mmr@wuphys.UUCP (Martha Minton Reiner) (04/06/84)
o This is in reply to the person who wanted background on different types of dogs. I have a 2 year old Samoyed and a 4 week old Chow Chow. I have obedience trained the Samoyed with a reputable trainer who has won many awards for his excellence and he has determined through experience that white colored dogs, esp. the Samoyed breed, is very hard to obedience train. Apparently they are, he says, extremely intelligence, as all white log haired dogs are, and will do anything you ask it not to do! I have found this to be true. I'll say "down" and she'll crouch into a half sit half down position, never letting her chest tought the floor. Only when I insist will she "hit the dirt". If she's in mood to obey, however, her training sessions are pure joy--sharp turns, perfect sit/stays, etc. She'll out perform the best German Shepards. The Samoyed breed is very friendly and is wonderful around children above 10 yrs. old. My dog tends to jump on people and smaller children (under 10 yrs.) have been frightened of her height and frisky behavior. She loves to make friends! The vet says the only problem with Samoyed is that they have a tendency towards thyroid problems, and hip displasia (sp?) (as do most large dog breeds). They are not good guard dogs because of their friendly nature. The Chow Chow has a tendency towards "in-turned" eye lids--their cousin (the wrinkled Chinese dogs that is VERY expensive) also has this problem but to a much greater degree. Surgery must be performed so that they can see out of their eyes in worst of cases. The Chow Chow is cat-like: clean, independent, and hates water; but also, they make great guard dogs because they are aggressive and attack strangers, like the Doberman breed. Of course, our new Chow loves water, follows the Samoyed around all day long and will curl up with my husband at night. She wimpers if he doesn't let her up on the bed. Sheesh! If the Samoyed is in a "down" command, the Chow will come up and pull the hair out of her tail. And since she is unable to do anything about her hair, will look behind her and glare at the Chow and then back at me pleading for release out of the command. It's hilarious! --Martha at Wash. Univ. Physics Dept.