The Samoyed is one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world. It descended from a Siberian spitz-type dog–the Nenets herding Laika–bred to pull sleds and guard and herd reindeers. The breed is called Bjelkier in native Siberia but is referred to as Samoyed today after the Samoyede people, who were Asiatic nomadic tribes. It is believed that the Samoyed was mainly utilised as a sled dog for polar expeditions. The Samoyed was first noticed by Russian explorers when they passed through Siberia during the 17th and 18th centuries. Through this, the magnificence of the breed was then recognised. Not long after, the Czar of Russia took particular interest in the dog breed. He even awarded the dog a royal status and offered the Bjelkiers to European nobles as gifts. In 1911, the Bjelkiers found their way to England. It was made possible by the explorer Roald Amundsen. He used the breed on his South Pole expedition. Amundsen also offered some of the adult dogs to other South Pole explorers from England. In 1909, the first Samoyed Club was established. This paved the way for the creation of the breed club called Samoyed Club of America in 1923. By 1912, the Samoyed was given its own class status and recognised by The Kennel Club.