The Samoyed has been identified as a basal breed that predates the emergence of the modern breeds in the 19th Century.
It belongs to the spitz or northern dog group, specifically the laikas, a Eurasian dog type used for a variety of purposes, namely hunting, herding, guarding, and sledding.
The Samoyed is descended from the Nenets herding laika, a dog that may not only be white, but also a wide variety of colors.
Like many breeds, the Samoyed was bred from a small number of founders (in this case, from Siberia).

Samoyeds were originally used for hunting, herding reindeer, and hauling sledges for the Samoyede people in Siberia.
The Samoyed has been identified as a basal breed that predates the emergence of the modern breeds in the 19th Century. It belongs to the spitz or northern dog group, specifically the laikas, a Eurasian dog type used for a variety of purposes, namely hunting, herding, guarding, and sledding. The Samoyed is descended from the Nenets herding laika, a dog that may not only be white, but also a wide variety of colors. Like many breeds, the Samoyed was bred from a small number of founders (in this case, from Siberia).
Samoyeds were originally used for hunting, herding reindeer, and hauling sledges for the Samoyede people in Siberia.
Samoyed (dog)