The breed is characterized by an alert and happy expression which has earned the nicknames 'Sammie smile' and 'smiley dog.' With their tendency to bark, however, they can  be diligent watch dogs, barking whenever something approaches their territory. Samoyeds are excellent companions, especially for small children or even other dogs, and they remain playful into old age. According to the Samoyed Club of America, when Samoyeds become bored, they may become destructive or start to dig. They will instinctively act as herd dogs, and when playing with children, especially, will often attempt to turn and move them in a different direction. The breed can be affected by a genetic disease known as Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy, a kidney disease. Carrier females do develop mild symptoms after 2–3 months of age, but mostly do not go on to develop kidney failure.