Excellent points, Rebwa. There is significant variance between breeds. Your pups are fortunate that you give them so many opportunities to explore their potential as working dogs.

To earn points toward a working Samoyed certification, Sammies must qualify in a number of areas. One of those in which Samoyeds can earn points is pack hiking. To qualify for pack hike points, the Samoyed must start the hike with a pack weight equivalent to [u]at least 25%[/u] of their body weight.

Typically the pack is loaded with water or if on a backpacking trip it may contain other consumables such as fuel and food. The pack load is lightened as the contents are consumed (they are not supposed to be dumped out simply to lighten the load). The hike must be a minimum of five miles. More points are earned for increased mileage and elevation gain.

I haven't had Gidget carry that kind of load. To get one's Samoyed certified, the owner must have a high tolerance for paperwork as all these activities must be documented and submitted. I never cared that much about the title.

This smallish saddlebag pack Gidget is wearing below is perfect (and no longer made) for our hikes in cooler weather. She carries her own gear -- poop bags, treats, First Aid, booties -- not much weight. The bags latch and velcro to the harness below (to which the leash is attached). This pack could not carry enough to satisfy the Samoyed certification 25% requirement.

It's also important with weight-bearing activities with dogs to wait until they are old enough that their bones and joints aren't so vulnerable to stress. Gidget started carrying a light pack at about one year. She started pulling me on a scooter around 20 months.