These handsome, medium-sized dogs, attract attention.  The Keeshond has
a lovely silver-gray-to-black shaded coat, along with  an alert and
intelligent expression, which is enhanced by its fox-like head shape,
with “spectacle” markings around dark brown eyes.  Typically, they
weigh in the 40-50 pound range.

Behavior -   The Keeshond today makes an excellent companion and guard
dog.  It has the usual Spitz independence of other northern dogs,
though not to as great a degree as is found in Siberians or Malamutes.
Therefore, it is an easily trained dog, and responds exceptionally well
to positive and firm training.

The keeshond makes a great companion for children.  They are alert,
playful, and easily trained, as they are intelligent and thoroughly
enjoy human companionship.  While they will bark at strangers, they are
also quick to make new friends, and will readily become a favorite
member of any family with friends and neighbors.

The Keeshond has the Spitz group characteristic of needing to be a
member of the family.  They must be involved in family activities, and
get several hours a day of contact time with family members.  The back
yard is no substitute for human interaction.  Good socialization is
essential, and the well socialized keeshond readily accepts other pets.
 Many Keeshonds enjoy swimming, and they are good swimmers.

Exercise -   The Keeshond, while not requiring a large amount of
exercise, enjoys a daily walk, but eagerly participates in hikes and
longer excursions.

The Keeshond has another physical characteristic of the northern
dogs–it needs much less food than we often feed dogs, so it gains
weight easily.  Regulated feeding is essential to keep the Keeshond fit
and trim.  Combined with regular walks and exercise, and a happy
environment, the Keeshond can readily stay healthy for a 15 year
lifetime.

Grooming -   The Keeshond’s beautiful coat, which is certain insulation
against cold, wet, or hot weather, needs minimal care. This
“self-cleaning” coat has a soft texture.  Dirt is easily brushed off,
and the coat seldom mats.  Like the other members of the Spitz group,
the coat has no doggie odor, and should only be bathed 3 to 4 times a
year.

Grooming consists of brushing out the coat regularly.  The Keeshond
sheds twice a year in most Rocky Mountain locations.  The coat should
never be shaved down.  Please read our article on shaving northern dogs.

The Norwegian name, Elghund, reflects the hunting heritage.  These dogs
were developed to hunt large game, such as bear and moose.  The Elghund
is also a good farm dog, and is trustworthy around farm animals, can be
a good sled dog when necessary, and fill in as a herding dog.

Elghunds make good family companions, as they are good with children,
and are intelligent watch dogs.  The Elghund trains easily and can
excel at obedience.

Like most of the members of the Spitz group, the breed is “primitive”;
having been refined for only 140 years.  While this is longer than the
Siberian Husky or the Malamute, it is a short time in dog history.

The Elghund has a long and venerable lineage.  Elghunds were the friends
and companions of the Vikings on their numerous forays in northern
Europe, and traveled across the sea as far as Nova Scotia.

Because the Elghund became a prominent hunting companion, it had to
be energetic, bold, and intimidate through apparent aggression.
Elghunds had to track game for many miles, and be bold enough to stand
up to moose and bear.  The most successful Elghunds were agile and
smart.  It was these ancestors that passed on the high intelligence
that makes these dogs easy to train today.

Elghunds are still members of the Spitz group, and have the Spitz
independence.  They will obediently carry out a command, but not
necessarily twice in a row.  An Elghund gets bored by too much
repetition.

The Elghund is still close to nature, and possesses the genetic
behaviors passed down from a not-so-distant time when these dogs were
expected to take care of their own needs far more than at any time in
recent history.  The Elghund must be kept in a securely fenced yard, or
it will roam and possibly hunt.  These dogs have a healthy curiosity,
which is best exercised at the end of a leash when taking long walks
with an owner who loves outdoor activities with an appreciative
companion.

Obedience training is recommended, as the new owner will come to know
what to expect of the Elghund, and the dog will benefit enormously from
the socialization with other dogs.  Elghunds naturally love people, but
may require careful handling around new dogs until taught and
socialized to being with them.

As the Elghund is “independent minded”, it may be necessary to provide
varied stimulation during training.  Skipping to the next lesson,
before repeating a lesson, is often a good strategy.

Elghunds make faithful and loving friends.  The Elghund requires
comparatively little physical care.  Like other Spitz dogs, the Elghund
has an efficient metabolism, and it is necessary to feed one far less
than it might eat to avoid obesity.

The Elghund coat is an “easy care” coat.  Bathing is only necessary a
few times a year, and regular brushing easily cleans the coat of any
dirt or debris picked up during regular exercise.

The Samoyed personality can be a challenge to the inexperienced owner.
Like most northern breeds, the Samoyed obeys out of respect.  The Samoyed that
is handled with respect will comply with love and patience.

Samoyeds, like all northern breeds, must be trained.  When training a
Samoyed it is important to remember that a command once given, must be obeyed.  It
is best to begin training when the dog is young, and MAINTAIN THE
TRAINING!  Arctic dogs train differently from other non northern
breeds, so learn about training the arctic breeds before starting
training, or you may become frustrated.  Stimulation is helpful when training.

Northern breeds of dogs cannot be deprived of human relationships, and the
Samoyed deprived of sufficient human stimulation will become bored, and
may engage in behaviors such as digging.  They are excellent excavators by
nature.  A young dog may also become a problem chewer.

A fenced-in yard is a must for a Samoyed for these reasons:
1.  The dog must get exercise, and be protected from automobiles.
2.  To protect the dog from theft.  The Sammy’s friendly nature and
willingness to ride in any automobile makes it vulnerable to being stolen.
3.  The herding instinct is very strong. The Samoyed will chase a rabbit
willingly, and refuse to obey a command to come while herding.
4.  The Samoyed coat is a great attractor of debris, and one romp can
result in a major coat problem.  The coat can be time consuming to
clean, and be costly.

The Samoyed is a “talky dog”.  With encouragement, this dog will voice
pleasures and dislikes.  The Samoyed will also communicate with paw or
nose, using the nose to press softly under any idle human arm for attention.
The Samoyed learns to shake hands readily, and learns to use paws to open
doors, and play with toys.

Samoyeds are sensitive.  A Samoyed is generally very people-oriented, and
senses human emotions quickly.  As most northern dogs, the Samoyed must
have a pack, and looks to the master as pack leader.  When treated with love
and respect, the Samoyed will return it well multiplied.  The physical
environment is less important to a Samoyed than the human one.  This
means the Samoyed needs human attention daily.  It is a member of the
family, and will let you know when it is unhappy with the relationship.

At the Arctic Dog Rescue and Training Center, we often say that the old
adage, “An idle mind is the Devil’s Workshop.” originated with the
owners of northern breed dogs. If you want a low maintenance dog,
content to lie about in a back yard sleeping, and having a bowl of food
thrown at it when convenient, and minimal attention for weeks at a
time–don’t adopt a Samoyed–or any other northern breed.  These dogs
require your presence–in mind and body, and a Sammy knows when it is
being short changed in the relationship.

If you can truly bring yourself to being thoroughly loved; being the
center of the universe for an attractive companion who is playful,
devoted, loyal, energetic, sometimes sassy, talkative, innovative, and
enthusiastic about you all the time . . . then just maybe you are ready
for a Samoyed.

American Eskimo dogs, or “eskies” as they are known, have a long and
colorful history.  The eskie belongs to the Spitz group–the broad categorization
of northern breed dogs.  These breeds have a history dating back more than
6,000 years, and the diversity and versatility of the breed is well represented
in the eskie.  Still known in Europe as German Spitz dogs, the eskie found a
prominent home in America in the early 1900’s as a circus dog.

These lovable, highly intelligent and adaptable dogs became circus stars
through the 1920’s, and spread themselves throughout America by traveling
with the Circus, stealing the hearts of those who saw them, and winning
their way into homes throughout the country.  Most American Eskimo dogs today
can trace their pedigrees back to a famous circus dog or two.

Having a sensitive and affectionate nature, the eskie has an uncanny
ability to understand people and human tone, thereby adapting himself to the
various personalities of the household.  Most eskies are adopted due to having won
the hearts of people who visited them in their homes, or knew one that
belonged to a friend.  Few are adopted from being chosen out of a breed
book. It is no wonder that the national rescue organization calls them Heart
Bandits.

The eskie is hardly content to become a couch dog!  While they love a warm
lap, unlimited petting, and plenty of affection, they are too intelligent
to retire to a simple life of luxury. These energetic dogs have a strong
sense of duty, and when not protecting the home and interests of the people they
own, they continue to star in Hollywood, the show ring, and in agility and
obedience trials throughout the nation.

The standard eskie stands approximately 15-19 inches at the shoulder,
while the miniature stands 12-15 inches at the shoulder.  A toy eskie is rare,
but is recognized as standing 9-12 inches at the shoulder.  All have similar
winning personalities, high intelligence, devotion to their families, and
a willingness to learn anything people have the patience to teach them.

Eskies are best taught through positive methods–a lot of praise, games,
and a sense of joy all helping them to learn. They quickly get high marks in
obedience classes, and have the northern breed reputation of almost being
able to read the minds of people around them.

The eskie is a born watchdog, and MUST be well socialized as a puppy to
avoid developing an antisocial and over protective tendency.  Like other
northern breeds, the eskie requires your time and attention.  the American Eskimo
is devoted and loyal to his family.  He lives to please and protect them.

The eskie, like other northern breeds, MUST be a part of your family. They are natural diggers, and while not normally destructive, may become so when ignored.  They are natural roamers and predators requiring supervision and a fenced yard to protect them.

Since the reader may not yet own an Alaskan Malamute, it is likely that
the family dictionary lacks a term coined years ago, at the Central
Coast Northern Dog Rescue, that describes one aspect of this marvelous
dog’s  activities.  It should be added to the vocabulary of any
would-be owner.

malamutilate, verb, to malamutilate.  The act of a malamute
destroying, devastating, or otherwise laying waste to an object or
entire environment in which said malamute may, or may not still be
present.  Results are comparable  to building demolition, landscape
eradication, or strip mining.   Other forms of this word: verb.
malamutilating, malamutilated. Noun: malamutilated, malamutilation.
Usage: The sprinkler was badly malamutilated. She entered the room,
and gasped at the malamutilation of her couch.

The Alaskan Malamute has been working for many years pulling sleds
loaded with freight for the Inuit people, who    inhabited the
shores  of Kotzebu Sound.  The Alaskan Malamute is an adaptable and
 intelligent  canine companion.  Malamutes are a  heavy-boned dog
with a bulky muzzle,    a broad head, wide-set ears, and a thickly
furred tail carried    plume-like over the back, the Malamute is one
of the most attractive     dogs around, and, pound for pound,
almost certainly the strongest.

One of the many interesting features of the breed is the natural
range    in size, color, and markings.  The average male may have
a weight ranging from 85-125    pounds.  The average female may
have a weight ranging from 75-100  pounds.   Most Malamutes have
coats that are     gray with white trim or black and white, but
coats of silver, sable,    red, and all white sometimes occur.

This arctic breed is blessed with a sunny disposition and is
happiest when    treated as an intelligent partner.  The Alaskan
Malamute often has a well developed sense of humor.

A degree of aggression toward other dogs is fairly common in the
 breed. Many malamutes are friendly with dogs of the opposite sex,
but    aggressive with same sex dogs. A few malamutes simply like
other dogs,    including small dogs. There are, however, no
pacifist malamutes. If    challenged by an aggressive dog, even the
most peaceable member of the    breed will usually administer a
swift lesson in who rules the earth, and who must show respect.

If a Malamute is permitted to run loose in rural areas, it will
reliably slaughter livestock and wild animals. In urban and
suburban areas, a loose Malamute is a menace to cats and other furry
creatures. Swift, fearless, and powerful, Malamutes have been know
to catch songbirds on the wing.  Very few adult rescue Malamutes
 get along well with cats.

Malamutes are universally friendly to humans.As the dogs of a
peaceful, nomadic people, Malamutes do not guard property and
virtually always extend a tail-wagging, face-licking welcome to
strangers.  These dogs develop deep, complex attachments, and
readily bond to their adoptive owners.

Siberians are a gregarious lot and may need the company of other
dogs or of people at all times.  If you work all day, or have room
for only one dog think twice before adopting a Siberian.  While
capable of strong affection for his family, the Siberian Husky is
also very friendly with strangers.  So, if you want the fierce
loyalty of a one-man dog–DON’T ADOPT A SIBERIAN!

At least once a year Siberians shed their coats.  If you like fur
all over the house and in the very air you breathe, then fine. If,
however, you value neatness at all times, then–DON’T ADOPT A
SIBERIAN!!

Some Siberian Huskies have a natural proclivity for digging holes
in back yards.  If you take great pride in your landscaping efforts–DON’T
ADOPT A SIBERIAN!!!

Of all the shortcomings to be found in a Siberian, the most
dangerous to the pet-owner is their tremendous desire to RUN, but
the very first dash that a dog makes across the road could be his
last run anywhere.  A Siberian, for his own protection, should be
kept confined or under control at all times.  If you are one of
those people who think it is cruel to kennel a dog, or keep him
confined to his own back yard, then–DON’T ADOPT A SIBERIAN!!!!

We just happen to believe that any dog is better off in a proper
kennel or fenced yard than running loose all over the countryside.
Yes, a kennel dog is missing a lot in life–the chance to be hit by
a car, the fun of being dirty, full of bum and loaded with worms;
the opportunity of being attacked by other dogs; the joy of being
sick on garbage and infested with disease; the pleasure of being
tormented by mean kids; the thrill of being shot in a farmyard; and
finally the great comfort of never knowing where he belongs or how
to behave.  We don’t want to see ANY Siberian become a TRAMP!

If you want a dog who will never stray, who, on the porch will stay,
content–even when you are gone away–then don’t adopt a Siberian!

If you have read this far and honestly feel that you qualify on all
counts, and are still determined to own a Siberian, then we take
great pleasure in welcoming you to the fold.  Join the rest of us
in the smug complacency of knowing that we own the most beautiful,
the smartest, and the most nearly ideal dog in the world. It is hard to
be humble when you own a Siberian Husky.

505-792-2846

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Samoyeds are 12 times more likely than any other breed to develop canine diabetes and is a growing problem for the breed. The typical onset of diabetes is middle age, from 7 to 9 years old, often triggered by some health issue or oral steroids like prednisone. Symptoms include rapid and dramatic weight loss with no loss or increase of appetite, excessive water consumption, urination and bed wetting, weakness of the hind legs, and in acute cases, ketoacidosis (the presence of ketones in the urine). If you suspect your dog of diabetes, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Diabetes has no cure, but it is not a death sentence. Treatment involves patience in determining the correct insulin dosage balanced by food intake and exercise. Your veterinarian should have a preliminary treatment plan for you and your dog which includes a recommended starting insulin dosage based on your dog’s weight, training on how to administer the insulin injections, usually twice a day, and weekly checkups till your dog’s blood glucose level is in an acceptable range (between 100s and 200s), dietary considerations and detecting hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose levels which can lead to seizures, coma and death).

Your dog must be fed before you can administer the insulin. Meal time and administration of insulin must be at the same times every day. Exercise must also be consistent, in both the time of day as well as the amount of exercise.

The best approach to giving your diabetic dog quality of life is to arm yourself with knowledge. Join a diabetic news group for support and general information. For more information, visit http://www.caninediabetes.org/maillists.html.

Know the types of medication your dog is on, and the side effects. There are several types of insulin. Vetsulin and caninsulin are made specifically for animals and can only be obtained from your vet. You also have a choice of human insulin NPH and PZI. For canines, insulin NPH is recommended for several reasons. Canines generally do much better with insulin NPH than those made specifically for animals. Insulin NPH is also available at pharmacies and in most states, does not require a prescription. If you run out of or break a vial, you can always go to a local pharmacy to buy another bottle. We recommend that you always keep two vials of insulin in case you break a vial or run out. Inspect the insulin every time you take it out of the refrigerator. If the insulin does not re-suspend, do not use it.

Insulin should be stored in the refrigerator, not the freezer. It is effective till the expiration date. Never shake the insulin and always take it out of the refrigerator at least 20 minutes before administering. Cold insulin hurts.

The type of insulin chosen for your dog and the dosage determine the type of syringes you need to purchase. Syringes have four properties: U-number, volume, needle length and needle diameter. The U-number tells you the concentration of insulin the syringe is calibrated for. Canine insulin requires U-40 syringes whereas human insulin require U-100 syringes. The volume tells you the maximum amount of insulin the syringe will deliver. For example, a 3/10 CC syringe can deliver 0-30 units of insulin. A 1/2 CC syringe can deliver 0-50 units of insulin. Needle length is commonly 1/2 inch, but shorter ones are also available. For a Samoyed with a thick double coat, 1/2 inch works will as shots are delivered subcutaneously (into the skin). Needle diameter is measured in gauge. The smaller the gauge, the thicker the needle. For less discomfort, select 30 or greater gauge syringes. Most states require prescriptions for syringes so make sure you never run out of syringes.

Be aware of factors that can affect your dog’s blood glucose level. Oral and topical steroids play havoc with blood glucose levels, often raising them. Sugar also affects blood glucose levels. Check your dog’s treats to make sure they are sugar free and are low in simple carbohydrates. High fat and high carb diets should be avoided. If you decide to home cook for your dog, you must add a canine multi-vitamin the diet.

An unregulated diabetic can experience all sorts of health issues, most notably cataracts and possible vision loss. Check your dog’s eyes every day. If you see any signs of cloudiness, contact your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Of course, the best scenario is getting your dog regulated as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to his health.

Diabetes is a horrible and complicated disease to manage. Many veterinarians recommend using urine strips, which you can purchase at your local pharmacy in the diabetic section, to test your dog’s urine for the presence of glucose. There are two types of urine test strips. One type tests for the presence of glucose only. The other type tests for both glucose and ketones. It is better to use the type that tests for both glucose and ketones. If your dog has any trace of ketones in the urine, he will need immediate medical attention. Urine testing is done before meal and injection, but only indicates the blood glucose level hours before. For accurate and immediate blood glucose level results, many owners have learned how to blood test with a glucometer at home. For more information on glucometers, please see http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Glucometer.

The book “Dogs, Diet, and Disease - An Owner’s Guide to Diabetes Mellitus, Pancreatitis, Cushing’s Disease, & More” by Caroline D. Levin is a comprehensive and very informative book, especially for complicated cases.

If your Sammy is diabetic, you can help by contributing a DNA sample to a study by Doctor Rebecka Hess at the University of Pennsylvania. All expenses will be at no cost to the owner. For more information, please see http://www.mirage-samoyeds.com/diabetesstudy.htm. For Samoyed specific health issues, please see http://www.mirage-samoyeds.com/health.htm.

1. Submit an Adoption Application, or call ADRTC at 505-792-2846.

Applications are available online. You can also call the ADRTC phone number from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. any day, and either leave a message, or talk to one of us. We generally return all calls in 48 hours, and most often in 2-4 hours. If you should not hear back from us, please try again, as sometimes numbers are not left accurately (remember the area code), or clearly enough to understand.

2. Complete an interview with a Placement Specialist.

This interview offers the Placement Specialist the opportunity to learn your needs, and the circumstances in which a dog will be living. This helps the Placement Specialist to understand what characteristics you will require a dog to have, and learn about your preferences. Your previous experience with dogs, other pets, and planned activities that are important, along with information in regard to your family, physical living area, and time to spend with a dog.

3. The Placement Specialist will make recommendations as to which dog(s) you should consider, and help to arrange an appointment for you to meet the dog(s) that are recommended as best meeting your needs. You *must* be able to visit us to meet the dog. We only adopt dogs to people who can come to visit and meet the dog at the foster home.

Sometimes, we don’t have a dog that will fit your needs at the time you are applying. Most times, we have dogs in foster care that will meet the needs of most families who apply to have a dog. We set up an appointment for your family to meet the candidate dog at the home of the fostering family. If the meeting goes well, and you desire to adopt the dog, and the Placement Specialist feels this is a good match, then a simple Adoption Contract is completed for the dog you will be adopting.

The Adoption Contract provides for the return of the adoption fee should the dog not work out in your home during the first 14 days. This is provided to all ADRTC dogs. While we never like to have dogs returned as a result of an unsuccessful match, we understand that this will happen–and should, as we would rather make an error by providing a family the chance to adopt a dog, than exclude a family from a potentially successful adoption because we are too careful. Our staff can never know all the circumstances of an adopting family, and dogs will react differently in a new situation than when living with a fostering family.

Our interest is in obtaining the best home for any dog that we rescue, and providing the ongoing support necessary to making the relationship as successful as we know how. We too, learn from every dog, and every new situation, and enjoy sharing our knowledge with others with the same interests. Thus, we offer lifetime counselling and support for every dog we place.

We welcome your questions at any time, before applying, during the process, and at anytime after you have adopted a dog. We also enjoy hearing about your adventures with your ADRTC dog.