The Samoyed’s playful, family-oriented nature and striking appearance make it truly special. This ancient breed, which came from Siberia’s far north thousands of years ago, has a dazzling white, cream or biscuit double coat that keeps them warm in -60 degree weather. They also have a fair prey drive and a strong independent streak, which can make them stubborn, making them unique dogs that need dedicated owners ready for the challenge.

Basic facts about the Samoyed

As part of the CKC’s working group, Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs, usually standing about 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 50 and 65 pounds. Their thick coats make them look much bigger than they are. While most Samoyeds are pure white, there are some variations in coat colour, with some appearing as a soft cream and others as a beige-y biscuit. This biscuit colour sometimes shows up as spots on the more common white and cream coats.

Sammy’s body shows off their Arctic heritage: their mouths are black and naturally upturned, which stops drool from freezing on their faces. Their ears are small, furry and rounded to protect them from frostbite. Their tails are arched over their backs, allowing them to curl them along their bodies and cover their sensitive noses while they sleep, keeping them warm. They are just as tough and capable as any Arctic work dog in appearance and abilities—but there’s so much more to this dog than meets the eye.

The smiling, silly Samoyed 

Samoyeds are truly a sight to behold, with their fluffy coats and that unmistakable grin! But beyond their beauty, they’re wonderful companions who thrive as part of the family. They’re not the kind of dog you want to leave alone for long. They’re family dogs through and through, always curious about what’s happening around them and especially drawn to children. They’re gentle enough to be around little ones (and often “babysit” them as part of their history as multipurpose dogs), and they bring joy and fun to any family activity, always ready for a game or a long walk. Their friendly nature extends to strangers, who will happily accept their compliments and affection. Their smile is one of the first things people notice about Samoyeds. That upturned mouth is a signature of the breed, giving them a mischievous look, like they’re holding a secret. And they might have secrets they’re not sharing. Samoyeds are independent dogs. They were originally bred as reindeer herders, hunters, sled pullers, guard dogs and companions, so they often worked alone, making decisions to keep the herd safe and together.

While today’s Samoyeds don’t have the strong herding instincts of border collies or Australian shepherds, their working background shines through in their intelligence and independence, which can sometimes seem like stubbornness. Be prepared to invest time in early, firm and consistent training, or you might find yourself ignored. Once you’ve invested the time in training and socialization, you’ll have a smart, sweet and playful companion for life. And you never have to worry about what your Sammy is thinking: they’re very vocal, not only barking to express their joy (and sometimes displeasure) but often yodelling and even trilling, almost as if they’re talking to you.

The long, cold history of the Samoyed

Way back in the day, about 2,000 years ago, on the Taimyr Peninsula in Siberia—where winters are super long and tough, often dropping to -60 degrees—the Nenets (who are part of the Samoyed group) started raising Samoyeds. These adorable furry friends, with their beautiful white to biscuit coats, were like little polar bears, always by their humans’ side. These all-around helpers were super important for getting through life above the Arctic Circle, herding and protecting reindeer, hunting, pulling sleds, and even keeping an eye on kids. 

The Samoyed is one of the oldest dog breeds, and they didn’t leave their peninsula until the late 1800s. Arctic explorers used them as work dogs for their often dangerous (and sometimes deadly) journeys. Eventually, the Samoyed made its way to New Zealand, Europe and then the U.S. and Canada in the early 1900s, where they’ve been cherished companions ever since. And even though they have a thick double coat, they can adapt to warmer weather, as long as their owners keep them safe from too much sun.

Caring for a Samoyed

Since Samoyeds were bred to work, they need lots of training, exercise and mental challenges. If you don’t help them learn to manage their energy (which they have plenty of!), they might go with their instincts, which can sometimes be a bit annoying or even cause trouble.

Exercise for a Samoyed

A Samoyed is happiest when they have a lively human companion! These working dogs are full of energy and stamina, so they need regular, vigorous exercise. While most dogs do well with 45-60 minutes of exercise daily, your Samoyed will need at least that, though two hours is even better. Sammies are great on long walks and hikes, and if the weather is nice, they can even be cool running partners (but they shouldn’t push themselves too hard for more than 15 minutes when it’s over 21 degrees). Teach them to fetch or play frisbee—Samoyeds are fantastic at dog sports! Even if you’re not signing up for an official event, you can create a DIY agility course in your backyard.

Samoyed training

It’s super important to start training these smart dogs right away, and to stay firm and consistent so your Sammy doesn’t turn into a handful. Start with the basics like sit, stay and lie down, and then move on to more advanced (but super important) commands like leave it. Practice every day for at least a few minutes to help them listen—this dog needs lifelong training practice.

Training and obedience skills are about more than just managing their stubbornness and channelling their energy in a good way. Sammies need to exercise their brains just as much as their bodies, and teaching them new tricks is a great way to do that. Along with teaching specific skills, training should also help you establish the kind of relationship you want with your dog. Set some boundaries in the house (like keeping off the furniture or away from food on the counter).

A Samoyed needs to have something to do! These dogs have been working dogs for ages, and they’re smart and alert, so they need to use their brains in ways that feel good to them. All dogs need mental stimulation, which is just as important as physical exercise. A tired dog is not always a happy dog, but a dog with purpose is! Give your Samoyed lots of fun puzzle toys and try some homemade nose games to keep their minds sharp. Since they love to pull, pulling exercises can be a great way to burn off energy, but only if your pup is well-trained and doesn’t turn everything into a pulling game. Samoyeds can also be great therapy and service dogs, especially working with kids with special needs. So look into a certified trainer to train your Sammie for the right purpose. 

Make them part of the family

Even though they’re independent, Samoyeds need to be included in family activities. They were bred to live with families, not just watch over them and work for them, but sleep with them, play with them, love and be loved. So, these dogs aren’t happy just to be left alone for hours. If you’re going to make a Sammy a member of your family, know that they want to be where you are. Crate training your Samoyed puppy can be helpful for potty training and getting them used to spending time alone.

Samoyed grooming

Sammies have a thick double coat that needs regular grooming. That means brushing them every week (or even daily during their summer shedding season). They also need regular nail trims, monthly baths and regular grooming. Just remember not to shave their coat—their fur is designed to keep them warm and cool. Make sure to visit our BLOG for tips and directions on grooming your sam.

One cool thing about Sammy fur: because of its wool-like quality, it can be spun and used to make clothing. Just another way in which Sammies helped their families survive in the Arctic for thousands of years. Yet another cool thing: Samoyeds are known to have “teflon” coats because dirt and mud don’t stick well (so even when that gorgeous white coat gets a mud bath, when dry, dirt tends to fall off).

Common health concerns for a Samoyed

Samoyeds are generally healthy dogs that can live for 12 to 14 years, but they do have some health issues to watch out for.

Allergies: Sammies are often prone to skin allergies. You might notice them scratching, licking their paws, having scaly or raw skin and even diarrhea. Allergies can be triggered by things in their environment, like pollen or fleas, or by what they eat. Talk to your vet about medicated shampoos, special diets, and what treatment options are available to help find out what’s causing the allergies.

Bloat (aka gastric dilatation-volvulus): Like many dogs with big chests, Sammies are more likely to get bloat. It’s a serious condition that needs immediate vet help—a few minutes can make all the difference. You might see a distended belly, retching, hard breathing, hunching over, and general signs of discomfort. If your Sammy shows any of these signs, get to the vet right away.

Cancer: Samoyeds can get some types of cancer, like pancreatic, mammary/breast and liver cancer.

Diabetes: Sammies are more likely to develop diabetes than many other breeds, which means they have a harder time managing how their body uses sugar. You might notice them drinking more, eating more, going to the bathroom more often and losing weight without trying. If your Sammy shows any of these signs, see your vet right away. The only way to treat diabetes is with regular insulin shots, but you might also be able to help manage it with a special diet and regular dental care. Research shows that dental problems can make it harder for dogs to use insulin, which can make diabetes-related health issues worse.

Eye problems: Samoyeds often have dry eye, cataracts and other eye problems. You might see them scratching the area, getting red or watering their eyes. If your Sammy shows any of these signs, have your vet check their eyes.

Heat stroke: Samoyeds have a double coat that makes them super susceptible to heat stroke. To keep them safe, try to limit their time outside in hot weather, especially if it’s over 70 degrees. Keep them hydrated and in a cool spot at all times.

Hip/elbow dysplasia: Samoyeds can get hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to joint problems as they age. These are genetic issues that happen while they’re growing, but extra weight can make them worse. Watch for weakness and pain in their hind legs and trouble getting up.

Hereditary glomerulopathy: Samoyeds are also prone to a kidney condition called hereditary glomerulopathy, where protein starts to disappear from their kidneys. This can lead to kidney disease and failure when they’re young. Signs include drinking and peeing a lot, not wanting to eat, losing weight, vomiting, feeling tired and weak. Talk to your vet about keeping an eye on your dog’s kidney health.

Uveodermatologic syndrome: This is an immune-related condition that can cause eye inflammation and changes in skin and fur colour. If you notice signs like sun sensitivity, squinting, extra blinking or white spots on their nose, it’s a good idea to chat with your vet.

Feeding your Samoyed

As you know, Samoyeds can be prone to allergies, bloat and joint issues, and these can be made better or worse by what they eat, when they eat and how much they eat.

Just a few extra pounds can really affect your dog’s well-being. Studies have shown that obesity isn’t just a problem for dogs; being overweight or obese can also raise the risk of cancer, which Sammies are already susceptible to, and can shorten their lives. Overfeeding or giving them ultra-processed foods can lead to weight gain, which can worsen the arthritic pain caused by hip dysplasia, a common issue for Sammies. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help prevent or ease joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, which can improve their quality of life (check out how to check your dog’s body condition here).

Dog food brands with simple, natural ingredients can make it easy to provide your Samoyed with healthy meals that are just right for their age, size, activity level, and weight. Plus, since allergies are common in Sammies, it’s a good idea to know exactly what’s in their food—something that’s tough to do with kibble (we suggest feeding raw or kibble brands that have only a few ingredients and minimal preservatives).

A healthy diet is the best way to support your Sammy’s health and happiness, along with lots of love, adventure and play.