Samoyeds are absolutely irresistible as puppies with their snow-white fur and little black button eyes. They look more like a child’s stuffy than a real dog. But as adorable as they are, you shouldn’t bring a Samoyed home without giving it serious thought.
These dogs require time and energy to maintain their health and keep them content. If that commitment doesn’t fit with your schedule or lifestyle, a Samoyed may not be the right dog for you.
Here are a few things you should know about Samoyeds before you add one to your family.
Samoyeds need activity
Don’t be fooled by your puppy’s calm exterior. Your Samoyed may not be doing zoomies around the house, but make no mistake, they need exercise.
Samoyeds were bred to perform rigorous physical tasks in some of the coldest climates in the world. Like a little solar battery, this breed has a steady and almost inexhaustible energy supply that needs an outlet.
A long daily walk is the minimum level of activity they need.
As working dogs, Samoyeds are happiest when they have something useful to do. They need assigned tasks as much as they need physical activity.
Consider what jobs you could train your puppy to do. Fetching the morning paper or bringing you your shoes are examples of simple daily tasks that can give your Samoyed puppy a sense of purpose.
Plan on frequent grooming
Samoyeds have a double coat of white fur that needs to be completely brushed out weekly, or the coat will tangle and mat.
To keep its white fur looking clean, you will need to bathe your Samoyed at least once a month, but if your dog likes to romp in the dirt outside, it may need more frequent baths.
After a bath, your pup will need a thorough brushing out, and many owners blow dry them since their heavy fur can remain wet for a long time.
Samoyeds shed quite a lot even outside of the usual shedding season. To handle the shedding issue, be prepared to up your vacuuming game because you’ll be doing a lot of it.
That fine white fur looks a lot better on your puppy than on your couch and rugs! The upside is Samoyed fur tends to be odorless so that you won’t be dealing with that doggie smell in your house.
Samoyed temperament
The Samoyed is a friendly, energetic, intelligent, and sometimes stubborn breed with a strong work ethic.
They thrive in active households that provide them with daily exercise and mental stimulation.
With proper socialization and training, Samoyeds make excellent family companions and working dogs.
Having no wolf or fox lineage, the Samoyed is an excellent example of what wild dogs used to look like.
Developed as working dogs in Siberia, the dogs are hard-working and adaptable to winter’s harsh cold weather conditions. Samoyeds were used to herd reindeer and protect them from predators.
Consequently, they retain their strong work ethic and thrive with a job to do.
Samoyeds are friendly, social creatures who love being around people and other animals. They are excellent family dogs and get along well with children and other pets.
However, it’s crucial to socialize the dogs early to ensure they develop proper manners when interacting with others.
Samoyeds are also highly energetic dogs. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
These active dogs can become bored and destructive without enough physical activity or mental stimulation. Therefore, they are best suited for active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or running.
The Samoyed is intelligent and thrives on learning new tasks. The dogs excel in obedience training but can also be trained in agility, tracking, herding, and even therapy work.
Some Samoyeds may be stubborn, which can sometimes make training more challenging.
Establishing yourself as a firm leader early on is essential through consistent training methods based on positive reinforcement.
Samoyeds are known for being vocal. While they are not considered excessive barkers, they may howl or bark to express themselves. Training and mental stimulation can manage barking.
Your Samoyed needs companionship
This breed is known for developing extremely close and loyal bonds with its owner. Raised to have a working partnership with its owners, your Samoyed puppy will crave interaction with you.
Consider taking up a hobby that can include your new pet. Samoyeds’ high level of intelligence and inquisitive nature makes them a good fit for agility training, and their endurance makes them a perfect partner on a daily run.
Pack animals by nature, Samoyeds are not happy when left on their own too much.
If your lifestyle or profession takes you out of the home for long stretches of time, you should be aware that a bored and lonely Samoyed can become depressed and tend toward destructive behaviors.
Be sure that your Samoyed puppy has access to a well-fenced yard while you are gone, and you might want to consider getting him a furry friend.
Samoyeds are social and tend to get along well with other dogs, and have even been known to strike up lifelong friendships with the family cat.
Samoyed health concerns
While Samoyeds are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12- 14 years, they may be prone to specific health issues.
Hip dysplasia
This is a common orthopedic condition in which the hip joint forms abnormally, causing pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking or running.
As a medium- to large-sized breed, Samoyeds can be susceptible to hip dysplasia due to their size and genetics.
Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of developing hip dysplasia.
Eye problems
Samoyeds have almond-shaped eyes prone to cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and corneal dystrophy.
It is essential for Samoyed owners to regularly check their dog’s eyes for any abnormalities and seek veterinary care if necessary.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a hormonal imbalance caused by an underactive thyroid gland.
This condition affects many breeds, including Samoyeds, and can lead to weight gain, hair loss, skin problems, lethargy, and intolerance to cold temperatures.
Although you can’t prevent hypothyroidism, you can manage the condition with medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
Allergies
Samoyeds might develop food allergies or environmental allergies such as pollen or dust.
If your Samoyed exhibits excessive scratching, redness, or skin irritation, consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and proper treatment.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists.
The condition can happen suddenly and requires immediate medical attention.
While any breed can develop bloat, it is more common in large-chested breeds such as the Samoyeds.
To prevent this condition, feed your Samoyed multiple smaller meals instead of one large meal, avoid exercising after meals, and avoid feeding them foods that may cause gas.
Adding a Samoyed to your family
Samoyeds are fantastic animals, but as with any breed, there are special considerations for their care and happiness that you’ll need to think about before committing to owning one.
Sammys need regular grooming, lots of exercise, and an owner who is willing to take the time to form a close relationship with them.
If those requirements are doable for you, a Samoyed puppy will be a wonderful addition to your home and provide years of friendship and fun for you and your family.
To adopt a Samoyed, check Petfinder.com.To find an American Kennel Club-Registered breeder, visit the AKC Marketplace.
Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in pets and pet’s health. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.
Share this...