Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Samoyed is one of the most ancient northern breeds, formed among the northern nomadic peoples. These dogs were used as sled, guarding, and herding helpers, accompanying families in the harsh conditions of the tundra. The breed developed naturally, selected for endurance, strength, and a friendly temperament necessary for close interaction with humans. At the end of the 19th century, the Samoyed was brought to Europe, where the systematic development of the breed began. Today it is known as a universal working and family dog that has preserved its natural type.
General Appearance
The Samoyed is a medium-sized, strong, harmoniously built dog with a clearly expressed northern type. It is characterized by a dry but powerful constitution, well-developed musculature, and a strong skeleton. The body is slightly elongated, the withers are well pronounced. The head is wedge-shaped, with the characteristic “Samoyed expression” — soft, friendly, and attentive. The coat is dense, resilient, with a thick undercoat forming a voluminous covering. Movements are free and energetic. The overall appearance combines strength, natural beauty, and functionality typical of northern working breeds.
Important Proportions
The format is moderately elongated. The height at the withers is close to the length from the shoulder to the ischial tuberosity. The head is proportional to the body; the muzzle length is approximately one third of the head length. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, ensuring good respiratory capacity. The neck is strong, of medium length, with a natural arch. Limb angulation is well balanced, contributing to free movement. The tail is high-set and curled over the back. All proportions aim at endurance, thermal insulation, and efficiency in sled work.
Behavior and Temperament
The Samoyed is known for its calm, friendly, and balanced temperament, shaped by centuries of living closely with humans. The breed is people-oriented, shows strong attachment to the family, and has a stable psyche. Samoyeds are attentive, active, curious, and require regular mental and physical activity. Aggression is not typical, though the dog may show caution toward strangers. They are highly trainable, independent, and joyful, retaining natural gentleness and energy.
Head
The Samoyed’s head is wedge-shaped, proportional to the body, with smooth lines and a distinct typical expression. The skull is slightly domed, of medium size, the stop is moderately defined. The forehead is broad, gradually transitioning into the muzzle. The cheekbones are moderately developed, not coarse. The muzzle is dry, of medium length, gradually tapering toward the nose but not pointed. The lips are dry, tight, with slightly raised corners forming the characteristic “smile.” The jaws are strong, the bite is correct scissor bite. The overall impression of the head is friendliness, northern type silhouette, and confidence.
Facial Region
The muzzle is of moderate length, wedge-shaped, with a straight profile. The nose is pigmented, usually black; slight “winter nose” lightening is permissible in winter. The lips are tight, pigmentation is full and even. The jaws are strong, the teeth are large and well aligned. The cheeks are dry, without coarseness, emphasizing the wedge-shaped outline. The chin is moderately expressed, not protruding. The facial region creates the typical friendly Samoyed expression — soft, attentive, calm. A pointed muzzle, weak jaws, or poor pigmentation are unacceptable.
Eyes
The Samoyed’s eyes are almond-shaped, slightly slanted, of medium size, with a dark iris harmonizing with the general expression. The gaze is lively, attentive, and friendly, without signs of aggression or fear. The eyelids fit tightly, are well pigmented, which enhances expressiveness. Round, protruding, too light, or too widely set eyes are unacceptable, as are signs of irritation or weak pigmentation. Correct eye shape and placement create the characteristic “Samoyed smile” and the soft, open expression.
Ears
The ears are small or medium-sized, triangular with rounded tips, set high and fairly wide. They are erect, firm, covered with dense hair. When attentive, the ears point forward, emphasizing alertness and expressiveness. Unacceptable are ears that are too large, low-set, soft, or turned outward. The placement and shape of the ears must support the typical head silhouette and correspond to the northern working type.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, muscular, with a natural arch, smoothly transitioning into the withers. The neck set is sufficiently high, giving the breed a proud and confident appearance. The skin is tight, without dewlap. The neck provides freedom of movement and correct body balance, especially during fast sled work. A neck that is too short, long, weak, or thin is unacceptable. A well-set neck enhances the typical Samoyed appearance.
Body
The Samoyed’s body is strong, moderately elongated, with a solid skeleton and well-developed musculature. The withers are pronounced, smoothly transitioning into a straight, strong topline. The loin is short, muscular, slightly arched. The croup is broad, moderately sloping, providing powerful drive. The chest is deep, broad, with well-curved ribs reaching the elbows. The belly is slightly tucked up but not overly dry. The body must demonstrate strength, endurance, and the typical functionality of a northern working breed.
Tail
The Samoyed’s tail is one of the breed’s defining features. It is high-set, heavily covered with long hair forming a voluminous fluffy plume. When moving or excited, the tail curls in an arc over the back or to the side; in a relaxed state it may drop down. The shape must be dense and harmonious, without loss of volume. Unacceptable are straight, low-set, poorly coated, or overly rigid tails. The correct tail emphasizes the northern type and balance of the exterior.
Description of the Exterior
Forelimbs
The forelimbs are straight, parallel, with strong bone. The shoulder blades are long, moderately sloping, providing good freedom of movement. The upper arm is strong, with correct angulation. The forearms are straight and strong; the wrists are firm, without softness. The feet are compact, round, with thick pads and hair between the toes, which protects from cold and provides grip on snow. Weak, splayed, or too narrow forelimbs are unacceptable. The forelegs must show strength and stability.
Hindlimbs
The hindlimbs are powerful, well developed, with voluminous muscles and clearly defined angulation. The thighs are long and broad; the stifles are strong and correctly bent. The lower thighs are of moderate length and strong. The hocks are low-set, strong, without signs of weakness or deviation. The rear pasterns are vertical and firm, providing elastic drive. The feet are slightly elongated, with thick pads and dense hair between the toes. The hindlimbs must demonstrate balance and strength typical of northern working breeds.
Gait and Movement
The Samoyed’s gait is free, light, springy, and energy-efficient. At the trot the dog shows good forward reach of the forelimbs and powerful drive from the hindlimbs while maintaining a stable topline. Movements are straight, confident, with natural amplitude. During work the dog is capable of moving for long periods without fatigue. Short steps, deviations, cow-hocks, heavy or restricted movement are unacceptable. Correct movement emphasizes the Samoyed’s functionality as a sled breed.
Coat
The coat is a key breed characteristic. It is dense, resilient, straight or slightly wavy, forming a voluminous protective layer. The undercoat is very dense, soft, and provides insulation. The guard hair is long, harsher than the undercoat, and repels moisture well. The neck has a pronounced ruff, more developed in males. The coat is abundant on the limbs and tail. Unacceptable are soft, short, sparse coat, lack of undercoat, or excessive curliness. The coat must correspond to the northern working purpose of the breed.
Acceptable Colors
The Samoyed is allowed traditional northern colors: pure white, cream, white and biscuit, and biscuit, with white being the preferred color. The coat must be even, without pronounced spotting or dark markings that break the breed type. Pigmentation of the nose, lips, and eyelids is black; seasonal lightening (“winter nose”) is allowed. Grey, black, brown, and any non-standard shades are unacceptable. Correct coloration emphasizes the traditional northern type and clean exterior.
Size
The Samoyed is a medium-sized dog with a strong format. Males typically stand 54–60 cm at the withers, females 50–56 cm, while maintaining harmonious proportions. Weight varies depending on sex and condition, but the dog must appear strong, without excess heaviness. Size must not impair functionality: excessively large or very small individuals are undesirable. Important factors include overall balance, strength, endurance, and typical sled-dog characteristics.
Faults
Faults include deviations from breed type: weak bone, loose body, insufficient musculature. Narrow chest, soft topline, incorrect limb angulation. Light eyes, weak pigmentation of eyelids or lips, excessively large eyes, or incorrect ear shape. Coat that is soft, sparse, too short, or lacking thick undercoat. Incorrect color, markings, lack of breed expression. Character faults: shyness, nervousness, aggressiveness. Any deviation that affects functionality lowers the evaluation.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include serious deviations from the standard. Complete depigmentation of the nose, lips, or eyelids; blue or odd-colored eyes. Incorrect bites: overshot, undershot, missing multiple teeth (beyond age allowances). Clear limb deformities, lameness, severe movement disorders. Complete lack of undercoat, soft or curly coat, non-standard colors such as grey, black, brown. Tail anomalies, cryptorchidism in males. Unstable temperament: unjustified aggression or pronounced fearfulness.
Important Notes
The Samoyed is a northern working breed, and evaluation focuses on functionality, strength, endurance, and preservation of natural type. Minor cosmetic deviations are allowed if they do not affect work or health. Full pigmentation of the eyelids, lips, and nose is important; seasonal lightening is not considered a fault. Attempts to alter coat structure, color, or tail shape are unacceptable. Evaluation takes into account sex, age, condition, and temperament — the dog must be balanced and confident.
Conclusion
The Samoyed is a universal working and family breed that preserves the ancient northern type, endurance, and friendly temperament. To participate in shows and breeding within the ICCF system, the dog must have official ICCF documents confirming origin, absence of disqualifying faults, and conformity with the standard. Evaluation is based on functionality, coat quality, pigmentation, stable psyche, and balanced exterior. Only healthy, typical dogs fully meeting ICCF requirements are admitted to breeding.
