Celebrating the Working Heritage of Our Breed
Do you enjoy being active with your Samoyed?
Samoyeds are much more than beautiful white dogs. Behind that famous smile is a breed with a remarkable working history, developed to live and work alongside people in some of the world's harshest conditions.
Today, many Samoyeds continue to enjoy activities that put their natural abilities to good use, from pulling rigs and sleds to carrying packs, participating in canicross and visiting people as therapy dogs.
But did you know that some of these activities can also count towards an official working title?
The Samoyed Club of America (SCA) runs a Working Samoyed Certification Program designed to recognise the achievements of Samoyeds and their owners in a variety of working disciplines.
The British Samoyed Club is pleased to share information about this programme with owners in the UK.
What Is the Working Samoyed Programme?
The programme recognises the versatility of the Samoyed and encourages owners to enjoy meaningful activities with their dogs.
Unlike a traditional dog show, the emphasis is not on appearance. Instead, dogs earn points by completing qualifying work and activities, supported by appropriate records and documentation.
Points may be accumulated in one discipline or across several, depending on the title being pursued.
The programme offers three levels of recognition.
The Three Working Titles
| Title | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Working Samoyed (WS) | At least 1,000 points in one or more recognised working categories. |
| Working Samoyed Excellent (WSX) | At least 2,000 points in one or more recognised working categories. |
| Master Working Samoyed (WSXM) | At least 5,000 points across a minimum of four recognised categories, with at least 200 points earned in each of those four categories. |
These titles provide an opportunity to recognise the dedication, training and teamwork involved in working with a Samoyed.
Which Activities Can Count?
The SCA recognises several working categories. Some are particularly familiar to Samoyed owners in the UK, while others may be less readily available.
Sledding, Rig Racing and Carting
Samoyeds participating in qualifying competitive sled or dryland races may earn points towards their working titles.
Races must meet the relevant SCA requirements, and official verification is required.
The programme also recognises qualifying excursion sledding and carting, allowing owners to record non-competitive journeys that meet the required distances and conditions.
Weight Pull
Weight pulling is another recognised category.
Points can be earned at qualifying events where dogs pull a weighted sled or wheeled trolley under accepted competition rules.
The amount of weight pulled relative to the dog's body weight is used in calculating points.
Correct equipment, suitable training and the welfare of the dog are essential.
Owners interested in this activity can also read our separate Weight Pull article in the Activities & Dog Sports section.
Packing and Hiking
Packing allows Samoyeds to take part in recorded hikes while carrying a suitable dog pack.
The SCA has specific requirements concerning the weight carried, distance completed and documentation needed to earn points.
Its published rules specify a minimum load of 25% of the dog's body weight over a qualifying distance of at least five miles.
This is a formal programme requirement, not a general recommendation for everyday hiking. Carrying substantial weight can place considerable strain on a dog. Owners should not attempt this without checking the dog's physical maturity, health, conditioning and suitability, and obtaining appropriate professional guidance.
For owners who simply enjoy walking and exploring with their Samoyeds, there are plenty of ways to have adventures together without carrying heavy loads.
Therapy Work
Samoyeds are often wonderful companions, and some enjoy visiting people in hospitals, care homes and other settings through recognised therapy programmes.
The SCA recognises qualifying therapy work as part of its Working Samoyed Programme.
Its published overview provides for an initial 250 points following certification through a recognised therapy organisation and completion of 15 verified hours of therapy work.
Additional points can be earned through documented visits.
Owners should check which UK therapy organisations and records the SCA will accept before beginning an application.
Canicross
Canicross is now included among the recognised working activities.
It involves a dog and runner working together, with the dog running ahead in a suitable harness and connected to the runner by a line.
The SCA provides categories for both recreational and competitive canicross, subject to its specific rules and recording requirements.
You can find more about enjoying this activity with your Samoyed in our separate Canicross article.
Other Working Activities
The SCA programme also includes skijoring and herding, with special applications possible for certain other forms of work.
Samoyed Herding Sheep
Not every category or event will be easily accessible in the UK.
Owners should confirm with the SCA whether their chosen activity, event organiser and supporting records will qualify before assuming that points can be claimed.
How Do You Earn and Record Points?
One of the most important parts of the programme is keeping accurate records.
Depending on the activity, this may involve:
- Recording dates, distances and details of working sessions.
- Obtaining signatures or confirmation from event officials.
- Keeping copies of competition results.
- Recording qualifying therapy visits.
- Completing the appropriate SCA forms.
- Maintaining a running total of points earned.
Different activities have different requirements, so it is worth checking the official rules before you begin.
The SCA provides forms for racing, excursions, packing, weight pulling, therapy visits and canicross, along with points tally sheets and application documents.
Using the current official forms from the start can save a great deal of work later.
Applying for a Working Title
Once your Samoyed has accumulated the required points, the documentation must be submitted for assessment under the Samoyed Club of America's Working Samoyed Certification Program.
The SCA reviews applications and supporting evidence before awarding titles.
Applicants in the UK should contact the SCA Working Dog Committee to confirm the current application process, membership requirements, accepted UK activities and any arrangements needed for overseas submissions.
Rather than relying on older forms or contact details, we recommend using the official SCA resources linked below.
More Than Just a Title
For many owners, the greatest reward is not the title itself.
It is the time spent outdoors, the excitement of learning something new and the satisfaction of seeing a Samoyed enjoy an activity that suits its natural abilities.
Whether your dog loves running in harness, joining you on long adventures or bringing a smile to someone's face during a therapy visit, working together can create wonderful memories.
And who knows? Those activities you already enjoy might be the beginning of your Samoyed's very own working title journey.
Further Information
Samoyed Club of America — Working Samoyed Programme
https://www.samoyedclubofamerica.org/showing-performance/working-samoyed-program/
Samoyed Club of America — Working Titles and Points Requirements
https://www.samoyedclubofamerica.org/showing-performance/working-samoyed-program/working-titles/
Samoyed Club of America — Official Rules and Forms
https://www.samoyedclubofamerica.org/showing-performance/working-samoyed-program/rules-and-forms/
Information reviewed: October 2026. The SCA's published Rules and Forms page lists working rules dated January 2023. Always check the latest official requirements and confirm UK eligibility, accepted activities and application arrangements directly with the SCA before submitting a claim.