Welcome to the Club
Since 1931, the British Samoyed Club has brought together a community of Samoyed owners, breeders and enthusiasts who share a love of this remarkable breed.
From the show ring to everyday life with our dogs, friendship and shared knowledge are at the heart of the Club. Longstanding member or newcomer, you’re in good company.
Our History
Since 1931 — a shared love of the Samoyed.
Where It All Began
The British Samoyed Club was founded in 1931 with a clear ambition: to renew and encourage interest in the Samoyed, and to bring together those who admired this remarkable breed.
From the beginning, the Club embraced a principle that remains just as meaningful today:
“Be Worthy of Your Sport and Play the Game.”
The original Club rules reflected an ambition to represent Samoyed enthusiasts throughout Britain. Its committee consisted of sixteen members, equally divided between representatives from the Provinces and those from London and the South. Early committee members came from as far afield as Devon, Manchester and Sheffield, while the Club’s membership extended beyond Britain to enthusiasts overseas.
Although the Club’s organisation and activities have evolved over the decades, its original purpose has endured.
The Early Years
The 1930s were an important period in the Club’s development.
By 1937, the British Samoyed Club was holding well-supported specialist shows. A contemporary report in Our Dogs recorded 232 entries at a Club show held at Tattersall’s, offering a glimpse of the enthusiasm surrounding the breed during those early years.
Behind every entry was a growing community of breeders, exhibitors and owners who shared a commitment to the Samoyed.
The Club was becoming more than an organisation devoted to showing dogs. It was also a place where friendships could develop and knowledge could be shared.
Friendship Across the World
The Club’s history includes a remarkable connection with Samoyed enthusiasts in Australia.
During the Second World War, food parcels were sent from Australia to Britain by Miss E. Bradshaw and, towards the end of the war, by the Australian Samoyed Club. These were directed to Miss Keyte-Perry, who passed them on to the British Samoyed Club.
It is a small but touching piece of history, showing how a shared interest in the breed could connect people across continents during difficult times.
That international friendship is also reflected in a trophy with an enduring legacy.
In 1946, the British Samoyed Club Perpetual Trophy, known as The Gold Cup, was awarded for the first time at the Australian club’s Championship Show. The trophy was established following the wishes of Miss Keyte-Perry, an early President of the British Samoyed Club.
The Gold Cup went on to become part of the Australian club’s show history, preserving a connection between the two clubs that began generations ago.
More Than the Show Ring
Throughout its history, the British Samoyed Club has been about much more than competition.
Club rallies brought together show dogs and much-loved family companions for games, informal matches and social gatherings. They were opportunities to enjoy the dogs, exchange stories and welcome new friendships.
There were annual dinners and dances too, sometimes complete with fancy dress!
Old Club records also recall Christmas celebrations in London, where Father Christmas would arrive in a sleigh pulled by a team of Samoyeds.
These occasions reflected something that has always been special about the breed and its people: a sense of fun, companionship and community.
The People and Traditions We Remember
Over the years, many individuals have given their time, knowledge and enthusiasm to the British Samoyed Club.
Among them was Miss Keyte-Perry, an early Club President who presented the Arctic Perpetual Trophy, one of the trophies recorded in the Club’s early rule book.
Another was Betty Poole (Golway), a former President and longstanding member who made an important contribution to breed education.
In 1993, Betty compiled The Illustrated Breed Standard, a publication whose illustrations continued to be used at judges’ seminars for many years.
The Club’s trophies, publications and traditions are reminders of the dedication of those who helped shape its history.
Our Story Continues
Nearly a century after its foundation, the British Samoyed Club continues to bring together people united by their love of the Samoyed.
Generations of members have helped shape the Club through their dedication, knowledge, friendships and shared experiences. While much has changed since 1931, the spirit of the Club remains the same.
The Samoyed is famous for its smile, its happy nature and its friendliness — and we like to think our Club reflects those very same qualities.
We remain a welcoming community, always ready to share our knowledge, offer support and extend a friendly hand to fellow Samoyed enthusiasts, both at home and around the world.