The Samoyede people of Northern Russia were known for their herding white dog and acquired its name after the nomadic tribe it served. They were also used to guard the reindeer that they herded. The Samoyed worked closely with the tribe and shared their tents, so has a great love of family life and on occasion they were used to pull sleds or boats, but this work was usually reserved for the reindeer. Many explorers used these dogs at the turn of the century when there was an increase in polar exploration. After the expeditions many of these dogs returned home with the explorers. Mr and Mrs Kilburn-Scott first introduced the Samoyed into the UK at the beginning of this century after they saw them in their native country in 1889. They became popular very quickly and are still so to this day.