- Samoyed Dog Breed: Everything You Need to Know
Everything You Need to Know About
Samoyed Dog Breed
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Table of Contents
Samoyed General Information
The origin of the Samoyed breed can be traced back to the Samoyed people of northwest Siberia. The Samoyed dog was a multipurpose working dog. Samoyed was kept as protection for reindeer, which were the primary food source of the Samoyed people. The Samoyed dog also helped in hunting and pulled sleds. Moreover, due to its fluffy and big appearance, the Samoyed often slept with their owner or their children to provide warmth.
Samoyed dogs were first imported to England in the late 1800s, and the color of their coats wasn’t yet white. Queen Victoria received one of the first imports to the country, and most Samoyeds of today have been linked to these dogs bred under the shade of royalty.
In 1906, the United States of America received its first Samoyed as a gift. The breed gained popularity after World War II and has since been loved as a pet as well as taken on expeditions to the South Pole.
If you are thinking of bringing a Samoyed puppy home, this article will guide you through what to expect with a Samoyed dog.
Characteristics of a
Samoyed Dog
The most common traits of a Samoyed include:
Temperament
The Samoyed temperament is a mix of gentle and friendly. Samoyed dogs can be somewhat stubborn and energetic. Since they are working dogs, Samoyeds tend to bark a lot if they get bored or are left idle for a long time. These pups prefer to be kept on the move and busy. In some cases, Samoyed dogs may show tendencies to chase or nip, owing to the fact that they are herd dogs.
A dog’s nature or temperament is also largely affected by genetics. Some dogs may be gentle and shy, while others could be more aggressive. When considering adoption, it’s usually wise to look for a dog with a moderate temperament. A potential dog owner might ask about the temperament of a Samoyed puppy’s parents and their past litters before adopting.
Overall, the Samoyed dog is very smart and loyal. It will mesh well with family and friends, but works the best alone. In general, a Samoyed shouldn’t be taken to large gatherings full of strangers.
Energy Level
The Samoyed is considered a moderate to high-energy dog breed. As long as you meet the exercise demands of the Samoyed puppy, it will make for a quiet and agreeable dog. Dogs of this breed will need a good walk, jog, or run at least once per day.
You may even take your Samoyed dog hiking or pulling sleds in winter. This breed thrives outside in cold weather. During summer or hot weather, a Samoyed will be best off inside in an air-conditioned room.
The Samoyed is an intelligent breed, so you will need to keep the dog mentally stimulated by providing it with unique games and new training tactics.
Size
The Samoyed size for males and females varies. Samoyeds are medium-large working dogs, so their size falls on the upper average side for dogs in general.
- Weight:
The average Samoyed weight for males is between 20.5 – 30 kg (45 – 65 lbs), while the average female Samoyed weight is between 15.5 – 23 kg (35 – 50 lbs).
- Weight:
- Height:
The average Samoyed height for males is between 53 – 60 cm (21 – 23.5 in), while the average height for female Samoyed dogs is between 48 – 53.5 cm (19 – 21 in).
- Height:
Average Size Chart
Weight
Female
Male
15.5 – 23 kg
35 – 50 lbs
20.5 – 30 kg
45 – 65 lbs
Height
Female
Male
48 – 53.5 cm
19 – 21 in
53 – 60 cm
21 – 23.5 in
Length
Female
Male
72 – 90 cm
28.5 – 35.5 in
72 – 90 cm
28.5 – 35.5 in
Weight
Female
15.5 – 23 kg
35 – 50 lbs
Male
20.5 – 30 kg
45 – 65 lbs
Height
Female
48 – 53.5 cm
19 – 21 in
Male
53 – 60 cm
21 – 23.5 in
Length
Female
72 – 90 cm
28.5 – 35.5 in
Male
72 – 90 cm
28.5 – 35.5 in
Trainability / Intelligence
Samoyed dogs are intelligent and can be stubborn. Samoyed training can be easy if you have a clear, easy-to-follow routine for your dog. Otherwise, your Samoyed may choose to follow their own routine.
Samoyeds are active. You can also take your Samoyed dog with you while hiking, walking, running, and other dog-friendly activities. Dogs of this breed love to train and work out. One important step in Samoyed dog training is to keep them from digging. Samoyeds are working dogs and will start digging and barking excessively if they become bored. A Samoyed owner may need to train this tendency out of them with treats and a structured routine full of mental and physical stimulation.
Other Pets / Children
As for socialization, a Samoyed owner must train their dog to socialize with other pets and humans from a young age, or they won’t mix well when they are older. The Samoyed dog behavior with other pets and children is friendly and gentle most of the time.
- Other pets:
This breed has an even temper and behaves best with other dogs they have lived with from a young age. Samoyed dogs like to chase and will go after other dogs and pets.
- Other pets:
- Children:
Samoyeds are very attached to their owners and their families, including children. Since these dogs like movement, they are great at playing with children and keeping them engaged. However, very young children must never be left alone with Samoyeds, as they are big dogs who can get excited and accidentally knock children over. Teach your children to approach a Samoyed with calm kindness.
- Children:
Shedding / Coat
A Samoyed dog does shed a lot. Samoyed shedding is above average and happens all year round. This breed has a double coat: a coarse upper coat and a softer undercoat.
Due to the amount of fur and heavy coats, Samoyeds shed throughout the entire year. During the shedding season, which takes place once or twice a year, the Samoyed dog will shed even more hair. This heavy shedding is referred to as “blowing a coat.”
Male Samoyeds tend to shed more than females. Even outside the shedding season, you will see fine hairs from the dog floating around or sticking to your clothes. As such, you will need to regularly groom and brush your Samoyed dog.
Grooming / Care
Due to the Samoyed’s level of shedding, they need a fair bit of grooming. The Samoyed grooming routine centers around brushing their hair regularly (two to three times per week) with a comb to remove loose hairs and help with shedding.
Bathing the Samoyed dog may be tough due to the heavy double coat. Drying a thick double coat takes extra time. In general, a Samoyed will only need to be bathed about once every two months.
Brush your dog’s teeth two to three times a week and trim nails about once a month. After bathing and during grooming, it is wise to check your dog’s ears for infections and buildups.
Common Health Issues / Veterinary needs
You must regularly take your dog to the vet for checkups, especially if you see anything unusual. The Samoyed life expectancy is between 12-14 years. The Samoyed is prone to some common health conditions.
Samoyed Genetic Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
Nutrition
The recommended amount of food for an adult Samoyed dog and a Samoyed puppy will vary. On average, 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry dog food may be given as two meals per day. An individual dog’s diet may vary depending on weight, size, metabolism, activity level, genetics, and more.
Give your dog a good mixture of high-quality proteins and fats for proper growth. Make sure to consult a vet for the optimal feeding requirements for your dog, as dogs can easily get obese if given too much food.
First Time Owner?
While Samoyeds are loyal and friendly, they are not recommended for a first-time owner. This is because they are super energetic and need an experienced and structured owner. Without experience with an excitable dog, it may be difficult to tame and train the stubborn and independent Samoyed.
To coexist with a dog of this breed, you must know how to keep a dog engaged both physically and mentally. Moreover, you should be ready to do a lot of moving, walking, and running with your Samoyed dog. This may be especially difficult if you are a first-time owner with a full time job.
Special Needs
• Space and Stimulation
Although dogs of the Samoyed breed are medium-large, in some cases Samoyeds can live in an apartment. All Samoyeds need proper care, exercise, and mental stimulation. While these dogs can live in apartments with their needs met, it is generally not recommended. Samoyeds may bark a lot, which can become a problem when living in an apartment building. You must also not leave these dogs alone for a long time, or they will get anxious and bored and start destructive behaviors like digging.
A Samoyed dog needs to play and exercise at least twice per day. This means you need a quickly accessible area for exercising outside. A house with a backyard to run and play in may be perfect for keeping this working dog busy. Just make sure to have a fence dug deep into the soil around the backyard, as Samoyeds like to dig and tend to escape.
Other Things to Consider
• Socialization
The Samoyed personality demands early socialization with dogs, other pets, and humans. They are typically friendly dogs, but they are independent. As such, Samoyeds may not be comfortable around too many strangers.
Samoyed dogs are perfectly calm with people they know and love children, even to the point of extreme loyalty.
To socialize your Samoyed early, take your dog out on puppy dates and play classes often. This will ensure it mingles with other pets from a young age. You must also familiarize your dog with your friends and family members that visit often.
Samoyed FAQ
How Much Do Samoyed Dogs Cost?
On average, the price of Samoyed puppies ranges from $600 – $4,000.
The Samoyed price lies in the middle to upper range, depending on its lineage. The Samoyed is an uncommon dog breed, which also affects the price of its puppies. When a puppy belongs to a valuable bloodline, their price will increase.
Are Samoyeds Hypoallergenic?
Yes, Samoyed dogs are considered hypoallergenic because this breed usually doesn’t produce any dander, or allergens. Samoyed dogs typically do not irritate mild dog hair allergies.
In some cases, a Samoyed’s hypoallergenic traits may depend on your level of allergies. Samoyeds shed a large amount of hair throughout the year, which can cause problems for people with severe allergies even though this breed does not produce much pet dander.
Samoyed Pros and Cons
Pros
- Loyal family dogs
- Highly intelligent
- Great partner for running, hiking, sledding
- Perfect dog for a large property in a cold climate
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Gets bored easily, needs mental and physical stimulation
- Needs cold weather / cold temperature
- May bark, dig, and herd when bored or alone
- Sheds all year
- Needs regular brushing
Care Guide
