Samoyed dog

Everything you need to know about the beautiful Samoyed dog

The Samoyed dog or Samoyed Spitz is one of those dog breeds where you can really see the shared genetic material with the wolf. A Samoyed dog is also a distinct pack animal, which is at its best when the pack is together, and loves to get out and get some exercise. If you are planning to get a puppy Samoyed, there are things that may be both interesting and relevant for you to know.

Here in the article, we have collected some of the very best facts about a Samoyed dog, so that you are well prepared to bring the beautiful dog in as a new member of the family.

History and origin of the Samoyed dog

The Samoyed dog is known as a working dog for pulling sleds in icy Siberia, with the nomadic people, the Samoyeds. The breed was also used to herd reindeer, which the nomadic people kept as pets, as well as sounding the alarm if enemies approached.

The further north you got in Siberia, the lighter the fur on the dog. In addition to the coat color, however, there was also a difference in the dogs' nature, with the northernmost, the white-furred, having a milder and more sociable mind. They were therefore taken into the nomads' tents and beds to act as furry heat sources in the unforgiving night frost of the polar cold. This contrasts with, for example, the Husky breed, which was left to fend for itself and had to get through the cold night by itself or with the rest of the Husky pack.

During the 19th century, Samoyed dogs were brought to Europe where the breed we know today was bred.

Temperament and activity level of a Samoyed dog

In general, with the Samoyed dog, you get a family member who is very attentive to people and extremely welcoming. It takes care of its pack and is tolerant of children, adults and strange dogs if it is raised and trained properly from the puppy stage.

It is an enormously energetic dog with great courage, especially in the young years, but due to the great pack mentality, you will find that it gradually adjusts its activity level to your family. However, it is not a distinct indoor dog, so if you and your family do not have an active life, you will not get the best out of your Samoyed dog.

With its genes and its physique, it can maintain a high energy level for a long time several times a day. You must therefore be prepared to go for long walks daily, and it may be a good idea to let it have free rein in a dog park so that it can really burn off some energy. A dog park or another place where the pace can pick up is also a good idea for the sake of your shoulder, as the Samoyed dog has a tendency to want to go and pull hard on the leash, for example, if it sees another dog.

In terms of temperament, we are dealing with a very social and curious dog who loves to play with both people and dogs. The herd instinct means that it quickly finds its place in the hierarchy. In your home, too, you will find that the dog is social, and he would very much like to cuddle and sleep in your bed if he is allowed.

Long, white fur - what other character traits are there?

The males of the breed measure between 51-56 cm in height above the shoulder and weigh between 20-30 kg. The females measure between 46-51 cm above the shoulder and weigh between 16-20 kg.

The first thing you notice about a Samoyed dog is its long, white or cream-colored fur, which keeps it warm in very low temperatures. Conversely, it starts looking for cooler places if the temperature exceeds 25 degrees. If you, therefore, live in an apartment, a Samoyed dog is not for you, as it will suffer from not being able to seek cooler ground.

The ears are triangular, covered in fur, and point upwards, while the almond-shaped eyes are brown or black. The tail is bushy and curls over and down the dog's back, in contrast to the fellow Alaskan malamute, where the tail is simply curled over. In very cold weather, the Samoyed uses its tail to cover its muzzle to create more warmth. 

Fur and fur care

The origin from the cold polar region does not deny itself in the large and dense fur, which protects well against the harsh minus temperatures.

The breed benefits from weekly brushing. It has extensive shedding periods twice a year. The Samoyed dog is actually good at grooming and caring for its coat itself. However, you should be aware that when the dog sheds, typically in March and September, large amounts of fur are involved.

You should not be afraid of the dog losing its beautiful mane, but if you want to help when it sheds, you can invest in a so-called blower, which blows cool air and helps to increase the amount of fur manageable - remember to go outside so that the hairs do not spread inside the home.

You must pay particular attention to this with your Samoyed dog

A Samoyed dog likes large spaces and being outside. However, it is so pack-conscious that it does not benefit from being in a kennel, as it wants to be close to its people. It is not a distinctly barking dog, but you will find that it has a howl like that of its progenitor, the wolf.

Although it is both a cooperative and social dog, it is rarely 100% obedient. You must, therefore, from the puppy stage, be patient, consistent, and kind in your upbringing with varied treats and training exercises. Then you get a Samoyed dog that will be a beloved member of the family for its entire life, which is on average 12-14 years.