Samoyed

35-50 lbs
19-21"
Russia (Siberia)
Samoiedskaia Sabaka, Samoyedskaya, Sami, Sammy

The Samoyed is a gentle, intelligent and loyal dog who loves nothing more than being with his family. They are kind and affectionate with children and enjoy being part of the household activities. With their typical ‘Sammy smile’ and their fondness for human company, they make an affectionate dog who has loads of personality. Their attractive coat does take some (okay, a lot) of maintenance, especially when they shed. You can expect to find hair everywhere at this time, from in the house, on your clothes, on the bed and so on. While their nature is loveable, they were bred to hunt, and the instinct is still strong within them. Any small furry visitor such as the neighbor’s cat will be chased. If you have a cat, they need to be bonded while young, and even then, supervision is advisable. When out walking, these lovely dogs need to be on a leash as their urge is to chase, and the hunting instincts are still very strong. They can be talkative, being prone to voice their opinion in howls, barks or grumblings. They respond best to a variety of training – boredom with repetitive things will find them challenging to train. They need to ‘solve’ a problem; activities like agility and tracking are perfect for them. The Samoyed is an active dog who is always ready for fun. They need room to romp and play in and are not good in small apartments. While this breed is not what I would class as easy to maintain, their lovely nature goes a long way to making up for the constant brushing.

purpose Purpose
herding reindeer, guarding, hauling sleds
history Date of Origin
ancient times
ancestry Ancestry
spitz

Samoyed Health

Sketch of Samoyed
Average Size
Male Samoyed size stats
Height: 21-23 inches Weight: 45-65 lbs
Female Samoyed size stats
Height: 19-21 inches Weight: 35-50 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Allergies
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Allergy Tests

Samoyed Breed History

The Samoyed is an ancient breed and is nearly akin to the primitive dog. The gene pool has no wolf or fox mixed in. They were a working dog, living in Siberia with hunters and fishermen, who were known as Samoyeds, hence the dog’s name. The dog was used to pull their sleds, or to guard their property and were great at herding the reindeer. They have strong herding instincts and can even herd your children gently to where they want them. Because of their thick fur and close relationship to people, the dogs even slept with the people to keep them warm. The thick double coat, with its soft inner coat, provided a warm, comfortable companion.  In 1889 the explorer Robert Scott brought the dogs to England. It is possible that fur traders traveling to Siberia for sable may have first introduced the breed to the west, but it is not documented. It was in England that the breed developed further, and from there it spread throughout the world. Only twelve dogs are cited as the foundation of the Samoyed breed today. The AKC recognised the breed in 1906.

Samoyed Breed Appearance

This breed is drop-dead gorgeous but is a highly practical dog, trained as working dogs originally. The Sammy’s thick protective double coat can sustain it in the most brutal of conditions and renders them impervious to the cold. They have a compact, muscular body and a wedge-shaped head which is broad and slightly crowned. The muzzle is in perfect proportion to the dog’s size and has a tapering nose. The nose color can be black, brown or liver and the lips are black. The Sammy’s have a perpetual smile which has a practical function in that the upturned corners of the mouth keep them from drooling and preventing icicles forming on their face in cold climates. It gives the dog a friendly endearing appearance. With dark almond shaped eyes that are deep set, they have slanting dark eye rims. The Samoyed has erect triangular ears, and a moderately long, well covered with hair tail carried rolled onto their back. Their legs are solid and muscular with flat feet, covered with short, thick hair. Combine all of the above in their signature thick double coat, and they are a beautiful looking dog. Their colors come in pure white, biscuit, yellow and cream and to top it all off; they have a ruff around the neck and shoulders that frame their head. 

Appearance of Samoyed
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Samoyed eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Samoyed nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Samoyed coat
White
cream Samoyed coat
Cream
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Samoyed straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Samoyed Breed Maintenance

There is no getting away from the fact that their beautiful thick coat brings with it extensive grooming needs. They shed heavily seasonally, but the thick coat needs frequent brushing to keep it from matting, or from getting debris trapped in the dense coat. In warmer climates, their dense coats need to be checked for ticks or fleas, as these dogs are not complainers and will not let you know if they have a health problem. This hiding of their illness probably stems from the fact that if they were shown to be ill, they might get attacked from the rest of their pack. The coat tends to stay white without bathing, and they only need a bath if they have rolled in the mud or in something that smells unpleasant. They are energetic dogs and love to run around, so they will need daily exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy. Good maintenance practice would include ear and eye checks to ensure good health, and nail clipping if the nails grow too long. This breed is unsuited to life in a very hot climate.
Brushes for Samoyed
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Samoyed requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Samoyed Temperament

This breed is a very devoted, friendly and gentle breed, they love to play and are easy-going with everyone. Because of the Sammie's friendly disposition, it is not much of a watchdog although it will let you know when someone is around. The Samoyed loves children and adapts well to family life. The breed is highly intelligent and responds to a firm but fair leader, and it is advisable to socialise them and start training at an early age. If this dog is allowed to take over, they can develop behavioral issues such as obsessive barking. They need plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise. With clear leadership and rules in place, the Sammie is good natured, lively, and sociable. They don’t seek trouble but can handle adversary if needed. They do have a bit of a reputation for chewing on everything, especially when young. When they are left alone for long periods of time, they can be quite destructive. This dog has a strong instinct to hunt so caution should be taken around smaller animals, although if they are raised with them from puppyhood, they are fine. 

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Samoyed Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.8 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Samoyed Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Samoyed at six months
Male Samoyed size stats at six months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 30.0 lbs
Female Samoyed size stats at six months
Height: 17.0 inches Weight: 27.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Samoyed at 12 months
Male Samoyed size stats at 12 months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 42.5 lbs
Female Samoyed size stats at 12 months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 37.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Samoyed at 18 months
Male Samoyed size stats at 18 months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 55.0 lbs
Female Samoyed size stats at 18 months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 42.5 lbs

Top Samoyed Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Samoyed breeders of 2024.
Top Samoyed breeder Polar Mist Samoyeds
Polar Mist Samoyeds
Bend, Oregon
Top Samoyed breeder Northfork Samoyeds
Northfork Samoyeds
Orofino, Idaho
Top Samoyed breeder Danica Samoyeds
Danica Samoyeds
Thurmont, Maryland
Top Samoyed breeder Silver Frost Samoyeds
Silver Frost Samoyeds
Brinklow, Maryland
Top Samoyed breeder Pebbles Run
Pebbles Run
Flemington, New Jersey
Top Samoyed breeder Sanorka Samoyeds
Sanorka Samoyeds
Orrtanna, Pennsylvania
Top Samoyed breeder White Magic Samoyeds
White Magic Samoyeds
Brookfield, Connecticut
Top Samoyed breeder Daystar Samoyeds
Daystar Samoyeds
Suffolk, Virginia
Top Samoyed breeder Krystal Zima Samoyeds
Krystal Zima Samoyeds
Leesburg, Virginia

Samoyed Owner Experiences

2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
talking
barking
ear rubs
butt scratches
The Samoyed I walk is a total goof ball. He is very vocal and loves attention. His parents define him as "quirky" and I can say that is definitely true. One second he is crazy running around barking and next he is focused and fixated on something. He is very friendly with people and likes children. They also have a cat and another dog that he does great with. His hair is very thick and I think he needs to get groomed a lot more. He knots up really easily, especially behind his ears. Overall, total goofball and sweetheart.
6 years, 9 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very friendly dog. Calm disposition. Enjoyed a good long walk.
6 years, 9 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sniffing
eating
This samoyed was very beautiful. He was very young and also huge. Walking down the street he loved to eat everything in site. He especially loved to eat toilet paper on the ground which I constantly had to take out of his mouth. He was majestic in the way he walked. I also loved his white fur. he was very playful but I would say they have a tendency to lose their breathe fast. You have to be careful not to hurt them considering they are sensitive.
6 years, 9 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
being talked to
barking
This samoyed was very high-energy. He was excited to see me, and pulled a bit in the beginning of the walk. He was good for the most part, but would occasionally didn't like waiting at crosswalks and would start barking.
6 years, 9 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Meet Toby, the very fluffy Samoyed! Toby was very excited about all the holiday decorations and barked at me while posing for his pictures! Toby was just spreading the holiday cheer for all to hear!!!!
6 years, 9 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
being talked to
Play
Sniffing
petting
The samoyed that I have walked a few times, is such a sweetheart. He always jumps up and gives me kisses when I come over, and always has a lot of energy. Even on the days that I'm not feeling the best, he makes me so much happier. I love that when I walk him, whenever I bend down to his level, he runs over and just leans into me, letting me know he wants some pets. He is very strong, so I sometimes end up running with his for a bit, both to get out his energy, and because he just pulls me along haha. I swear he could walk for hours, and not get tired. But the look of pure satisfaction on his face after a good walk is always the best. These dogs are really one of the best breeds out there.
6 years, 9 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Go on Vacation
Walk
Look out the window
Catch treats
Shake
Heel
Explore the city
The Samoyed I walked was very calm, focused on her own walk and didn’t pay much attention to other dogs. She was sweet with people and other pups walking by, and listened to me when I asked her to sit at the end of the street. Such a beautiful breed with a thick coat!
6 years, 9 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing catch
smiling
sniffing other dogs
chasing
Shake
Running
Polar bear. They are so darn fluffy it is like walking a cloud with legs. Very friendly dog with a great personality and a lovely smile. I would love to walk her again.
6 years, 9 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Eating Snacks
Running
Sniffing
My experience with Samoyeds has been great! The one I walk has a calm energy to him. He never jumps or gets overly excited, but loves to go on long walks and doesn’t seem to tire quickly. He is very affectionate and his white coat is so handsome. He is pretty stubborn when we walk and definitely likes to be the boss and go his own way. He can’t help but sniff absolutely everything in sight and will eat almost anything that isn’t nailed down, so you have to really watch to make sure he doesn’t get into anything harmful. He is easily triggered by other dogs, people, and cars so keeping a tight hold on the leash is essential! Overall, I absolutely love this breed!
6 years, 9 months ago
Avalanche
10 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I love my doggo! Avalanche is my second Samoyed, and there is absolutely no way I would ever consider another breed.
5 years, 7 months ago
Misia
1 Year
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Hiking
Tug
Obedience training
swimming
Fetch
They are incredible dogs and their spirit is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed in a living creature. Not only are they visually majestic but they are incredibly loving, energetic, curious wonderful dogs with a zest for life. Some characteristics such as pulling, barking, and general reactivity need a lot of attention in training. If you put the time into keeping them exercised, disciplined through obedience training, and happy with a ton of play you are rewarded with the most perfect best friend for life.
5 years, 4 months ago
mozzarella
1 Year
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
love her so much. incredibly smart and learns very quickly but not the easiest to train as they are very independent dogs with strong prey drives. will bark to alert us of newcomers in the house but otherwise very friendly and loving. really wants to be near people and will follow you from room to room.
5 years, 4 months ago
Uma
8 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
She is a gorgeous dog who is always happy and loves her attention
4 years, 4 months ago
Calla
11 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Snuggles
Go to Beach
Go to Park
Groom
Play fetch
Playing in the snow
Calla is a blessing and the bestest bear there ever was. I have been lucky and have not had major health issues, in part I think because I am very strict with her diet. She does not bark much like some samoyeds, only when there are squirrels or other dogs around. She coexists with my 2 cats (who were there first) but they are not buddies. She finds other people's cats in windows utterly fascinating. I love her very much and hope for many more years with her.
4 years ago
Gracie Bear Anderson
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hike
Hiking
Hi,
She is the best dog ever have ever had. Very loveable and great around kids. Sometimes to needy, but we wanted a loveable dog
3 years, 9 months ago
Alex
6 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Alex is a very well behaved dog. He is better around adults and older people (9+) as he has a very calm personality but may be unpredictable at times and becone lively with younger children. On the other hand, he trains rapidly and has a great sense of affection towards his owners and friends. Generally,Samoyeds are better off in houses with yards although Alex is well suited to an apartment.
3 years, 4 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

My Samoyed is 11 and is going through heart failure. He is still very active and doesn't seem to be declining yet. We live in Kentucky and he likes to go outside and sleep in the snow during the day. At night we bring him inside to sleep. Is sleeping in the now still during the day still safe for him, or should we try to keep him inside more often?

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd