Samoyed

Are Samoyeds Good Family Dogs?

Samoyeds are friendly, loyal, gentle, and playful. So, they aren’t just good family dogs, they are another family member and wish to be treated like one.

Samoyeds love taking part in family activities and are very fond of children.

If you choose to own a Samoyed, be ready to treat it like a child of yours. It will likely require just as much attention and affection.

But don’t worry:

You’ll get the same love and affection in return!

Everything Else You Need to Know About Owning a Samoyed

1. They Went on Expeditions

During the end of the 19th century, explorers took Samoyeds on expeditions to the North and South poles. That was due to their stamina, trainability, and resistance to cold.

Have you learned about the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen in school?

He was the first person to ever reach the South Pole as well as the first one to lead expeditions to both the South and North Poles.

He used Samoyeds to pull sleds on his expeditions in Antarctica.

As a matter of fact, some even believe that a Samoyed was the first non-native creature to ever set foot on the South Pole.

Well, paw, but that’s a cool fact nonetheless!

2. Samoyeds are Rather New to Europe and the USA

The Arctic and Antarctic expeditions were the first time Samoyeds ventured out of Siberia.

And it was only during the late 19th century when Samoyeds from these expeditions were introduced to the high classes of the UK.

Then, they got royal attention.

Alexandra of Denmark became the Queen of England after marrying Kind Edward VII. She received a Samoyed as a gift and was instantly in love. Soon after, she became a dedicated Samoyed breeder.

That’s excellent PR for a breed, isn’t it?

It’s believed that many of today’s Samoyeds may have descended from the dogs in the Queen’s kennels.

The first Samoyed in the US was registered in 1906.

3. Your Samoyed Likely Descends from Veteran Expedition Dogs

The expeditions to the Poles were harsh and only the fittest and strongest of the Samoyeds survived.

Many died from pneumonia.  

So, the majority of the Samoyeds that currently live in the West, are most likely descendants of the dogs that pulled sleds during these expeditions.

4. You are Likely Mispronouncing it

Most people say Suh-MOY-ed.

Sometimes, you’ll also hear SAMmy-ed.

However, SAMma-ed is closer to what it would sound like in the native dialect.

Hey, ancient Russian dialects must have been tough, so don’t worry.

Many people also refer to Samoyeds using nicknames such as “Sams”, “Sammies”, or “Smileys” (I’ll explain that one in #6, so keep reading).

5. Samoyeds are Very Closely Related to Wolves

Samoyeds are an ancient type of dogs. In fact, they are one of the 14 breeds that are the closest to wolves.

They belong to the Spitz type dogs.

Spitz refers to Nordic breeds such as the Siberian Husky, the Akita, and the Alaskan Malamute that have thick coats, pointy ears, and a tail that’s bent at the back. These breeds are primitive and resemble wolves in their behavior and appearance.

6. The Samoyed Says “Cheese” Better than You

Samoyeds are so friendly that they actually smile.

Well, yes and no.

Their lips are black and their corners turn upwards. So, it looks like a smile. While Samoyeds are indeed very cheerful and friendly, the smile actually serves a very good purpose.

It protects Samoyeds from drooling.

What’s the big deal about drooling?

None if you are a house dog who lives in a warm climate.

But, things are a tad bit more complicated if you live in Siberia. Drooling in freezing temperatures is definitely not something you’d like to do. Unless you’d like to deal with the icicles forming by your mouth.

7. Samoyeds are No Couch Potatoes

A Samoyed isn’t the dog who can spend lots of time alone in the house. Boredom and Samoyeds just don’t go together.

A bored Samoyed can become destructive and end up chewing everything in its way and turning your house upside down. It is also very likely to bark a lot and make your neighbors very willing to call the cops.

So, make sure to provide plenty of exercise, activity, and stimulation. Especially if you spend long hours at work.

8. Samoyeds are Family Animals

This breed likes to be around people and is excellent for families with children. Yet, they usually form a strong primary attachment with one human.

So, treat your Samoyed just like another family member. To make it feel even more included, let it sleep in your bedroom.

Samoyeds are also friendly towards other dogs and even cats if raised alongside them.  

On the other hand, lonely Samoyeds can become depressed, so it’s a good idea to involve them in a variety of activities. Leaving your dog tied up alone in the yard isn’t something I’d recommend for this breed either.

Regardless of how friendly Samoyeds are, it’s never a good idea to leave them (or any other dog) alone with small children.

9. Samoyeds Shed…A LOT

Given their lush double coat, this should not come as a surprise.

Samoyeds blow their coat twice a year – in the spring and before the winter. It usually takes about 5 weeks to brush the old coat out.

But that’s not it…

Samoyeds will keep shedding all year long.

The good news is that they actually enjoy being groomed. Especially if you show them plenty of love. So, that can be a great bonding time between you and your dog.

9. You Can Make Clothes from Their Fur

If you’re the crafty type, all that fur that you brush out does not have to go to waste.

Samoyed fur can be spun into yarn and used as an alternative to wool. So, you can make scarves, mittens, and even sweaters from your dog’s fur.

Crafters say that Samoyed yarn is soft, warm, and strong. Some even claim it to be their favorite type of dog fur to make clothes from!

10. Samoyeds Smell Nice

Most dogs have the peculiar “doggy odor”. Samoyeds do not as their fur is odorless. Even if they roll around in something unpleasant, the smell does not stay for long. Because of this, you need to bathe a Samoyed much less frequently than some other breeds.

That’s another reason for you to keep their fur and make clothes from it. And to snuggle with your Samoyed more frequently.

11. Keep Your Samoyed Cool

Designed for the cold, Samoyeds do not tolerate heat very well.

So, if you happen to live in a warmer geographic location, make sure to not overheat your dog.

Avoid direct sunlight and provide enough shade. When it comes to activities and playtime, it’s best to plan those early in the morning or during the evening hours when the weather is cooler.

When indoors, turn your AC on to keep the temperature cool.

And, of course, ensure that plenty of water is available at all times. It should go without saying that hot weather may also require you to schedule in more doggy business breaks. Yes, by that I mean more frequent peeing.

12. No Trimming or Shaving

Although it may seem like a good solution for the hot summer months, you should by no means shave or trim your Samoyed’s fur.

While it is dense, it insulates against both the cold and the heat. It also protects the soft pink Samoyed skin from the sun.

Instead, brush it regularly to remove any excess loose hairs.

13. Samoyeds Groom Themselves Like Cats

A Samoyed owner isn’t the only one who prides themselves in their dog’s thick and soft coat.

The dog itself does as well.

So, you may notice it displaying rather cat-like behavior when it comes to grooming their own fur. But it does help them keep it clean longer.

14. Keep Them on a Leash

When you take your Samoyed out for a walk, do not let it off the leash in large open areas. Especially if it’s young and hasn’t been trained much.

It is an independent type of a dog that may have a strong urge to run off and roam for miles. You don’t want it to get hurt or get lost. Samoyeds also like chasing small animals and even “herding” small children.

This will, however, depend on each individual dog and their training. Training your dog to obey and come back when called can minimize the risk of it.

15. Not all Samoyeds are White

While most Samoyeds will have a pure white coat, it does not apply to all dogs of this breed.

Some will be cream, biscuit, or white with silver tips.

16. They Are Vocal

Be prepared for a Samoyed to bark quite a lot.

They are a rather vocal breed and can bark when they are happy, excited, playing, or about to be fed. If left alone for a long time, they can resort to barking, as well.

With proper training, barking can be controlled…in most cases.

Samoyeds are stubborn and independent, but they are also intelligent and keen to learn. Nonetheless, be prepared for some occasional barking either way.  

17. Samoyeds can be Good Watch Dogs…but not so Good Guard Dogs

Most Samoyeds are also likely to bark when someone knocks on the door or rings the bell.

However, they tend to be friendly with strangers.

So, once they are done announcing the visitor, they will most likely become kind and friendly towards them.

18. They Sing

Though you will most likely hear Samoyeds barking, they howl as well.

Yet, their howl is rather melodic and can even have a tune to it.

So, if you are looking for a breed that will jam along to your favorite songs, a Samoyed may be a fit for you.

19. Keep an Eye on Them Till the Age of Two

Relax, they won’t go through the terrible twos. Yet, two is a crucial age in the development of a Samoyed.

Samoyed puppies grow very fast and it’s important to provide them with plenty of exercise to ensure optimal development.

Yet, they can easily overexert themselves.

This can place to much strain on their muscles and joints thus compromising optimal development of other body parts and causing unnecessary wear and tear.

To prevent this from happening, make sure that your pup’s diet in high-quality.

Also, avoid letting them jump on hard surfaces, stand on their hind legs a lot, as well as leap on and off different objects.

20. Samoyed Puppies

If there’s anything else you need to to know about Samoyeds, then it’s how cute their puppies are.

They resemble mini versions of polar bears and are very playful and affectionate.

Need I say more??

In Conclusion

Samoyeds won’t be a good fit for everyone.

However, if you’ve read this far, it may be the right breed for you.

Are you a Samoyed person?