Zhivoi is the Russian word for 'lively'.
In choosing a kennel name we wanted something evocative of the Samoyed breed. We believe it is an apt description.
Samoyed –
General Appearance: Most striking. Medium and well balanced. Strong, active and graceful, free from coarseness but capable of great endurance.
Characteristics: Intelligent, alert, full of action. ‘Smiling expression’.
Temperament: Displays affection to all mankind. (From the Kennel Club breed standards)
A Samoyed carries the spirit of Christmas in them all year round.
This is breed standard description and one of the most well known statement about the breed that we love. But they have so many other qualities.
To share your life with a Samoyed is to be entertained, challenged, herded, tested, bossed, scolded, tended, and a myriad of other experiences. But best of all, you will be loved.
They can make a person who does not like dogs draw in a breath and tell you how beautiful they are.
Besides being beautiful, Samoyeds are a source of joy. They amuse, they comfort, they delight, and they love.
They are spirited, intelligent, willful, challenging, desirous of companionship,
And one mustn’t forget the charm they possess.
Each Samoyed can be so different in temperament. One can be sassy and bossy; one can be soft, sweet, gentle, and bossy; one can be active, a troublemaker, a shadow, and bossy.
Notice the recurring theme here?
To own a Samoyed you can not be shy. You must be prepared to answer questions, to allow your dog to be admired. An hour walk will take an hour and a half, easily. But we don’t mind because it has introduced people to a new breed.
But in our commitment to the breed we have a responsibility to educate people when they have shown a desire to acquire a Samoyed. Yes, we would love more people to enjoy the wonderful experience of having one in their lives. But, people should be aware of the negatives in the form of barking, usually a high pitched happy bark that can shatter glass let alone eardrums. The wooo-woooing to call you back to the pack. Samoyeds are very vocal - quite a bit of the time. The profuse coat sheds, where you will wear, eat, sleep, drink, and blink hair no matter how many times a day you vacuum or brush them. You will feel you own stock in a sticky roller business and become a personal valet to all who visit.
The willfulness of the Samoyed nature – a sentence in the very first Samoyed breed book I ever read has stuck in my mind for over thirty years. “A Samoyed will obey you if he must; but in his own way and in his own time.”
People need to know that a Samoyed doesn’t fully emotionally mature until the ages of three to four years old. They will remain most puppy-like for many a year.
Samoyeds are strong dogs, and they love to pull you. It's in their nature to be that little bit in front hauling you along! ;) There is usually a small power struggle that goes on regarding who is going to control the walk. ;)
But the most important fact of all – a Samoyed requires, no, craves human companionship. Without it they can become bored, destructive, or pine.
A Samoyed thrives on being with humans and laughter.
People who are not aware of these facts that are just in love with the snowy bundles are the people who turn their dogs over for re-homing when they encounter the problems.
If in spite of the negatives if you are still interested and captivated by the breed – WELCOME to the wonderful world of the Samoyed!
A lifetime of love and adventure awaits you.
