Could the Samoyed be the perfect match for you?
Samoyeds thrive on human companionship and connection. They’re lively, playful and friendly! If any of this sounds good to you, then the Samoyed might just be the dog for you. Here’s everything you need to know about one of Australia’s favourite breeds.
Breed Snapshot
- Size Medium dog (23-29kg)
- Coat Shed year-round and are hypoallergenic. They need to be brushed weekly to help with the excess fur!
- Energy Samoyeds were originally bred for herding, sledding and guarding. They have tons of energy and need daily walks. It’s recommended at least one hour daily.
- Lifespan 12-13 years
- Country of origin Northwest Russia and Western Siberia
- Breed type Samoyeds are a type of basal breed (a dog that retains a “genetic legacy”). It belongs to the spitz/northern dog group. Temperament: Friendly, playful and sociable.
- Other names Bjelkier, Samoiedskaya Sobaka, Nemetskaya Laika, Sammies
- Great breed for: families with children, apartment dogs
What is a Samoyed?
Samoyeds were originally bred for hunting, herding reindeer and pulling sleighs for people in Siberia. They belong to the spitz group, specifically laikas (a Eurasian dog) that were descended from the Nenets.
Samoyeds are almost always white and a fluffy coat. They have an amiable and friendly disposition and they’re rarely aggressive.
What do Samoyeds look like?
These dogs are very distinguishable! They are naturally fluffy, have a thick, white double-coat and have pointed ears. Their tails are curled over their backs and they can thrive in cold weather. Their topcoat is full of coarse hair while their undercoat is soft and dense fur. Male Samoyeds are 53-60 centimeters tall while females are about 48-53 centimeters. This medium-sized dog weighs roughly 23-29kg.
What makes Samoyeds special?
Samoyeds are famous for their beautiful, thick white fur. What’s even better is people allergic to dogs can live with one of these guys! Samoyeds are also known for wearing a trademark grin. One of their common nicknames is “Smiley.”
Genetically, Samoyeds are one of the 14 ancient breeds most similar to the wolf. They’re highly trainable, very intelligent and strive to complete tasks. They’ve also been seen pulling Santa’s sleigh during the Christmas season.
How often do I need to groom my Samoyed?
Because Samoyeds have such fluffy fur, brushing them at least 3-4 times weekly is a necessity. This will help with the fur you’ll inevitably find around your house. When it comes to baths, you can bathe your pooch on a three month basis. Despite their white fur, they somehow manage to stay clean! Make sure to get your Sammie’s nails trimmed by a professional so they don’t hurt their paws.
How often should I walk my Samoyed?
Samoyeds naturally have tons of energy and they were bred to perform high-intensity tasks. Inherently, they are more active and playful. It’s recommended to walk them at least for an hour daily. Avoid overly hot days and opt for a morning or evening walk. If you can, play with your Samoyed or let them off-leash at a dog park so they can socialize and burn all their energy!
How do I train my Samoyed?
Samoyeds have a reputation for being stubborn at times and enjoy their freedom. But don’t despair! With patience and positivity, you can train your pupper. Samoyeds can be taught to sit, stay, shake and go off-leash. Stay consistent with your training and teach with positive reinforcement. When your dog obeys a command, give them praise, treats or even some happy words of encouragement!
Make your training sessions fun, short and full of enthusiasm. Pet Cloud offers dog training classes in blocks of six-week, one-hour sessions with registered trainers. The trainer will come to your home and use positive reinforcement techniques in line with RSPCA guidance to teach your puppy.
Quickfire Samoyed Questions
How long will my Samoyed live?
The typical Samoyed lifespan is 12-13 years.
Can my Samoyed be left alone during the day?
Your Samoyed shouldn’t be left alone for more than 3-4 hours at a time. They’re very social and don’t enjoy spending too much time on their own. If they’re by themselves more often than not, they can become destructive inside the house. Before you leave the house, it’s recommended you take them for a walk to help with their energy levels.
Are Samoyeds “barkers”?
Most Samoyeds have a tendency to bark but you can train them to minimize it.
What kind of health risks do Samoyeds face?
There are a couple health conditions associated with Samoyeds you should know about. The first is Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy. This is a fancy way of saying kidney disease. This disease is more prevalent in male Samoyeds. This health condition can lead to further issues down the road. It’s important to be aware of this!
Where can I get a Samoyed?
When it comes to finding the perfect dog, you have a couple things to consider! Adoption is a great way to offer a pet the loving home they deserve. Be sure to check out the RSPCA’s adoption guide for more information.
If you’re wanting to buy your Samoyed from a breeder, be sure to do your research to make sure they’re responsible and you’re not supporting a puppy farm. The RSPCA also has a handy guide for finding the right breeder.
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