Samoyed Breed Characteristics
Height
48 to 60 cm at the shoulder
Weight
50 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy
12 to 14 years
Coat Colours
White, cream, biscuit
Samoyed
Friendly, lively, and sociable
About the Samoyed
The Samoyed seems to have a permanent doggy grin on its face, earning it the name ‘Smiling Sammy’. True to that name, most Samoyeds are friendly, happy-go-lucky dogs that are constantly on a natural high at the wonders of the world.
Most Samoyeds are affectionate dogs who enjoy being the centre of the family’s attention. Their charms aren’t only reserved for their owners, as they are fast friends with strangers and other dogs.
Living with a Samoyed can sometimes be challenging due to their high grooming and exercise needs, but they are wonderful companions for active owners who don’t mind a little fur around the house.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Samoyed, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
5/5
Friendly with Dogs
5/5
Ease of Grooming
1/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
Prey Drive
4/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
3/5
Good for Novice Owners
2/5
Apartment Living
2/5
Samoyed Breed History
Samoyed dogs can be traced back to the Samodeic people of Siberia. They have been an integral part of life in the harsh climate of the Taimyr Peninsula, serving as guard dogs, sled dogs, and hunting dogs for thousands of years. The breed has also been a stalwart family companion, keeping children company and helping keep families warm at night.
The Samoyed was introduced to the rest of the world in the late 18th century by Arctic explorers who brought home some dogs from their adventures.
Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom can likely be credited with making the breed popular, as she was a big fan of the dogs, and many present-day English and American Samoyeds can trace their heritage back to her kennels.
Caring For a Samoyed
- Temperament: Samoyeds have a good-natured temperament and charming personality, easily making friends with anyone they meet. They love making people laugh and smile, and can sometimes be mischievous to get their owner’s attention.
- Grooming: Grooming a Samoyed is not for the faint of heart, as their coats are remarkably dense and fluffy. They require frequent brushing and grooming, and need their coats to regulate their body temperature, making it impractical to shave their hair short.
- Exercise: These are energetic dogs, despite their easygoing nature. They will need at least an hour of vigorous outdoor exercise each day, with some dogss needing around two hours.
- Nutrition: Adult Samoyeds will need around two to three cups of dry dog food each day, and Samoyed puppies will need around half that. You may ask your veterinarian for more details about your dog’s diet.
- Training: Most Samoyeds are smart but independent-minded dogs. They require a firm hand and reward-based training to get the most out of their training time.
How to Choose a Responsible Samoyed Breeder
A puppy from a reputable Samoyed dog breeder has the best chance of growing into a well-behaved, healthy adult dog. Ethical breeders should be able to tell you about the genetic profile of their dogs, and alert you to any potential health issues.
When looking for a Samoyed puppy for sale, try to arrange a visit to the breeder’s premises if they are close by to your location. This gives you a chance to meet the puppy’s parents so that you can tell whether the dogs are well-treated and happy.
Samoyed FAQ
Can Samoyeds be left alone throughout the day?
No. They are not a good choice to be backyard dog sthat do not get much attention throughout the day. They want to be part of family activities and need lots of physical and mental stimulation.
Do Samoyeds make good guard dogs?
No. While they are alert and adept at warning their owners of anyone approaching, they are not suited to guarding property as they are far too friendly. They are more likely to welcome intruders than to attack.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Samoyed
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
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