Lorna Miller, age 10, of Willingboro, N.J., for her question:

WHERE DID THE SAMOYED GET ITS NAME?

Samoyed is a breed of working dog with an ancient origin in western Siberia. The name is taken from the Samoyeds, inhabitants of Siberia, with whom the dog has always been closely associated.

The Samoyed is one of the handsomest breeds and has become popular in dog shows across the United States. The dog's powerful, wedge shaped head is set with dark, alert, intelligent eyes that are set wide apart. The body is of medium length, with a broad and muscular back, straight legs and a long tail.

The dog has a thick, soft undercoat and an outer coat of long stiff hair. It can be pure white, white and biscuit colored or cream. The male measures from 20 to 25 inches high at the shoulder and weighs between 45 and 55 pounds. The female is a bit smaller and lighter.

The Samoyed dog has long been used by the Samoyed people to pull sledges, serve as watchdogs or to herd reindeer. In the United States and Canada, the handsome dog makes a wonderful family pet.