Description

The Samoyed is a good-natured, mischievous, family dog who has a fondness for people, especially children. The beauty of a Samoyed is a smile which extends from ear-to-ear will attract attention when they are out. An owner of a Samoyed should be somebody who is willing to give of their time in both grooming and activity. They do not shed, instead you will find their woolly undercoat coming out like white balls of fluff floating through the air.

Size of Male: Height: 21-23.5 inches Weight: 45-65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 19-21 inches Weight: 50-65 pounds

Temperament

Samoyeds are gentle dogs. Samoyeds are peaceable and dignified. Very devoted, Samoyeds tend to favor one person, but love everyone. They are easy-going, friendly and quite playful. It will gladly be friendly to all, including intruders. They are too friendly to be of much use as a watchdog, although its bark will alert you to the presence of strangers. It willingly adapts to family life and gets along well with children. They are highly intelligent, but often willfully resistant to formal obedience training. They eventually responds to firm, patient training, which should be started at an early age. Since it is accustomed to working in teams, its outstanding qualities often do not have the opportunity to be expressed. However, when it becomes attached to a single master, it proves itself an outstanding, good-natured, lively, and sociable dog. It never seeks trouble but can handle an adversary if necessary. They have a reputation of being chewers and may become very destructive if left alone for many hours at a stretch. Samoyeds should not be trusted with small non-canine pets, however there are plenty of them that live and get along with family cats. This breed tends to bark a lot.

Living Conditions

The Samoyed will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Samoyed is very active indoors and a small yard is sufficient. The heavy coat of Samoyed makes this dog unsuited to life in very hot climates. To prevent unwanted and destructive behavior it is important that they are exercised daily.

Upkeep

The Samoyed is active and needs a good workout every day, either in the form of a long walk or jog or a vigorous play session. Samoyed likes to pull and herd, and it loves cold weather. Samoyed can live outdoors in temperate to cold climates, but it much prefers to live indoors with its human family. Its thick coat needs brushing and combing two to three times a week, daily when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: gastric torsion

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years