With his permanent smile and personable disposition, the Samoyed puppy has secured a special place in the hearts of many dog lovers. We can’t get enough of that gorgeous, lush white coat!
Speaking of that thick coat—it’s more than just a fashion statement. It’s a trait that made it possible for this breed to work alongside its semi-nomadic people in brutally frigid temperatures. Impervious to the cold, Samoyeds fulfilled a number of roles for their owners: they worked as sledge-dogs, watchdogs, and herd guardians.
The relationship between a Samoyed and his people ran deep—their very survival, in fact, depended on it. To keep warm, packs of Samoyeds huddled together with their humans in tents. Over time, Samoyeds developed a unique bond with their humans, a trait that continues to shine through today.
We don’t blame you if you’re charmed by the ‘Smiling Sammie’. But if you’re considering adopting one of these handsome pups, you need to know what you’re in for. We’ve done our research, so bookmark this guide as a handy Samoyed resource.
Samoyed Puppy Facts
This working dog of the Arctic is stunning, to be sure. But what else should a prospective Samoyed owner know? We’ve gathered the most important highlights of this breed to help you make an educated decision about adding a Samoyed to your family.
Read on to learn what to expect from a Samoyed puppy.
| Size | Large. Samoyed males will reach a height of 53-60 cm, while females will usually be 30-53 cm tall.
Typically, males weigh 20-30 kg, and females weigh 16-23 kg. |
| Breed Characteristics | Samoyeds have a strong, muscular, and compact build. Their thick, white, double coat is instantly recognisable. They sport a plume-shaped tail that curves over their backside. The Samoyed’s ‘smiling’ expression is another charming feature of the breed. |
| Temperament | Samoyeds are adaptable, friendly, and gentle dogs. The years they spent living so closely alongside humans created a breed that’s extremely loyal. Samoyeds are also self-reliant and independent. They’re smart, social, and occasionally mischievous. |
| Grooming and Health Needs | Take note: Samoyeds shed. A LOT. His coat needs frequent grooming. Samoyed owners will need to commit to brushing two to three times per week.
According to PetMD, Samoyeds sometimes suffer from progressive retinal atrophy and diabetes. The Kennel Club recommends screening for hip dysplasia among breeding dogs, along with tests for inherited eye conditions. It also suggests considering DNA tests for progressive retinal atrophy type one and the kidney condition nephritis. |
| Training | The Samoyed is an intelligent and responsive dog. But he also has an independent streak, which can complicate training. Firm but loving training is best.
All those years spent as working dogs have made a lasting impact on this breed—Samoyeds thrive when they have a job. Giving your Samoyed puppy regular tasks will keep him happy. |
| Energy Level | Samoyeds are agile and tireless. These dogs enjoy being active with their families. They require some daily exercise, such as a long walk or a friendly play session with you in the garden. |
| Life Expectancy | You can expect a Samoyed to live between 12-14 years. |
Who Is The Best Human For A Samoyed Puppy?
The dignified Samoyed is a spirited and faithful pet, but he’s far from low-maintenance. This boisterous canine requires a significant amount of his human’s attention. Samoyeds need to be exercised daily, and their beautiful white coat needs frequent grooming. You should only consider getting a Samoyed if your schedule allows you to devote adequate time to both of those tasks.
Relying on each other for survival in the Arctic, Samoyeds forged an incredible closeness with their nomadic masters. These dogs want to be near their owners, and they’ll demand your attention if they’re feeling ignored. An isolated Sammie is miserable (and sometimes destructive).
Generally, a Samoyed puppy will get along well with other pets, including cats. They’re also good around young children, as long as you don’t mind when their herding instinct kicks in.
The ideal home for a Samoyed puppy is one that puts him to work—Samoyeds thrive when given a job. This can include retrieving the daily paper, jogging alongside his owner, or competing in agility courses.
There are some downsides to this breed. For one thing, Samoyeds have a tendency to roam if let loose. They can be stubborn during training and destructive when they’re bored. Excessive barking can also become a nuisance if the behaviour isn’t addressed during puppyhood. Samoyeds also love their humans, which can manifest into separation anxiety if you do not train and desensitise them early to being alone. These downsides can translate into high expenses too. Thanks to their tendency to be Velcro dogs, this pet parent in America spent over $10,000 on health, pet care, and training for her Samoyed puppy.
Getting A Samoyed Puppy
Choosing to adopt or go through a breeder for your new Samoyed puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy, ethically sourced Samoyed puppies.
Knowing what you’re in for when you get a Samoyed puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, it’s up to you to be prepared for an energetic and friendly addition to your household.
Adopting a Samoyed puppy
It may come as a surprise, but adopting a Samoyed puppy is possible (though rare in the UK). Many rescues report that a majority of their homeless dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for them. This means that there are many dogs and puppies out there that are looking for a new forever home.
The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. The benefit of this may mean that you have a dog who is already house-trained, microchipped and neutered. You may also find a Samoyed mix that has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in. Some Samoyed breeders may also have older dogs up for rehoming.
Finding a rescue Samoyed can be as simple as searching the Internet.
Finding a Samoyed breeder
The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.
Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or—at the very least—the mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the Samoyed puppy seems too good to be true, there’s likely something suspect going on. The Kennel Club also offers resources for finding a responsible breeder and a list of vetted breeders in its assured breeders scheme.
Samoyed puppy resources
After you find the right Samoyed puppy, it’s time to prepare your home! Here are a few resources to get you started.
- Tips on Surviving the First 24 Hours with Your New Puppy
- How Long Can You Leave a Puppy Alone?
- The Essential New Puppy Checklist
- How Often Should I Walk My Puppy?
- Puppy Training Resources
Featured image via Unsplash
The post The Samoyed Puppy: Everything You Need to Know about the Ultimate Snow Dog appeared first on The Dog People by Rover.com.