Samusky Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

20-27 kg

Height

50-60 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Samusky

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

A Samusky wouldn’t look out of place prowling around the Arctic tundra, but its loving personality makes it a perfect fit for a family home. These fluffy dogs look like arctic foxes for a reason: both the parent breeds descend from the cold depths of Siberia, which is why a Samusky boasts an extra-warm double coat.

However, just because they’re built to withstand freezing temperatures doesn’t mean they can’t thrive in a moderate climate! If you’re looking for a striking pup to adventure with through all terrains, this mixed-breed, arctic-built pup could be your answer!

What is the history & origin of the Samusky?

Every mixed dog breed that has recently become a ‘designer breed’ could have potentially existed for centuries, which is especially true for the Samusky dog breed. The dog’s parent breeds are the Samoyed dog and the Siberian Husky, both of which come from northern Russia and have a lineage that can be traced back for centuries.

Both the Samoyed and the Siberian Husky were used as working dogs throughout Siberia as well as Alaska and the North Pole. The Siberian Husky was used alongside Chukotka Sled Dogs to transport miners to and from the Yukon.

Samoyeds, as we know them today, were first recognised during the Fram Expedition of the North Pole, 1893-1896. Here, they were trained to perform a range of tasks, from pulling sledges to hunting for polar bears!

It’s highly likely that a Samoyeds mated with Siberian Huskies and created Samusky litters at various points over the centuries. Some accounts believe that Samuskys have been purposely bred since the late-19th century to create a tougher working dog than its two parent dogs.

Samuskys were first bred as designer dogs sometime in the 1990s in North America, although the exact year and origin are unknown. They are not currently recognised by the American Kennel Club.

What is a Samusky breed?

The Samusky breed is of Siberian descent and, like its parents, comes as medium-sized dogs. Some take more from their Siberian Husky parent, while others appear more like a Samoyed, to the point where they get mistaken for a purebred Samoyed or Husky.

A Samusky’s coat can feature two colours or one solid colour, the main colours being cream, white, grey, fawn, sable, red, or agouti. The fluffy outer coat elevates these colours, while the thick curls on the undercoat keep them warm in the wintertime. A Samusky can generally be identified by its bushy tail, short muzzle, pointed ears, and rich brown eyes.

They’re highly energetic dogs, inherit a high work ethic, and all make great family dogs. Their ancestors spent a lot of time around humans, so Samuskys, too, enjoy plenty of opportunities to socialise.

Who is a Samusky best for?

Given that the breed’s intrepid ancestors left home to explore the likes of Alaska and the North Pole, Samusky dogs, too, have a strong craving for adventure. They enjoy big country park hikes and discovering new lands, and will make an excellent exercise partner for anyone who needs that extra motivation!

A Samusky looks for an owner who can commit to at least 45 minutes to an hour’s worth of walking per day, alongside several agility exercises and dog sports. They thrive best in big houses with big, fenced-in gardens for them to explore.

Husky mixes would prefer a busy household with lots of people to keep them company but can do just fine with couples – just as long as they’re home often enough, as a Samusky doesn’t like being left alone. Although Samuskys are friendly to all, you should teach your kids how to treat the dog breed with respect.

Samusky Grooming & Shedding

This Samoyed and Husky mix can be high shedders, particularly when they blow their coats twice a year. Not recommended for allergy sufferers, you’ll likely find a lot of dog hair lying around your house no matter how much you groom this pup. However, to keep shedding at least controlled, you should aim to brush a Samusky’s coat daily.

Although this high-shedding makes them pretty high-maintenance, grooming your Samoyed Husky mix can be extremely satisfying and a good daily bonding experience.

You’ll need to trim the nails of this Samoyed Husky mix once every two weeks and check its ears daily for debris build-up.

Do Samuskies bark a lot?

This Siberian Husky offspring tends to bark when it gets overexcited. They cannot contain their happiness when they see their masters or members of their family, and they like to express this joy by barking. They have somewhat of a guard dog instinct and may take to barking whenever they detect an approaching stranger.

Overall, the barking level of a Samoyed-Husky mix is mild, although it can prove somewhat annoying for you and your neighbours. This is particularly so if your Samusky inherits its bark from the Samoyed, as this bark can be loud and shrill. The Samoyed Husky mix can be trained to keep barking to a minimum but this takes some amount of added effort.

What is the average weight & height of a Samusky?

A healthy Samoyed-Husky mix will weigh between 20 and 27 kilograms. It’s important to keep an eye on their weight as, like several other dog breeds, Samuskys gain weight easily. In terms of height, a Samusky will measure between 50 and 60 centimetres.

Are Samuskies easy to train?

Given the hard-working ancestors of this mixed breed dog, Samoyed-Husky mix puppies are pretty easy to train and respond well to commands. Once their master has been established, Husky mixes will try hard to please, which makes training them pleasurable and fun.

However, like all dogs, a Samusky puppy needs firm and consistent training and a trainer that’s dedicated to the cause. They respond well to positive reinforcement and short training sessions. They can be taught commands, tricks, and agility routines.

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

Samoyed Husky mixes like being as close to their owners as possible. Despite being medium-sized, these mixed-breed dogs never really get a sense of this, and still think of themselves as being puppy-sized in adulthood. This sees them creeping up onto their owner’s lap and sleeping there for a while.

Although generally friendly towards all, a Samoyed Husky mix dog will quickly identify a master and treat them a cut above the rest. They can display friendliness to all members of the family, including children and other pets.

They do not have the temperament to keep themselves entertained when left alone, which may cause them to get destructive or even attempt to escape.

The modern-day Samusky appears to have lost the hunting instinct present in Siberian Huskies, but they maintain their parents’ wanderlust and thrive when out on an adventure.

Does the Samusky have any common health issues?

This mixed breed is particularly prone to suffering from hip dysplasia as well as other joint-related issues, just like their parent breeds. For this reason, vets often provide or recommend preventative supplements – if they don’t, definitely ask about them!

Although not exactly a health issue, the heavy coats found on Samusky make them prone to overheating. On particularly hot days, make sure you check up on your Samusky and provide it with plenty of shade and water.

Other issues that this Husky mix has been known to face include eye defects, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes, including other common dog health concerns. These are less common than the joint concerns, which is why the Samusky should be considered as generally healthy dogs.

What is the lifespan of a Samusky?

Based on the limited amount of research that’s been made into the breed, a Samusky should live between 12 and 15 years.

How much does a Samusky need to be fed?

A Samusky needs to be fed dry dog food at least 3 times a day. Recommended portion sizes depend on the age and size of the dog, so speak to your vet for accurate feeding recommendations.

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

You can expect to pay between $850 and $3,000 for a Samusky in Australia.

Samusky FAQs

Are Samusky dogs hypoallergenic?

Samusky dogs shed quite a lot of hair throughout the year and tend to have two heavy shedding seasons. For this reason, they are definitely not recommended for allergy sufferers as they are not hypoallergenic dogs.

Are Samusky dogs good around children?

As long as the child doesn’t annoy or irritate the Samusky, they can be best friends. Samuskys are affable to everyone but like to be treated with respect.

Are Samusky dogs picky eaters?

Samasky dogs definitely agree that ‘variety is the spice of life’ and prefer to try different flavours of dog food regularly. They’re not exactly picky eaters but will enjoy eating something different each day.