Breeds
Samoyed: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Samoyed is a friendly, devoted, smiling white spitz that loves people and other dogs. Sammies are wonderful with children and full of personality, but they shed heavily, bark a lot, dislike being left alone and overheat in warm weather. They need daily exercise and frequent brushing. Here is what VCA Animal Hospitals and the AKC say about the breed.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Samoyed temperament and personality
VCA describes the Samoyed as friendly, intelligent and devoted to its family, and says many get along well with other dogs. The breed was developed to herd reindeer and pull sleds, and it lived closely with its people, which shows in a dog that wants company.
VCA rates barking as high and warns that without enough companionship and mental stimulation, Sammies may become vocal or develop unwanted behaviors. They have limited tolerance for being alone, so they suit homes where someone is around much of the day.
How big do Samoyeds get?
VCA gives a height of 19 to 23.5 inches and a weight of 35 to 65 pounds, and the AKC's breed weight chart lists the same 35 to 65 pounds. Neither source sets separate ranges for males and females, so treat these as figures for the breed as a whole.
The thick coat makes a Samoyed look much bigger than it is. Feel for the ribs to judge condition, and ask your vet what a healthy weight is for your dog's frame.
Samoyed lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Its breed page lists hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, congenital heart disease and several inherited eye and nerve conditions in puppies; progressive retinal atrophy, diabetes, familial kidney disease and some skin conditions in adults; and cataracts, glaucoma and kidney disease in seniors.
Ask a breeder for hip and elbow evaluations, eye exams and any DNA tests the national breed club recommends for both parents. Ask your vet about kidney and eye checks as your dog ages. Increased thirst, weight loss or a cloudy, painful eye should be seen promptly.
Exercise needs
VCA says Samoyeds need substantial daily exercise such as long walks, hiking, pulling sports, obedience and interactive play, and that boredom can lead to barking, digging or destructive behavior. It notes they tend to roam, so fenced areas or leashed activities are best.
VCA also says the breed does best in cooler climates and overheats easily in warm weather. Exercise in the cool of the day in summer, provide shade and water, and save the long hikes for cold days, which a Samoyed loves.
Samoyed grooming and shedding
VCA recommends brushing several times a week, and daily during seasonal shedding, and says regular baths help keep the coat white and the skin healthy. Expect large amounts of undercoat during a shed.
A slicker brush, a pin brush, an undercoat rake and a long-toothed comb cover the coat. Dry fully after a bath, since a damp undercoat can irritate the skin. VCA lists ear cleaning, nail trimming and dental care as routine.
Training a Samoyed
VCA says repetitive training can bore a Samoyed quickly and that its independence can make training challenging. Short, varied, reward-based sessions work best.
Work on recall early, because Sammies tend to roam, and teach a quiet cue before barking becomes a habit. Pulling sports and obedience give the breed's working drive a useful outlet.
Use food, play and praise, and stop before the dog loses interest. A Samoyed that enjoys training is far more likely to come back when called.
Are Samoyeds good with kids and other pets?
VCA says Samoyeds are generally excellent with children and usually compatible with other pets when properly socialized. Their friendliness and playfulness make them popular family dogs.
Supervise play with small children, since an excited Samoyed is strong. Introduce cats and small pets slowly; a spitz may chase. Most Sammies love other dogs.
Teach children not to pull the thick coat or ride the dog, and supervise early meetings with other pets.
What a Samoyed needs at home
A secure fence, a crate, a comfortable bed in a cool spot (a cooling dog bed is one option), and air conditioning or a cooling mat for summer are the basics. A harness for pulling sports, puzzle feeders and chew toys help with energy and time alone.
For the coat, keep a slicker brush, pin brush, undercoat rake, comb, dog shampoo, a high-velocity or cool-air dryer if possible, nail clippers, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush. Expect to vacuum often. A double-sided deshedding undercoat rake and a portable dog cooling mat are examples of the coat and summer-heat kit for a Sammy.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Samoyeds live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Joint, eye and kidney screening, regular exercise and protection from heat help a Samoyed stay healthy.
Do Samoyeds shed a lot?
Yes. VCA recommends brushing several times a week and daily during seasonal shedding, when the thick undercoat comes out in large amounts. Expect hair around the house.
How big do Samoyeds get?
The AKC lists males at 21 to 23.5 inches and 45 to 65 pounds, and females at 19 to 21 inches and 35 to 50 pounds.
Are Samoyeds good family dogs?
VCA says they are generally excellent with children and good with other pets when socialized. They need company, exercise and grooming, and they bark a lot.
Do Samoyeds bark a lot?
Often, yes. VCA rates the breed's barking level as high and says Samoyeds may become vocal without enough companionship and stimulation. Exercise, company and early quiet training help.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
