Samoyed

The Samoyed is a beautiful and kind-hearted dog that stands out with its striking appearance and impressive work ethic, rivaling even that of Warren Buffet. These dogs are strong, nimble, and carry themselves with grace. They were originally bred to assist and be friends with the Samoyede people in Northern Siberia. With their thick double coat, they thrive in colder climates. People often refer to their unique "Samoyed smile," which comes from their naturally curved mouths, perfectly matching their delightful personality.

Quick Info

Size
Large
Colours
Shades of white
Lifespan
12 to 13 years
Height
19 to 24 inches
Type
Working
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
35 to 65 pounds
Family
Northern

Personality

Friendly and fun-loving, a Samoyed has been raised to be a loving companion since the beginning. They form strong connections with their families and are friendly towards strangers, other animals, and dogs. Inside the house, they are usually calm, provided they get enough physical and mental activity. If these needs aren’t fulfilled, they may show a mischievous side, leading to excessive barking and digging. Owners should be prepared for a Samoyed’s stubbornness, but they are typically eager to make their families happy, even if they tend to herd little kids.

History

Known as the Smiling Dog due to its charming smile, the Samoyed is a historic breed originally used for herding reindeer. Their name comes from the Samoyede people in Northern Siberia. These dogs played various roles in the tribe, including managing livestock, pulling sleds, and providing warmth by curling up with their owners at night. Because of this, they have always been great companions and fit well into family life. In the late 1800s, explorers visiting Siberia became fascinated by them, impressed by their strength and endurance. They joined renowned Arctic explorers on their journeys and eventually made their way to England and America, where they quickly gained popularity for their fluffy, snow-like looks and calm personalities.

Ideal Owner

Samoyeds are happiest with people who know how to handle their spitz traits and have the time to train them for being pets rather than working dogs. You should be okay with plenty of fur flying around and getting up early, as they need to be exercised when it’s cooler outside. They really enjoy living in the countryside where they can run freely, and where their loud, howling voices won't disturb anyone nearby. Giving a Samoyed a bath and drying them off can take a whole day, but on the bright side, it’s a good workout for your muscles.

Exercise Needs

These fluffy marshmallow-like dogs require a good amount of exercise, both with and without a leash, especially when it’s cooler outside. Since they were originally bred to pull sleds, it’s natural for them to tug on the leash, so you’ll need to train them on this regularly. Set your alarm: adult Samoyeds need daily activity, but their dense fur can cause them to get too hot quickly. Early morning walks are the best choice.

Space Requirements

These lively little bundles of fur thrive when they have plenty of outdoor space to play. It’s not so much about the size of your home, but rather how much land you can provide for them to run around, especially in colder areas.

Training

The Samoyed is unlikely to excel in obedience competitions since they don’t really focus on formal training. Their favorite activity is running, so giving them plenty of chances to run freely and participate in dog sports will benefit them greatly. If that’s not possible, you’ll need to take them on long walks with a leash after working on teaching them not to pull, which can be tough because it’s in their nature.

Grooming

Prepare your muscles—taking care of a Samoyed requires a good amount of strength, especially because of how big they are. Brushing them every day will help keep their fur neat. If their coat gets wet or dirty, let it dry before you start brushing. In their homeland, Samoyeds lose their undercoat once a year during summer. But in homes with central heating, they might shed twice a year. When that happens, you’ll need a strong vacuum to handle all the fur, as it will spread all over the place.

Suitability for Family Life

Samoyeds are wonderful pets for families because they love to be part of all activities and have cheerful, easygoing temperaments.

Did You know?

The Samoyed breed gets its name from the Samoyedic people who live in Siberia. These nomadic herders of reindeer raised the dogs to assist with herding, pull sleds, and keep them warm at night by lying on top of them. Notable polar explorers like Shackleton and Scott relied on Samoyeds as sled dogs during their famous journeys. A recent study of their DNA has shown that Samoyeds are among the oldest dog breeds in existence. While they can "sing," it sounds more like a wolf's howl than traditional singing. Some owners have even seen their Samoyeds howling along to music.

Similar Breeds

Norwegian Buhund

Need to Know

Dogs suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys active walks daily
Medium dog
Some drool
Requires regular grooming
Chatty and vocal dog