Samoyed

'Oohs,' 'aahs,' and 'awws' tend to follow this elegant, puffy white, cream, or biscuit-hued dog with the sweet, upturned smile. The Samoyed is an ancient breed whose thick coat kept them warm as they pulled sleds and herded reindeer thousands of years ago for the Nenet people of Siberia. Samoyeds are devoted to their families and are gentle and protective of children. They tend to be friendly with dogs and people they don't know, and easygoing companions to other pets. Sammies have a lot of energy and will get into mischief if you don't give them ample exercise and human interaction every day. Their stunning coat should be brushed often to prevent mats and minimize shedding.

Other Names

The Samoyed is often called Sammy, Sami, Smiley, or the Smiling Sledge Dog. In their native Siberia, they are called Samoiedskaia Sabaka or Samoyedskaya.

Physical Description

Coat

The Samoyed's brilliant, medium-length double coat is a showstopper. The undercoat is soft, weather resistant, and warming. The outer coat is tougher and stands out from the body, giving the dog its signature puffy appearance that includes the tail, which curls over the back. The ruff around the neck tends to be bigger in males than females, giving them a larger mane. The coat colors are white, cream, biscuit, or white and biscuit.

Height

Average Height: 19-23.5 inches

Weight

Male: 45-65 pounds

Female: 35-50 pounds

Breed Standard & History

This working dog is alert and agile, with a graceful and composed bearing. She is muscular and compact, and moves quickly. Sammies have wedge shaped heads and triangular ears that stand upright. The corners of their mouths turn up, adding the appearance of a smile to their lively, engaged expressions. They are considered a 'basal breed' because they have not undergone as much genetic mixing as other modern breeds.

Modern Samoyeds are a Spitz-type breed, descendants of the dogs of the nomadic Samoyede people who migrated from central Asia to Siberia thousands of years ago. The Samoyede followed herds of reindeer in order to have a constant supply of food, and their dogs helped them protect and herd the reindeer. They also helped pull sleds and hunt. Early Samoyeds were considered members of the family and lived inside tents with their people.

The breed came to England in the 1800s and several decades later became a favorite of Queen Alexandra, who was a dog fancier and helped the Samoyed gain popularity. Because of their sledding skills and resistance to the cold, Samoyeds were used for expeditions to the South Pole. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1906.

AKC Breed Category

Working Group

Personality

General Temperament

Samoyeds live up to their smiles. They are friendly and loving, though they save most of their amiability for family members. They are active dogs who thrive when they have a consistent job to accomplish with their people, such as agility training, a daily jog, or sled pulling. Sammies are people dogs and want to be near their families throughout the day.

Family Life

Are Samoyeds Good with Kids? Yes. Samoyeds are loving and gentle companions with the kids in their family. Supervise small children around your Sammy, because the breed is energetic and could knock little ones over. They'll adore older kids who are willing to spend time playing with them in the back yard and taking them for long walks.

(Note: Every dog has a unique personality and distinct life experiences that affect his disposition. As a rule, adults should always supervise playdates between kids and their four-legged friends.)

Are Samoyeds Good with Other Pets? Samoyeds accept cats and dogs with whom they've been raised and whom they consider members of their family. The breed has a strong hunting instinct, however, and may consider small animals they don't know fair game. If your Samoyed spends time in the yard, make sure she is well secured or she'll escape to chase down squirrels or the neighbor's cat.

Protective

Samoyeds are alert, but not especially protective or territorial.

Are Samoyeds Good Guard Dogs? Samoyeds pay close attention to their surroundings and will bark at the approach of strangers to alert the household. However, they are amiable at heart and don't tend towards aggression, even with unwelcome visitors.

Energy Levels

Modern Samoyeds still possess the high energy levels they needed to follow reindeer across Siberia.

Specific Concerns

• Samoyeds shed excessively and owners who have furniture protectors and dog-proof throw blankets in place will likely be much happier.
• They get bored easily and need active owners willing to keep them busy.
• They're prone to barking and digging.
• Care and upkeep of the Samoyed coat is time consuming.
• They don't adapt well to being left alone.

Requirements

Indoor 

Samoyeds are highly attached to their families and should live indoors with them. They shed a great deal, so it's important to accept white hair and vacuuming as a big part of your life if you bring a Samoyed into your home. Apartments may be too small for this energetic dog, unless her owner can take her outside frequently.

Outdoor 

The Samoyed's beautiful coat keeps her warm when it's cold and snowy outside, and its insulating qualities keep her comfortable in warm weather. But don't leave her outside in the yard in any kind of weather for very long, because she can develop separation anxiety and destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking and digging.

Exercise 

Samoyeds benefit from several hours of physical activity each day, and changing up the activity is ideal for keeping them mentally stimulated.

Endurance 

These working dogs have the stamina for long play and training sessions.

Activity distance rating

• Running Miles: Samoyeds make better jogging partners than fast running partners, but they will happily trot by your side for about five miles.
• Hiking Miles: Samoyeds will enjoy long hikes with you, of ten miles and more. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, they'll happily accompany you on cross country skiing or snowshoeing excursions.

Food 

Generally, this breed requires about two to three cups of good quality dry dog food each day, given in two feedings. This amount varies, however, based upon your Samoyed's activity level and age. Talk to your veterinarian about the optimal diet and quantity of food for your Sammy.

Alone Time 

Samoyeds don't appreciate being left alone. They become bored easily and will turn to destructive behaviors, including barking, chewing, and digging, to keep themselves occupied until your return. If you must leave, it's best for a dog sitter to spend time with your Sammy.

Health and Grooming

Life Expectancy

12-14 years

Grooming

The Samoyed's beautiful coat requires attention to stay that way. Daily brushing is a must to keep loose fur under control when the Samoyed seasonally sheds her undercoat. During the rest of the year, frequent brushing will prevent mats, get rid of dirt, and manage fur around the house. Bathe your Sammy every few months, or when she's especially dirty. Clean her ears with a gentle, dog-friendly cleanser to prevent dirt buildup that can cause infections. Brush her teeth several times a week, and trim her nails every month or so to prevent cracking.

Common Health Issues

Breed-specific health concerns—some serious—may affect the Samoyed. These include:

• Eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and cataracts
• Diabetes
• Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy, a genetic kidney disease
• Canine hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Gastric torsion

You can minimize serious health concerns in a Samoyed by purchasing from a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices, and through screening for common diseases and conditions.