The Samoyed (pronounced "samma-yed") originated in Siberia almost 1,000 years ago. They were bred by the Samoyedes, a semi-nomadic group of people that migrated to Siberia from Asia to guard, hunt, herd reindeer, pull sleds, and act as space heaters at night. The Samoyedes treated their dogs as members of the family, hence why modern Samoyeds have such a sweet temperament and family-oriented nature.