Samoyed
A sociable, smiling white Arctic spitz that loves people and activity, and sheds a great deal.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 54–60 cm · Females 50–56 cm
- Weight
- Males 20–30 kg · Females 17–25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- 60–120 min a day
- Grooming
- A few times a week
- Coat
- Double coat, long
- Colours
- White, Cream
- Bred for
- Sledding, Herding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Russia
- FCI
- Group 5, no. 212 · Spitz & primitive types
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 5/5 – Very high |
| Good with other dogs | 4/5 – High |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 5/5 – Very high |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 5/5 – Very high |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Watchful and protective | 2/5 – Low |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 5/5 – Very high |
| Grooming effort | 4/5 – High |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Suits apartment living | 2/5 – Low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 1/5 – Very low |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 5/5 – Very high |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a friendly, sociable dog
- enjoy active outdoor life in cool weather
- don't mind lots of brushing and hair
Think twice if you …
- are away for long hours
- live somewhere hot
- want a quiet dog
Care
Temperament
Samoyeds are cheerful, affectionate and sociable, usually good with children and other dogs. They are poor guard dogs but alert barkers.
Exercise
Allow an hour or two a day of walks, running and play. Sledding, skijoring, herding, hiking and agility suit them.
Grooming
The thick double coat needs brushing several times a week and daily during heavy moults. Do not shave it.
Training
They are bright and willing but can be independent. Short, rewarding sessions and early work on being alone help.
Health
Hip dysplasia, eye disease, an inherited kidney disease, heart conditions such as pulmonic stenosis, diabetes and hypothyroidism are known. Ask the breeder for hip, eye, heart and DNA results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Eye examination
- Heart
DNA tests
- X-linked hereditary nephropathy
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Samoyed is named after the Samoyedic peoples of northern Siberia, who used these dogs to herd reindeer, pull sleds and keep them company in their tents. Explorers and dog fanciers brought them to Britain in the late 19th century, where the modern breed was shaped.
Samoyeds are friendly, gentle and very people-oriented, often greeting strangers as friends. They need company, exercise and occupation, and they can become noisy or destructive if left alone too long. Their beautiful white coat takes real work and sheds heavily, and they cope poorly with heat.
Did you know?
Samoyeds were among the sled dogs used on polar expeditions, including Roald Amundsen's journey to the South Pole in 1911.