Standards

Standards

Summary of the AKC Samoyed Standard:

  • SKULL wedge shaped, slightly crowned.
  • EARS strong, thick, erect, mobile, set well apart, rounded tips.
  • STOP well defined – not too abrupt.
  • EYES dark, deepset, well apart, almond shaped, expressive.
  • EYE RIMS black preferred.
  • MUZZLE deep, medium length and width.
  • NOSE black preferred.
  • LIPS black preferred, slightly curving up at corners.
  • TEETH scissors bite.
  • FLEWS should not drop.
  • JAWS strong.
  • SHOULDERS long, sloping, firmly set, 45° layback.
  • CHEST deep.
  • RIBS well sprung.
  • FORELEGS straight, parallel, moderately long.
  • ELBOWS turned neither in nor out.
  • PASTERNS strong sturdy, straight but flexible.
  • FEET large, long, flattish, slightly spread.
  • TOES arched, pads thick, hair between toes.
  • COAT double, undercoat soft and thick, outercoat with longer harsh hair standing straight out, free from curl, should glisten and be weather resistant. Quality more important than quantity.
  • COLOR pure white, white and biscuit, cream or all biscuit.
  • DISPOSITION intelligent, gentle, loyal, alert, adaptable, full of action, eager to serve, friendly but conservative; not shy nor distrustful, not overly aggressive.
  • RUFF long hair, around head and shoulders, frames head.
  • NECK strong, well muscled, carried proudly erect.
  • WITHERS separation 1″ to 1-1/2″.
  • BACK straight, strong, very muscular, medium long.
  • LOINS strong, slightly arched.
  • CROUP full, slightly sloping to tail root.
  • TAIL moderately long, profuse hair, mobile, carried forward over back or side when alert.
  • UPPER THIGHS well developed.
  • STIFLES well bent, 45° to the ground.
  • HOCKS well developed, sharply defined, 30% of hip height.
  • HIND LEGS parallel.
  • UNDERLINE tightly muscled, well shaped, swinging up in a pleasing curve.
  • GAIT should trot – not pace, move with quick, agile, well timed stride, with good reach in front & strong rear action drive. At speeds faster than a walk or trot, they should single track. Back should remain strong, firm and level.
  • SIZE HEIGHT – vertical distance from top of withers to the ground.
  • SIZE LENGTH (Horizontal line from point of breast bone to point of pelvis) approximately 5% more than height, slightly longer in females.