(This article, written many years ago, has become a notorious classic in Bouvier circles. It has been reprinted many times by clubs to use for the education of prospective Bouvier owners. She gives her permission freely to all who wish to reprint and distribute it in hopes of saving innocent dogs from neglect and abandonment by those who should never have acquired them in the first place.) Interested in buying a Samoyed? You must be or you wouldn’t be reading this. You’ve already heard how marvelous Sammies are. Well, I think you should also hear, before it’s too late, that SAMOYEDS ARE NOT T ..read more

If you’re like we were several years ago, you’re just now learning that you’ve been doing it wrong. If this is your first adventure in puppy ownership, you’ll get it right from the start. I’ll just say it: puppies don’t come home with you and instantly become your running or hiking partner. Not at 8 weeks, not at 16 weeks, and not even at 8 months! Puppies bones aren’t fully formed until they are 18 months of age, so they should only have minimal exercise until that time comes, or you risk harming their growth. I know that’s tough to comprehend, but trust your breeder. Your puppy would benefi ..read more

It’s a commitment. Set aside at least 2 hours. Put on some nice music, set up your grooming area, and settle in. When we first brought Sadie home, we gave her a bath and groom EVERY. SINGLE. WEEK. She was our first show dog and we wanted her coat to be the best it could be! Over time, we came to our senses and realized every week was a bit much, but we still gave her a bath every time we had a show, and usually a minimum of once a month if there weren’t any shows we were going to. That’s Sadie in the photo, tolerating the bath. It’s not her favorite thing to do, but she is a good sport about ..read more