Samoyed Breed Guide

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.

Who are Samoyed dogs 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 sled dogs - 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.

How much grooming does a Samoyed need?

Samoyeds shed a lot throughout the year and heavily during the 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 that their fur and skin are being well cared for.

Do Samoyed bark much?

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.

Do Samoyed bite?

Samoyeds do not have a reputation as biters, which makes them a great breed to have around kids of all ages. It's important to mention that they are still capable of doing so, and training your dog and never leaving a child alone with them is crucial.

Though they are not known as aggressive dogs, they may react aggressively if a Samoyed feels threatened or backed into a corner.

What is the temperament & personality of a Samoyed?

Samoyed temperament tends to be strong-willed as they were bred as working dogs. 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.

What is the weight & size of a Samoyed?

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

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

How much training does a Samoyed need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Samoyed?

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

• Diabetes

• Cancer

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Retinal Dysplasia

• Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy

• Epilepsy

• Bloat

• Kidney Disease

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 should you feed a Samoyed?

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.

What is the price of 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 keeps a record of all registered breeders, or you can request registration information from the breeder themselves.