Please excuse my ignorance, but can anyone explain why Samoyeds are classified within the Pastoral Group?  I always thought they were a type of sled dog and presumed that they were in the working group along with Mals and Huskies...it's only because the Samoyed has just won the Group at Crufts that I've realised they are a pastoral breed.

Thanks :-)

I read that they were used for herding reindeer..

ETA - "A herding dog in northern Russia, the Samoyed acquired the name after the nomadic tribe it served. They were also used to guard the reindeer that they herded. The Sami worked closely with the tribe and shared their tents, so has a great love of family life. On occasion they were used to pull sleds or boats, but this work was usually reserved for the reindeer."

from  http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/breeds/Samoyed.htm

Aaah, that would explain it then.  Thank you for the reply :-)

Really they are a close cousin of the Laphunds.

I thought the Samoyd last night was beautiful, it must be very difficult for the judges to choose!!!

when I was young there was a chap with a Samoyd who lived nearby, have never seen one since (that was in the 80's)

Samoyed Breed Guide