The Samoyed is instantly recognisable by its bright white coat and signature “smile.” Originally bred in Siberia to hunt, herd reindeer, and pull sledges, this breed is characterised by both strength and charm.
Gentle, friendly, and devoted, the Samoyed is an excellent family companion for the right home — but don’t be fooled by the fluffy looks. They’re energetic working dogs that require a lot of exercise and attention.
Samoyed Traits at a Glance
- Best trait: Cheerful, affectionate nature
- Challenging trait: Heavy shedding
- Weight: 20–28 kg
- Height: 46–56 cm
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
Exercise Needs
Samoyeds are active working dogs. They require daily walks, plenty of playtime, and ideally a job to do. They make fantastic jogging partners but are not suitable for apartment living. Without enough exercise, they can become noisy or destructive.
Temperament
Samoyeds are gentle, affectionate, and happiest when part of family life. They’re great with children of all ages, although they often form a closer bond with one special person.
They’re famously friendly, and strangers are welcomed as new friends rather than potential threats. If you’re after a watchdog, this isn’t the breed for you.
Living With a Samoyed
- With other dogs: Usually sociable and playful.
- With cats: Can be fine if raised together, but their hunting instincts mean outdoor cats and small animals may be chased.
- Noise levels: Samoyeds have a high-pitched bark and are quick to use it. Early training to quiet on command is essential.
Training a Samoyed
Samoyeds are intelligent but can be stubborn. They respond well to positive reinforcement, especially food rewards, but may lose interest if training becomes repetitive. Keep sessions short, fun, and engaging.
For practical guidance, try Pickles, our AI Dog Trainer, who can help you troubleshoot common training challenges.
Grooming Needs
- Very heavy shedding, especially during spring and autumn
- Thick double coat needs brushing several times a week (daily during shedding season)
- Regular grooming prevents mats and keeps their coat in good condition
Pros and Cons of Owning a Samoyed
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheerful and affectionate | Heavy shedding, lots of grooming needed |
| Gentle with children | A high-pitched bark can cause complaints |
| Strong, athletic, and energetic | Not suitable for apartment living |
| Friendly and sociable | Can be stubborn in training |
Health Notes
Samoyeds are generally robust but can be prone to:
- Hip dysplasia – joint issues common in medium/large breeds
- Progressive retinal atrophy – an inherited eye disease leading to blindness
- Diabetes mellitus – Samoyeds have a slightly higher risk than other breeds
If you’re buying a puppy, our Best in Breeder Guide will help you ask the right health questions before committing.
History & Background
The Samoyed people of northwest Siberia bred these dogs for survival. They were hunters, herders, and sledge pullers, working alongside humans in extreme conditions.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Samoyeds were relocated from Siberia for use in Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. They endured brutal hardships, with only a few returning, cementing their reputation as one of the hardiest working dogs in history.
Famous Samoyed Owners
The Samoyed’s beauty and charm have won admirers worldwide.
- Queen Alexandra of Denmark – one of the first royals to popularise the breed in the UK.
- Karen Carpenter- the American singer, owned a Samoyed named Mush.
- Lucille Ball – the Hollywood actress had a beloved Samoyed.
- Expedition leaders – early Arctic explorers relied on Samoyeds to haul sledges across frozen terrain.
Great Names for Samoyeds
Their snowy looks and sunny personalities inspire plenty of name ideas.
Arctic-Inspired
Frost, Snowy, Aurora, Blizzard
Cheerful Names
Smiley, Happy, Daisy, Buddy
Noble Names
Aspen, Sasha, Odin, Elsa
For more ideas, try our Dog Name Generator, which tailors suggestions to your pup’s look and personality.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Samoyed?
The Samoyed is an excellent choice for active families who are ready to handle the shedding and high energy levels. If you can commit to exercise, grooming, and training, you’ll have a loyal and smiling companion by your side.
Make life easier with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, designed to guide you through the whirlwind of the first months with trackers, routines, and tips.
Pickles’ Aside:
“Samoyeds are known as the smiling dogs… probably because if they didn’t smile, they’d cry about how much hair they leave behind on your sofa.”
Samoyed Stats
- Origin: Siberia
- Weight: 20–28 kg
- Height: 46–56 cm
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Best trait: Happy, gentle nature
- Challenging trait: Heavy shedding