With all the existing dog breeds, there’s a perfect dog out there for everybody. One popular breed that a lot of dog enthusiasts consider is the Samoyed dog. This fluffy dog is quite stunning with a charming personality, making it a superstar on social media.
They make a great canine companion, but only to the right owner. Being a dog owner is such a big responsibility, which is why it’s crucial to go through a breed’s entire profile, so you know what to expect. In that case, let’s get to know the Samoyed dog breed better so you can make an informed decision about adopting them and learn how to take care of them.
Samoyed Dog Breed Introduction
The Samoyed dog breed, also known as Sammy, has made an impression in the hearts of many dog lovers. It’s easily recognizable by its gorgeous, lush white coat and is known for being an intelligent, dignified, friendly, and loving family dog. Read also: Are Samoyeds good family dogs?
Another delightful feature is their perpetual smile, which is created by the upcurved corners of their mouth. This has earned it the name ‘Sammy smile.’
This large, powerful, and tireless dog will be more than happy to put in a bit of work, be it pulling a sled, hunting, herding, playing with children, or protecting its owners (Are Samoyeds good guard dogs?) This makes them highly functional while also being one of the most beautiful-looking dogs in the world. This comprehensive breed overview covers a lot of interesting facts about the Samoyed dog, so continue reading to learn more.
Samoyed Dog Breed History
The Samoyed is considered a Basal breed of dog, meaning it existed long before many modern dog breeds and has genetic ties that link it closely to the wolves and ancient dogs. These dogs have been around for thousands of years and are believed to have descended from the Nenet Herding Laika dog.
They originally lived in the isolated regions of Siberia among the Samoyedic people, which is how they got their name. This community was primarily reindeer herders and tasked their fluffy pups with keeping the herd safe from predators. Thanks to the dog’s sturdy build and impressive strength, they were also used for hunting and pulling the sled.
But the Samoyed wasn’t only a working dog. At the end of a hard day’s work, they were treated like family and welcomed inside to sleep with their owners and keep them warm at night. These dogs were also known to be caring, playful, and protective of children. Being so close to the human family, this dog developed a friendly, loyal, and trusting personality that it still has to date. You can also read our article Are Samoyeds good with kids?
The Samoyed dog breed began gaining attention in other regions by the end of the 19th century. They were recruited for various polar expeditions, and early European explorers quickly realized their value. Around the same time, the first Samoyed dog named Antarctic Buck was brought to England, and by the start of the 20th century, these dogs made their way to the US. Queen Alexandra herself was an enthusiast of the breed, and many of today’s English and American Samoyeds are descended from her kennels.
As Sammies made their way to other regions, they were initially displayed in zoos and other exhibitions. But before long, they were accepted into kennel clubs, encouraging dog owners to seek out their companionship. In 1906, the first Samoyed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the US. A more recently famous Samoyed dog is Mayapolarbear, with close to 2 million subscribers on YouTube.
Samoyed Dog Breed Physical Characteristics
The Samoyed dog breed’s overall appearance is appealing to the eyes and is no doubt why they are often classified as one of the most beautiful dogs in the world. They have a strong muscular body that combines power, strength, agility, speed, and endurance. Often referred to as ‘Smiling Sammies,’ these dogs have short snouts and upturned mouths that create a natural, amused expression.
Other defining features include small and triangular ears, a curly tail, a broad head, as well as a lovely dark pigment around the eyes, nose, and lips. Don’t forget the sparkling white coat that is the glory of the Samoyed dog. Here’s a more in-depth look at the other physical characteristics of this breed:
Size and Weight of Samoyed Dog
Males are generally larger and heavier, standing at 21-23.5 inches tall, from paw to shoulder, and weighing 45-65 pounds. On the other hand, females stand at 19-21 inches and weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. The Samoyed is classified as a medium-sized breed, although their thick, fluffy coat might make them appear larger. Read more: How big do Samoyeds get?
As you can see, there’s a decently extensive range when it comes to the weight of this dog. Some Samoyeds will be 65 pounds while others will weigh half that. Beware of this difference when adopting a Samoyed puppy. Obviously, if you have two larger parents, your pup will likely come out at the top of the size list. Likewise, if they are two on the smaller size, you can count on the puppy being small.
Aside from knowing what to expect from a fully-grown Samoyed, it’s essential to understand their average size and weight at different stages of their life to ensure their growth is normal and healthy. For instance, a male Samoyed should weigh:
- 17.5-25 pounds at three months
- 32-46 pounds at six months
- 42-63 pounds at one year.
On the other hand, a female Samoyed should weigh:
- 14-17 pounds at three months
- 26-32 pounds at six months
- 34-42 pounds at 12 months.
Most Samoyeds will continue growing until 16 months, while a few go closer to two years. This dog will likely reach its full height before reaching its full weight, and the last few months of their growth is focused on gaining muscle mass and fat. But even after getting to their full potential growth, these dogs can still add more weight and become obese by overfeeding and being lazy (Are Samoyeds lazy?).
It’s important to note that the above averages are simply guides. It’s pretty normal for your dog to be slightly lower or above these numbers. However, if there’s a vast disparity, you may want to take your dog to the vet for them to determine the cause. Several factors could affect the growth of your Samoyed, including genetics, nutrition, overall health (Are Samoyeds prone to diabetes or cancer?)activity level, and whether they are neutered/spayed.
Samoyeds Colors and Patterns
The Samoyed‘s coat is one of its most distinctive features. It is so thick that you can barely see the skin underneath. Of course, this is super helpful in the cold months to keep the dog warm; plus, the fur is highly sought-after by weavers for making warm clothing. Want to know more? It’s all here: Samoyed colors
It’s generally thought that Samoyeds are all pure white. While this is the primary and most common coat color, these dogs come in three other shades recognized by the AKC. This includes cream, biscuit, and White & Biscuit. The colors on this dog breed are often mistaken as problematic as they are thought to be albinos, but nothing could be further from the truth. Sammies don’t have any health issues related to their coat and neither do the colors have any documented impact on their behavior.
White Samoyed
This is the most common coat color of this breed. This all-white coat was purposefully developed by the very first breeders of the Samoyed dog, so they could easily blend in on the snowy surroundings and serve as better watchdogs. But just because your Samoyed puppy was born white doesn’t mean they’ll remain white as they grow. Some may grow to have biscuit spots or completely turn into a biscuit Samoyed upon maturity.
Biscuit Samoyed
These Samoyeds are almost always white but often have a light to dark brown tint. This is the rarest coat color, as you might think you own one, but after a few months, your puppy turns into all white or a combination of white and biscuit. If this is your preferred coat color, I recommend choosing the darkest puppy from the litter to increase your chances of owning a biscuit Samoyed. Given that it’s the rarest, it’s also the most expensive Samoyed.
Cream Samoyed
These have a lowly saturated coat that appears light yellow. They tend to have a bit more color than pure whites, which is why they can be mistaken for the same variety.
White & Biscuit Samoyed
These are Samoyed with a white base coat with medium saturated brownish-yellow spots.
Do Black Samoyeds Exist?
A lot of novice dog owners are often fooled into thinking that there are black Samoyeds. This coat color is actually nonexistent since Samoyeds are genetically wired to be white and light-colored. Read more here: Black Samoyed dogs do they exist?
Shedding Levels and Grooming Routine
The Samoyed dog breed has a dense double coat. The undercoat is soft and thick to provide insulation, while the outer coat is long, straight, and fluffy. Since these thick coats and dual layers have to come off at some point, this breed of dog is right up there with the heavy shedders, like the Siberian Husky, Newfoundland, and Alaskan Malamute. You’ll find fur all over your upholstery, carpeting, clothing, on your countertops, under your furniture, and even in your food.
Things tend to get worse when they blow their coat, usually in spring and fall. This is when they naturally shed (Do Samoyeds shed?)their coat in preparation for the change in season. Their fur is even described as being similar to a sheep’s fleece, which is why it’s a favorite of weavers.
It goes without saying that Samoyeds are high-maintenance dogs and will require almost-daily grooming (Do Samoyeds need to be groomed?) You must brush their coat 3-4 times per week to prevent tangling and matting and remove dirt and loose hair. You will need to brush daily during the shedding period to reduce excessive shedding. Samoyed‘s owners should be prepared to spend about an hour giving their furry friend a brush.
On the positive side, the coat is generally clean as it does an excellent job of repelling dirt and dust. These dogs also don’t have the typical doggy smell (Do Samoyeds smell?) This means they require a bath once every couple of months unless they play in something smelly or roll up in the mud. But bathing the Samoyed can be quite a task some owners prefer to hire a professional groomer, although this can be quite pricey.
In addition to taking care (Are Samoyeds easy to take care of) of their dense coat, grooming this dog extends to trimming their nails once or twice a month, brushing their teeth 2-3 times per week, checking their ears for infection, and monitoring them for fleas and ticks.
Energy Levels and Samoyed Exercise Routine
Samoyeds were bred for hunting, herding, and pulling a sled, which means they are used to being very active. Their temperament is highly energetic without being hyper, and they need someone who can keep up with them. This dog will need plenty of exercise (How much exercise do Samoyeds need?)every day to be happy and healthy.
You can start with daily walks, which are crucial for releasing pent-up energy (Are Samoyeds high energy?)and allow the dog to stimulate their senses and provide social enrichment. The lengths of the walks should be at least 30-45 minutes, done two times a day if your schedule allows it.
Other activities that can help burn energy and maintain a healthy weight include:
- running (How fast can Samoyeds run?)
- hiking
- playing fetch (Do Samoyeds play fetch?) or tug of war.
You can also include them in dog sports like weight pulling, herding, agility, or take them for a swim. While they may not have webbed feet (So Samoyeds have webbed feet?) or water-proof coats that some breeds have, they still enjoy swimming quite a bit.
When it comes to how much exercise your Samoyed needs, it depends on their age and overall health. For a healthy adult, aim for an hour of moderate-difficult activity each day. Puppies’ bones, muscles, and joints are still developing, and excessive exercise can harm them. The best form of exercise for them is free play. Read more: Can Samoyed Dogs Swim?
As the puppy gets older, you can start including short informal walks to allow them to socialize and explore. Sick or elderly dogs are less active and have lower energy levels, so provide only reasonable amounts of exercise.
Samoyeds dogs are pretty smart (Are Samoyeds smart?), so keep their exercise routine varied to prevent them from becoming bored. You’ll also need to keep them mentally challenged with puzzle toys, ongoing training, scenting and nose games, and so on. Due to their heat sensitivity, it’s best to schedule play and exercise during cooler morning or evening hours. They should also be kept on a leash whenever they’re in public.
Without adequate physical and mental exercise, your Samoyed may resort to destructive behaviors like digging, chewing, excessive barking (Do Samoyeds bark a lot?), etc., to release pent-up energy and avoid boredom.
The Lifespan Of A Samoyed Dog
The thought of one day losing your beloved furry friend is difficult to imagine, but we know that they can’t live with us forever. Knowing your dog’s life expectancy and what you can do to maximize it can dramatically increase their quality of life and reduce vet bills.
The Samoyed dog is generally healthy with high energy levels that go well into old age. According to the AKC, this breed can live for 10-14 years (How long are Samoyeds pregnant for?)
Although some have lived more than expected. Read more: How long do Samoyeds live? This breed is prone to a few health conditions and diseases that could lower its average lifespan. This includes:
- Glaucoma
- Hip Dysplasia
- Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
- Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, also known as GDV or Bloat
- Cancer
You can minimize some of these issues by screening for common diseases and conditions and keeping your pup’s vaccinations to date. After bringing your dog home, their health is now in your hands. This is a huge responsibility, especially for first-time dog owners. Every decision you make will have an impact on their overall health, happiness, and average lifespan. Read more: Do Samoyeds get cold?
In that case, here are other ways to help your Samoyed lifespan extend well into their teens:
- Provide proper nutrition: A good quality diet with all the necessary nutrients will help to keep your dog in top condition.
- Exercise them: From increasing blood circulation to boosting energy levels, providing mental stimulation, and preventing obesity, there’s so much that exercise does to keep your dog in optimum health.
- Medical care: Regular visits to the vet can help catch severe conditions early when they are still treatable or manageable and keep minor issues from worsening.
- Love and affection: These dogs thrive on human companionship, so ensure you spend as much time as possible with your pup. This will reduce stress and prevent separation anxiety.
Are Samoyeds Hypoallergenic
By now, you know that Samoyeds have long, fluffy coats that shed heavily, especially when they blow their coats. If you suffer from allergies, you might worry about all that dog hair floating all over your house. But as it turns out, the Samoyed dog is often considered hypoallergenic (Are Samoyeds hypoallergenic?); however, there are some important caveats, as we’re going to see later on.
A common misconception is that dog hair acts as an allergy trigger, so when one sheds as much as the Samoyed, many assume it’s not suitable for people with allergies. It may come as a surprise to many that the typical trigger for a pet allergy is not the hair, rather a protein found in their dander, urine, and saliva.
These dogs have low dander levels; plus, the upturned corners of their mouth allow them to drool less (Do Samoyeds drool?) This means they produce less of the allergy-triggering protein called KNF-1, making them less likely to trigger allergies than many other breeds.
That being said, dander readily attacks itself onto a dog’s fur, so if they are heavy shedders like the Sammies are, more dander is going to spread around your home. Also, if you’re particularly sensitive to dog fur, you’ll likely have an allergic reaction with all that Samoyed hair in your house. Additionally, other allergens like dust and pollen could get attracted to your Samoyed‘s long fur.
To sum it up, the Samoyed dog breed might be more suitable for people with allergies than some dogs, but to say they are hypoallergenic is another story. The good news is you can take several precautions to mitigate the reactions. For starters, groom them regularly to reduce the amount of fur they shed around the house.
The next thing is to keep your house clean, including the carpets, upholstery, furniture, the dog’s beddings, etc. You can also get a HEPA air filter to help clean the air off the dust, pollen, dander, and other allergens. Last but not least, talk with your allergist as allergy medications or shots can sometimes control symptoms.
Samoyed Dog Breed Feeding Requirements
Samoyeds don’t necessarily require any special diet as they eat (How much should samoyed eat?) what most dog breeds eat. What’s important is to provide a diet that contains all the necessary nutrients, starting with protein to encourage growth, carbs for giving energy, and omega fatty acids to keep their coat lush and healthy.
You can offer a raw/fresh diet of lean meats, eggs, fish, fresh vegetables, and other home-cooked meals. While this is technically the best diet, many people find it time-consuming and a bit costly. Another alternative is to opt for high-quality commercial food. Be sure to avoid foods with fillers or nasty preservatives that could end up irritating your dog’s digestive system. Don’t forget plenty of water!
Like any other dog, Sammies are prone to obesity if they are overfeeding and being lazy. Needless to say, it’s important to measure the amount of food you offer your Samoyed. An adult Sammy will need about 2½ cups of dry food per day, divided into two meals. This amount could vary slightly, depending on the dog’s age, activity level, lifestyle, weight, and overall health.
It could also vary depending on the food brand you use, so always read the instructions for tailored advice. Note that the quality of food makes a huge difference; the higher the quality, the more value it offers when it comes to nourishing your dog. With low-quality food, you’ll have to put in larger amounts to achieve the same level of nourishment.
A puppy will need a little less to support its slow yet steady growth, again based on its age. For instance, at 2-6 months, they’ll need 0.3-0.5 cups of dry food divided into three meals. At one year, 1½ cups should suffice. Samoyeds can be prone to bloating and stomach problems, so offer smaller, more frequent meals to minimize this risk. Read more: What do Samoyeds eat?
Keep in mind that these are just guidelines. There are certain situations where your Samoyed might have special dietary needs, like when they are pregnant, overweight/underweight, sick or in the recovery phase, and so on. It’s best to talk to your vet about creating a customized diet for your Samoyed. Treats can be necessary for training, but they shouldn’t be more than 10% of the dog’s daily calorie intake.
Are Samoyeds Suitable for Apartments
Some breeds of dogs need a specific type of home to be happy and healthy, while others can live in any size space as long as all their needs are met. So, what category does the Samoyed dog breed fall into? Being large and highly active dogs, Samoyeds ideally need a home with a large, fenced yard for playing and roaming. However, this breed is relatively adaptable and can change with its surroundings and make the most of it. Read more: Are Samoyeds good apartment dogs?
If you live in an apartment or a small house, you can still adopt a Samoyed. It doesn’t really matter what size of home or yard you have, as your Samoyed needs more than simply hanging out in the backyard or on the patio. What’s most important is whether you have the time, interest, and energy to provide fulfilling and enriching activities to this dog every day.
As mentioned earlier, this dog is active and highly energetic, meaning it requires plenty of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. That being said, you still need ample space for this large breed to move through freely. Keep in mind that males can grow up to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 pounds, while females reach 21 inches and weigh 45 pounds.
But before bringing a Samoyed dog into your apartment, you should know that they can be pretty vocal, which can be a nuisance to other neighbors in the apartment complex. The good news is this can be controlled with proper training and tiring the dog out with plenty of exercises. Since they are heavy shedders, you can also expect to find plenty of furs, given the limited space to roam about.
Other things you need to consider include does your apartment complex allows dogs, and if so, is it dog friendly? Is there a nearby dog park where you can take your pup to exercise and socialize? (Do Samoyeds fart?).
Can Samoyeds Live Outside, In Cold and Hot Weather?
As far as living conditions go, this breed is quite flexible. Sammies originally lived in Siberia, Russia, where temperatures get downright frigid, as low as -30° to -60° Fahrenheit, and this dog was able to thrive in that climate. In fact, these dogs would often sleep with their owners to help warm them up (Are Samoyeds outside dogs).
These dogs adapted to this climate by having thick coats of fur. They are double-layered with an inner coat that insulates them against freezing temperatures and an outer coat for additional protection. They also have an upturned mouth that prevents drool, which prevents icicles from forming on their lips.
Even though they are winter dogs, they are not impervious to the cold. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Similarly, bad weather like hail, snowstorms, or typhoons will affect your Samoyed. You should also be careful of items used to de-ice as they can be poisonous to dogs if ingested, as well as irritating for their paws and mucous membranes of their nose.
Although Samoyeds thrive in cold weather, they have been able to adapt well to warm weather. Their undercoat acts as insulation from the heat as well, helping keep them cool and comfortable, while the outer coat protects them from harmful sun rays. Additionally, their bright, white fur reflects the sun’s rays, so they don’t penetrate the skin. Like other dogs, Samoyeds regulate their body temperatures through panting (Can samoyed live in hot weather?).
However, since these dogs are ideal for cooler weather, they are prone to dehydration, overheating, and overexertion and can easily suffer from heatstroke. Some of the signs that your dog is getting too hot include excessive panting, barking, pacing, drooling, scratching, stumbling or disorientated actions, and looking restless and uncomfortable. Be sure to provide plenty of water and a shady area for your dog to lay during the day. If temperatures go above 30°C (86°F), it is best to bring your Samoyed inside to keep them cool.
Besides the temperatures, there are other important things to consider before leaving your Samoyed outside. For starters, these dogs have a strong urge to run away and roam, and if they are let loose, they can travel for miles, thus putting them at risk. Make sure you have an appropriately sized fence that they can’t jump over or dig under.
Secondly, if you’re not breeding them, have them neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Lastly, you don’t want to leave them outside for too long because they can develop separation anxiety and turn to destructive behaviors like excessive barking and digging.
Samoyed Dog Breed Personality Characteristics
The Samoyed is virtually every dog owner’s dream. He is gentle, loving, kind, sweet, intelligent with a touch of independence, loyal, and always smiling. He can be strong-willed and stubborn at times but generally remains friendly with almost everyone. This dog is not a loner; he likes a close association with those he lives with and enjoys being part of household activities.
You’re happy to hear that the Samoyed has such a sunny outlook, but maybe you still have some reservations. Will they fit in a home with kids? What about other animals? Let’s take a closer look at how this dog fits in a household setting.
Living with Children and Family Members
The Samoyed makes an excellent family dog thanks to their kind, gentle, loving, and cuddly nature. They are also a great companion as they enjoy spending time with their human family and participating in family activities. Before we continue to other amazing characteristics of this family dog, you must understand that this dog needs a pack leader, and that is you. You have to be the strong one and lead the dog to good behavior while providing what they need.
Samoyeds will be happy to play games with your children and remain relatively gentle, careful, and patient when they’re around kids, which is why they are considered an excellent breed for families with children (Are Samoyeds loyal?) Your kids could have friends over, and the same energy levels and playful nature would apply. Your Samoyed will often enjoy making new friends.
That being said, these dogs can be overly energetic, and though they don’t mean harm, they can be a little boisterous for younger kids and babies as well. It’s important to supervise any dog and child interaction until you’re confident in their behaviors and that they can be safe together (Do Samoyeds dig?).
While Sammies are naturally friendly, early socialization is crucial for shaping their personality. This will get them used to be around people and children in particular (Are Samoyeds affectionate?). Secondly, these dogs are highly energetic and need plenty of exercises to release pent-up energy, so they are not hyperactive around kids.
Another thing to be cautious of with this dog’s interaction with children is the possibility of nipping. While they don’t intend to cause harm, you’re going to have to train them to stop this behavior.
Safety in the household is not just dependent on the dog. Kids can be rather rowdy and even accidentally cruel. All dogs have limits of what they can tolerate before they become problematic. Teach your children to be gentle and respectful in all their interactions with the dog. They should never pull on Sammy’s ears or tail, wake them from a cold slumber, or even ride them. Doing any of these things could cause the Samoyed to react aggressively and even lead to a painful bite (Do Samoyeds bite?)
Living with Cats and Other Dogs
If you’re considering a multiple-pet household, you’re going to have to know whether they can get along with one another. So, how do the Samoyed dog breed typically react or respond to the presence of other animals?
Well, this dog is highly warm, friendly, and affectionate with other canines. This is especially true if they were raised together. They love to make new doggy friends, love their company, and often have no problem sharing their things. As mentioned earlier, these dogs were initially tasked with hunting and herding together, which is why they are capable of coexisting with one another.
That being said, it’s still important to socialize your Samoyed with other dogs (read more: Are Samoyeds good with other dogs?)so they can learn to communicate and get used to one another. You also need to establish yourself as the strong leader of the pack and set the rules. Ensure all the dogs receive equal amounts of attention and love to prevent any jealousy from developing.
A properly trained and well socialized Samoyed will remain friendly with other household pets, including cats (read more here: Are Samoyeds good with cats?. But keep in mind that since they are herding and hunting dogs, they have a strong desire to hunt and chase. If a Samoyed sees a cat, squirrel, bird, or small animal run, their prey instinct will kick in. Before you know it, they are chasing the poor animal down.
Luckily, Samoyeds are not aggressive (Are Samoyeds aggressive?) the chase is not likely to end in a kill. Since Samoyeds will outsize almost all other household pets, it’s essential to watch both animals during their interactions. Your Sammy doesn’t know its own strength and might overpower the small animal accidentally. Again, training and socializing your dog with other pets will work here to curb unwanted behavior.
Barking Levels of a Samoyed Dog
The Samoyed is among the most talkative dog breeds as they tend to vocalize their likes and dislikes with barks, bellows, howls, and yelps. They are prone to excessive barking and have intense high-pitched barks that are bound to make your neighbors report you for nuisance – you can find more here: Are Samoyeds loud?
Many Northern dog breeds are very loud and tend to bark a lot. Samoyeds were working dogs and needed to herd the reindeer, hunt game, and pull sleds. As you can imagine, they needed to communicate with each other or with their humans to get the job done. This dog is one of the ancient dog breeds and is genetically very close to the wolf, which is why people believe they tend to howl a lot. It goes without saying that today’s Samoyed still keeps its ancestor’s barking levels as a means of communication. They will bark if:
- They are happy and excited
- They want treats
- They notice an intruder
- They want to go outside
- They want to announce the arrival of a visitor
- Out of fear, distress, or sadness
- Are hungry
- They want to play
- Attention seeking or bored, etc.
It’s like they have something to say in almost every situation. While you cannot keep the Samoyed from barking, you can control this behavior. The first step is through proper training. You can do this by teaching the ‘speak’ and ‘quiet’ commands, so they only bark on command and be quiet on command as well. The next solution is to provide plenty of physical and mental exercise. A tired dog is less likely to bark from boredom or excess energy.
It’s also important to recognize when your dog is just seeking attention. If that’s the case, ignore them for as long as it takes them to calm down and be quiet. If you’ve tried all these ways of preventing excessive barking with no success, then perhaps it’s time to see the vet. Sometimes, your dog might be barking excessively due to health issues, and probably they are in pain. Read more: Why do Samoyeds howl?
Never try to stop excessive barking through punishment, using harsh devices like shock collars, or surgically cutting your Samoyed‘s vocal cords. These methods are harsh, cruel, and unkind and will likely have a negative outcome, like making your dog fearful or aggressive (How to stop Samoyeds from barking?).
Are Samoyeds Good Guard or Watchdogs?
There’s something about owning a dig that makes one feel more secure. Of course, not all dogs can protect you, but at the very least, they will alert you of impending danger. Samoyeds act as excellent watchdogs, keeping an eye on the home and its inhabitants, but providing protection isn’t their specialty (Are Samoyeds protective?) They are very friendly, a characteristic that makes them terrible at guarding. Although they will bark a lot and loudly to draw your attention, they will hardly do more than announce the presence of an intruder or potential danger. In short, they won’t chase or attack the threat.
You’re probably wondering, aren’t guard dogs and watchdogs just two words for the same thing? Not really; both are types of security dogs but ultimately perform different tasks. Watchdogs do surveillance pretty well, but they often lack the bulk, size, or aggressiveness to attack a potential threat. So, they’ll just alert you to it through barking. Guard dogs, on the other hand, will physically protect you and your possessions. They will bark to ward off intruders and attack if necessary to rid their people of danger.
This doesn’t mean the Samoyed can’t act aggressively. If threatened, they will defend themselves through biting, scratching, or attacking. They are dogs, after all. Read more: Are Samoyeds territorial?
If you want a dog that will chase off danger even through violence, then the Samoyed dog breed isn’t for you. A better choice would be the Akita, Chow Chow, American Pitbull Terrier, Rottweiler, or Doberman, just to name a few. These large dogs are pretty intimidating, are practically fearless, and most have a natural inclination for violence.
Aggression Levels
Another important personality trait to know before bringing a particular dog home is its aggression levels. Can a Samoyed dog breed be dangerous? The Samoyed‘s gentle and friendly temperament is pretty much the opposite of an aggressive breed. They live in harmony with humans and other animals, and are highly unlikely to bite, scratch, or attack someone. More here: How to stop Samoyed from biting?
This doesn’t mean they cannot develop aggressive behaviors if provoked. Your Sammie might react to a real or perceived threat from another dog, situation, or person. Another aggression trigger is prior abuse, neglect, or trauma, which can cause your dog to be scared. This stresses the huge role humans play in raising and caring for their pets.
Behavioral problems in pets are often caused by human involvement. Other than that, it’s a matter of common sense. For instance, a dog might become defensive if they are sick or injured because they are in pain. Secondly, a dog that’s driven by hormones might not take it kindly to being restrained. This applies to both unneutered males and unspayed females. Another is territorial guarding of food and other belongings. These are just a few of the scenarios where your Samoyed might feel the need to snarl or growl, although they hardly go beyond that.
The best way to prevent aggression in your dog is by training. They should know and be able to follow simple commands like no, sit, and stay. Early socialization is also crucial to get them used to people, other dogs, and various situations that could cause them to act out later on. Last but not least, it’s important to understand your dog’s behavior, so you can tell when they are starting to become aggressive. Growling, howling, and audible teeth snapping are all vocal signs of aggression. Physical symptoms may include stiff movement, lip curling, tail not wagging, staring, etc.
Can Samoyeds Be Left Alone?
Most dogs have to spend part of the day alone as their humans go to work or school, run errands, etc. Some breeds of dogs love a quiet house, but Sammies are not one of them. They were somewhat of village dogs as they spent most of their day herding and hunting with their owners, and when nighttime came, they slept with them indoors as well. These dogs forged an incredible fondness for their owners, and as a result, they thrive on human companionship. Some go as far as picking one favorite family member, and when this person leaves, they get upset (Do Samoyeds have separation anxiety?).
Sammies don’t generally like being left alone (Can samoyed be left alone?). While it’s okay to leave your dog by themselves for a couple of hours, it should never be for more than four hours and never for eight hours or more. Leaving your Samoyed for a full day at work can have devastating effects. They will become bored and miserable and might resort to digging, excessive barking, chewing on everything, and other destructive behaviors to keep themselves occupied until your return.
Like any other dog, your Samoyed will need to go to the bathroom several times a day. If you have a puppy, they’ll need to urinate or defecate more frequently than you expect. Leaving them for long hours means you’ll come back to accidents in your house.
Suppose you must leave your Samoyed for prolonged periods, you might want to hire a dog sitter/dog walker to spend time with them while providing for their other needs like food and exercise. If you’re at work all day, try coming home during lunch. You probably won’t have enough time to walk them, but you can reduce the rates of accidents, and it shows your dog that you care. Perhaps the Samoyed is not the right dog for you if you have a hectic schedule that keeps you away most days (Do Samoyeds run away?)
Samoyed Dog Breed Training – Easy or Hard?
Training a Samoyed can be easy and challenging at the same time. Samoyed dog breed is pretty intelligent, meaning they can learn basic commands pretty quickly. Their eager-to-please attitude and strong bonds with their humans can also make training easy. On the other hand, Samoyeds are independent thinkers, which means they can be stubborn, making the entire training process a bit more challenging. Read more: Are Samoyeds easy to train?
Actively working on training will make you the proud owner of a well-behaved pup while also helping to strengthen the bond between you two. All you need is the right attitude, patience, and consistency. Samoyeds are smart and relish learning new things. Here are some specialized types of training your Samoyed should have.
Samoyed Dog Breed Potty Training
One of the toughest tasks of being a new dog owner is getting the dog potty-trained/housebroken. This means teaching your Samoyed to pee, poop, or even fart outside and not use your carpet, furnishings, and generally your house as a potty. We’ve already seen that training a Samoyed can be challenging given their stubborn nature (Are Samoyed stubborn?)
however, with the proper techniques to get your dog housebroken, you’re on an ideal path to having a clean house and well-behaved Samoyed.
These dogs can be potty trained at any age, but it’s best to start early on (Are Samoyeds easy to train?). Between 12 and 16 weeks will be an ideal time to start since this is when they’re learning to control their bladder and bowel movements. This doesn’t mean you cannot potty train an adult Samoyed; just be prepared for it to be more challenging than a puppy.
The first step to housebreaking your Samoyed is to have a designated area outside where they can do their business. You can also get a dog pad to use when it’s cold outside. Puppies tend to relieve themselves more frequently, like when they wake up in the morning, after napping, after eating, after playing, and right before bed. It’s your job to keep an eye on them to know when they want to answer the call of nature. Adult Samoyeds can hold in their bodily functions for about 4-6 hours.
The trick is to get your Samoyed used to going to relieve themselves on a schedule. When they are out, give the cue word to do their business like ‘go potty.’ Wait until they relieve themselves and reward them immediately with a treat for doing it in the right place, so they understand that that’s the right thing to do.
Getting your Samoyed fully potty-trained will take months, so be patient and remain consistent in your training. And even after successful training, your dog may still have accidents in the house from time to time. Don’t punish them; your Samoyed will appreciate it when you lovingly correct their bad behavior and encourage the good ones. Read more: Are Samoyeds easy to potty train?
Samoyed Dog Breed Obedience Training
This type of training focuses on making your Samoyed obedient through the use of commands. Given this dog’s intelligence and independence, he will try to dominate you, hence the need to establish yourself as the strong leader of the pack. The dog needs to fully understand your commands like where to sit and generally who’s in charge. This can help resolve any behavioral problems even before they start.
These dogs get bored quickly, so you’ll have to modify training sessions to make them unique and challenging constantly. You don’t want your canine buddy to lose interest fast because they won’t learn commands at the same rate as an engaged dog. It’s also best to keep training sessions short and not force the dog to be engaged when they’ve already moved on to something else. Their stubbornness also applies here, but with patience, time, and a few treats, you can train your Samoyed to be a loyal, obedient dog.
A few basic commands are essential for all dogs, starting with ‘come.’ This dog retains a high prey drive and is an escape artist. This command helps you call back your Samoyed if it wanders off, thus preventing accidents and keeping them safe. ‘Heel’ is the next important command as it teaches your dog to walk directly next to you without pulling on the lead or zigzagging. This is also a great way to instill self-control in your dog, whether it’s on or off-leash. Other important basic commands to teach include sit, stay, down, leave it or No, etc.
Always use a positive approach when training your dog and avoid any form of punishment, both physical and verbal. This means encouraging good behavior with treats, praise, cuddles, or playtime rather than reprimanding bad behavior. While you’re at it, practice the basic principles of dog training, which are patience, coherence, and consistency.
Samoyed Dog Breed Behavioral Training
Is your dog doing something you don’t like, for instance, barking too much, constantly seeking attention, jumping on people, stealing food from your plate, housebreaking accidents, eating poop, pulling on the leash, chewing on everything, chasing cats, and so on? This is where behavioral training comes in, to teach your Samoyed to behave well around people and other animals. It includes some basic commands, but the goal is to make them good citizens and not just obedient dogs.
The first step to resolving virtually all behavioral problems in your Samoyed is to teach the command ‘no.’ This sounds too simple. Still, it’s only because most dog owners respond to bad behavior in a frustrated voice. You’re probably thinking you already told your dog no, but he didn’t listen. There are two possibilities here, either he doesn’t understand what NO means or he just doesn’t see the reason to obey you. Respect is better than obedience because the dog will act right even when you’re not around and without needing a command from you.
Getting your Samoyed to respect you is going to be as easy as it is complex. That’s because while they are eager to please, they are also independent thinkers who don’t like being told what to do. Start by interacting with them in specific ways that encourage respect. Respectful dogs don’t misbehave; it’s that simple!
Samoyeds need plenty of physical and mental exercise to tire them out; otherwise, they will resort to destructive behavior to release that pent-up energy. Leaving them alone for too long can also be problematic. It leads to boredom, frustration, and anxiety, which are significant causes of dog behavior problems. Your Samoyed will vent by destroying things, barking, digging holes, trying to run away, and so on. This cannot be solved by training instead by meeting all of your dog’s needs.
Samoyed Dog Breed Protection Training
Some people get a dog because they want safety and security around their homes. As mentioned earlier, Samoyeds make exceptional watchdogs, given that is what they used to do back in Siberia. Due to their high barking levels, these dogs do an excellent job of alerting you when strange people or animals are present in the area. Samoyeds are, however, not great guard dogs as they tend to be friendly and affectionate with everyone.
You’re probably wondering, “Can I at least train my Samoyed to be a guard dog?” Nothing is impossible, and with the right technique, you can teach your dog to become or do whatever you want them to. But before you enroll your Sammy in a protection training course, you’ve got to be sure that’s what you really want. Protection training teaches dogs to guard their owners against threats fearlessly. And a dog will need to have the right traits to receive this type of training.
Keep in mind that you’ll be teaching a calm, gentle, and friendly dog to become aggressive, and you may not be able to bring them back from that. Since Sammies have a destructive nature, their aggression will push them to start destroying things, especially when they are stressed, anxious, or even bored. You might come home to your furniture, shoes, clothes, carpets, and even a door or two ruined.
Now you’re faced with another problem, which is training your Samoyed to stop whatever bad behavior they have developed thanks to making them more aggressive and territorial. It’s best to leave the Sammies as they are. The protection they offer is just enough, unless you live in a dangerous neighborhood, in which case you should get an actual guard dog.
Most popular Samoyed Mixes
If you are looking for more variety, these are the most popular Samoyed mixes:
- Samoyed Husky mix
- Samoyed Poodle mix
- Samoyed Golden Retriever mix
- Samoyed German Shepherd mix
- Samoyed Corgi mix
- Samoyed Pomeranian mix
- Samoyed Chow mix
- Australian Shepherd Samoyed mix
- Samoyed Malamute mix
- Samoyed Lab mix
- Samoyed Border Collie mix
- Samoyed Great Pyrenees mix
- Samoyed Pitbull mix
- Samoyed Retriever mix
- Samoyed Shiba mix
- Miniature Samoyed Mixes
Additional Resources
Instead of searching for “Samoyed dog for sale” or “Samoyed dog price” – Find and adopt a Samoyed dog from your local rescue center:
UK – https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/
USA – https://www.samoyedclubofamerica.org/the-samoyed/choosing-a-dog/rescue-groups/