bred to hunt, haul sledges, and herd reindeer, the Samoyed proved a valuable companion for northwestern Siberia's Samoyede people. Among the breed's duties: pack hiking, tracking, and warming their owners by sleeping on top of them at night. A working breed, the Samoyed can be strong-willed at times, but above all they remain friendly, gentle, and devoted family dogs.