Samoyed Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

20.5-30 kg

Height

53-60 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Samoyed

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

If you’re on the lookout for a friendly, fluffy dog to be a part of your family, the Samoyed could be the perfect choice for you.

The Samoyed’s beautiful, thick white fur and super happy smiley faces make them look like happy cartoon clouds, and their friendly disposition is perfect for family life.

Our ultimate Samoyed guide below will answer all the questions you might have about potential health concerns, feeding, grooming, and the dog’s temperament and suitability.

What is the history & origin of the Samoyed?

Samoyeds are named after the now obsolete term Russians used for Siberia’s indigenous people, the Samoyedic (Samoedic) people. They bred the dogs to hunt reindeer and pull sleds. The dogs were well treated and grew to be a loyal, trusting breed because of this.

As Arctic expeditions took place during the 19th and 20th centuries, Samoyeds were used to pull the sleds. The dogs were then imported to the UK and America, with the American Kennel Club first registering a Samoyed in 1906.

Despite being bred to withstand freezing Arctic conditions, they can still tolerate warmer climates and do surprisingly well in warm countries.

What is a Samoyed breed?

Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs that are known for having thick, double layer coats that are usually white but can also be cream or white and biscuit.

Samoyed dogs are hypoallergenic, meaning they have little dander, and this makes them an excellent option for households that have people with allergies in them.

They are a popular breed due to their friendly disposition and adorable looks. Thanks to their luscious thick coats, both adults and puppies are cute and fluffy.

Learn more about: Samoyed Colours

Who is a Samoyed best for?

Samoyeds are friendly dogs and great for families. That being said, they are also highly intelligent dogs making them better for more experienced dog owners who will be able to train them and keep their attention.

They were initially bred as a sled dog – as a result, they are very active and require a lot of exercise, so they will be perfect for people who like to get out in all weather.

Samoyed Grooming & Shedding

Samoyeds shed a lot throughout the year and heavily during shedding season in spring and autumn when their coats get ready for the summer and winter. Frequent grooming is required, and you should brush the coat weekly to help keep it clean and stop tangles and matting.

It would be best if you bathed your dog around once every six weeks unless it gets muddy or dirty in the interim. Double coated dog breeds require specific bathing and drying techniques to keep the coat looking great and maintain healthy skin.

The stunning white coat will have loose hair and a woolly undercoat that can be tricky to manage. Taking your dog to a professional groomer is a great way to ensure your dog looks great and their fur and skin are being well cared for.

Learn more about: Samoyed Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Samoyeds bark a lot?

Samoyeds are known to bark a lot if they are distressed or left alone for long periods of time. Training from a young age can reduce this, but it is worth noting that they could disturb neighbours if you live in an apartment or flat.

What is the average weight & height of a Samoyed dog?

Samoyeds will reach full size within around one year, with males weighing between 20.5kg to 30kg and females between 16kg to 22.5kg. Male Samoyeds will grow to around 53cm to 60cm in height, with females reaching between 48cm to 53cm.

Samoyed puppies will develop quite rapidly for the first six months. Starting at around 2.25kg to 4.5kg at a month old, they will gain around 2.25kg in weight a month until they hit around the six-month mark when they will weigh between 13.5kg to 18kg. They will then gradually mature to their full size over the following six months.

Learn more about: Samoyed Size & Weight Chart

Are Samoyeds easy to train?

Samoyeds are a very intelligent breed and independent-minded, so starting your training as soon as you bring your puppy home is a good way of exerting your dominance and letting your dog understand acceptable behaviours.

Persistent training and patience are necessary, but make sure you are having fun with your dog. They need to stay mentally active to be able to concentrate on commands, so being enthusiastic and praising and rewarding your dog for good behaviour will all help.

Learn more about: Samoyed Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Samoyeds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Samoyed temperament tends to be strong-willed as they were bred as a working dog. More than anything, you will find a Samoyed to be friendly, gentle, and loyal, meaning they can make a great family pet.

Your dog’s temperament will have a lot to do with its training as well as its mental and physical stimulation. As intelligent dogs that need a lot of exercise, they need to be active and regular walks will help to curb any boisterous or destructive behaviour.

Learn more about: Samoyed Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Samoyed have any common health issues?

The Samoyed is a hardy breed that isn’t prone to too many health complications when it is given a healthy, balanced diet and is taken for regular check-ups.

As with any dog, they are more susceptible to certain health issues than others, and the most common issues with health Samoyeds face include:

Hip Dysplasia: A joint issue that can lead to arthritis and mobility problems.
Diabetes: A condition that affects blood sugar regulation.
Cancer: Like many breeds, Samoyeds can be at risk for various types of cancer.
Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye, which can lead to vision loss.
Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens that can impair vision.
Retinal Dysplasia: A condition affecting the retina that can lead to vision problems.
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease: An autoimmune condition affecting the eyes and skin.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative eye disease that can cause vision loss.
Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that can cause seizures.
Bloat: A serious condition where the stomach twists, requiring immediate medical attention.
Kidney Disease: Conditions affecting kidney function can occur in this breed.

Learn more about: Common Samoyed Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a Samoyed?

The Samoyed dog breed has an average life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years which is average for a medium-sized dog. A healthy diet of high-quality dog food, enough exercise, and regular check-ups at your vet will help to prolong the life of your furry friend.

How much does a Samoyed need to be fed?

A well-fed dog is a healthy and happy dog, and you should avoid feeding it human foods as this can lead to the dog being less interested in the high-quality food that it should be eating.

During the development stages of your puppy, the dog food they eat is vital as they need suitable protein, nutrients, and fat to be able to grow and develop a strong bone structure and muscle mass.

Food brands will give advised quantities, and you should also be in regular contact with your vet to monitor the dogs’ development. They can tell you if any dietary requirements or changes are necessary.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Samoyed? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a Samoyed in Australia?

The cost of Samoyed puppies will differ depending on the sex of the dog and the breeder. Depending on the bloodline, prices will usually be between $600 to $3,000.

It would be best to always research the Samoyed breeder to ensure you aren’t buying from puppy mills. The Australian National Kennel Council keep a record of all registered breeders, or you can request registration information from the breeder themselves.

Learn more about: Samoyed Prices In Australia

Samoyed FAQs

How intelligent are Samoyed dogs compared to other dogs?

Samoyeds are relatively intelligent in comparison with other breeds. They rank 33rd in terms of breeds and are comparable to human children aged between 2 and 2.5 years old.

While they obviously can’t vocalize it, they can count up to 4 or 5 and learn more than 150 words. They can learn to outwit other animals or pets, and chances are they will probably get one over on their owners too!

Are Samoyeds known for being a loyal dog breed?

Samoyeds are very loyal dogs that build a strong bond with their owners and families. They have a lively, friendly personality and are great with older children. They love human companionship, so they will suit a family home.

Can a new dog owner train Samoyed puppies?

New dog owners can train Samoyed puppies, but it will take a lot of patience and perseverance. It’s best to try and train young puppies as soon as you get them so they can understand acceptable behaviours.

Samoyeds are high energy dogs that require daily exercise and obedience training. The breed characteristics are that they are pretty difficult to train because of their intelligence. This is a trait in other dogs that are intelligent as they can quickly lose interest and seek external mental stimulation.

Making training fun for your animal, being enthusiastic, and regularly engaging, praising, and rewarding good behaviour is advisable when trying to train a Samoyed puppy.

How do I decide whether a Samoyed puppy is the best type of dog for me?

Choosing a dog is more than just liking the look of a breed, and you have to understand the challenges and needs of the dog you choose. A purebred Samoyed can be difficult to train, and the double coat can mean you are dealing with a lot of dog hair and responsibility when it comes to grooming.

That being said, when you get a Samoyed from a reputable breeder or Samoyed rescue centre, you will find that they are a very lovable, healthy dog. These beautiful dogs are one of the more popular breeds because of their beautiful coats and friendly nature. If you are looking for a friendly furry friend that is nice and fluffy, this could be the ideal dog for you.