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Samoyed Dogs
Breed Rating (1 Reviews)
| Appearance | |
| Friendliness | |
| Hardiness | |
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History
The Samoyed gets its name from the Samoyede people from Siberia, Russia. They were used by this tribe to herd reindeer, hunt and pull sledges across the barren terrain. These dogs would form very close bonds with their owners, sleeping by them at night to protect them from any potential dangers and to keep them warm during the cold winter nights. By the late 19th/early 20th century, the breed was being used in Polar expeditions and was becoming known outside of its home region of Siberia. They are classed as a Spitz.
Behaviour
The Samoyed is a gentle yet intelligent breed that is very well suited to family life due to their natural need for close human companionship. They truly are “man’s best friend”, being incredibly loyal and loving towards their family. They get along well with children, but can sometimes be slightly too boisterous for smaller kids. They will bark when someone is at the door, but usually welcome them in with a wagging tail and a lick. When it comes to other animals, Samoyeds should be fine with cats and other dogs if raised together, though with other smaller animals the hunter instinct in them will come out.
Samoyeds are always alert and this makes them a good watchdog. Their need for human companionship causes them to get lonely if they are left alone for long periods of time and they can suffer from separation anxiety which in turn may lead to destructive behaviour. This breed grows up quickly and play should be limited to slightly less active activities to prevent any problems with their developing joints. Once they have fully matured and grown to their full size at around 2 years old, they can take part in sled pulling/agility or whatever activities you have lined up for them. They were bred to pull carts across the snow and are very good at this, they can make for a good working dog. The Samoyed has an active mind and will need something to keep it stimulated at all times, a job is best. Agility, tracking and of course sled-pulling are all great activities for this breed as it keeps both their minds and bodies active whilst allowing them to do what they were bred for.
Training a Sammy will take time. They soon get bored of repetition and training will have to be fresh and new each session in order to produce any results. They like to think for themselves and can be stubborn at times. This breed is very in touch with those around it and will come up and offer a hug to someone who is feeling down or sad. Samoyeds need a fair amount of exercise each day. They enjoy running and playing, but this should be done in a safe and secure area due to their hunting instincts. They were bred to pull which makes walking them on a lead difficult, as they will often try and pull you down the street. They are a vocal breed that likes to bark and howl. A long daily walk will usually be enough for them, but be sure to walk them during the evenings or mornings in the summer as they dislike the heat and can overheat if they are in the sun for long periods of time. Provide them with a cool space to sleep.
Samoyeds have a fine white coat which will need constant attention to keep it looking clean and neat. Brushing every other day will be enough to prevent matting.
Temperament
Samoyeds are gentle, dependable, sociable dogs and enjoy meeting other dogs and people. Calm and placid indoors, they are nevertheless happy to run around when given the chance for an energetic game.
Health Problems
Canine Hip Dysplasia and Bloat can sometimes be seen in the breed, but other than this they suffer ailments rarely. Possible issues include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA: degeneration of the retina which can lead to blindness), cataracts, glaucoma, other eye diseases, epilepsy, kidney disease and heart disease.
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Life Expectancy: 12 - 13 years
- Weight: 50 - 65 lbs
- Height: 19 - 23"
- Rare: No
- Coat: Medium
- Grooming Requirements: Everyday
- Town or Country: Country
- Minimum Home Size: Large House
- Minimum Garden Size: Large Garden
- Breed Type: Herding
- Size: Large
- Energy Level: Medium
- Exercise Required: Over 2 hours
More to love
Samoyed Pictures
Latest Reviews For Samoyed (1 of 1)
A wonderful companion dog if you don't mind living under a cloud of fluff - Ieva, Neath Port Talbot,
My Samoyed died at 16 years old a couple of months ago so there is an element of nostalgia tinting this review. We got her from a rescue organisation at the age of about 6 months and struggled to get her to walk to heel from then until the age of about 12, after which she walked beautifully! She was mostly friendly to the other dogs (apart from our Jack Russell who didn't really like her at all, but even with her she was tolerant) and she loved cats, but her focus was on the human family, me in particular. As time passed, she became more certain that we needed to be told what to do throughout the day! A benevolent dictator who needed to know where I was most of the time, but obsessed with squirrel hunting in the autumn and loved the beach. Her coat maintenance became problematic as she got too old to tolerate the groomer (and many groomers won't take Samoyeds because of the extra work) - neither of us enjoying the sessions very much, but she would never snap or growl. I recommend Samoyeds as family and companion dogs but probably not for the elderly or for households where everyone works full time.