With their permanent smile, poofy white hair, and black button nose, a Samoyed puppy looks like the canine version of a polar bear cub. Their regal, impressive double coat blends right into a winter wonderland. Their good looks are not just for show - every part of a Samoyed is designed to help them function in exceptional ways.
Also called a Sammie or Sammies, Samoyed dogs have a gentle demeanor, an unwavering loyalty to their owners, and the endurance and stamina to run and play all day.
Just because they may look like a fluffy white teddy bear doesn’t mean they can get away with not-so-cute behavior. Owning a Samoyed puppy requires an intimate knowledge of the dog breed to make sure you understand how your Samoyed puppy can thrive. Samoyed puppy owners will need to have the time, energy, and patience to create a deep bond with their Samoyed puppy through companionship and plenty of exercise. If you are a first-time puppy owner, this guide will help you decide if you are up for the journey.
Let’s explore what it’s like to own a social, smart, and mischievous Samoyed puppy to see if it’s the right dog breed for you.
Miss Keyte-Perry, circa 1935, with her family of 10 Samoyed champions Loga, Artic Dawn, Riga, Kara Queen, Leader, Surf, Winter, Tchita, Snow Chief, and Greta, courtesy of AKC
The History of Samoyed Puppies
The Samoyed dog breed has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Originating from the Siberian nomadic Samoyede people, these dogs were integral to their survival in harsh Arctic conditions, relying on the human-animal bond for mutual existence. Bred to herd reindeer, haul sleds, guard livestock and camps, and keep their owners warm at night, Samoyeds became indispensable companions to the Samoyede tribe. They have also been used in rescue teams, hunting, and as guard dogs.
Samoyeds thrived in the frigid climate of Siberia, with their thick, double-layered coats providing insulation against the cold. Their friendly disposition and willingness to work earned them the nickname "Smiling Sammies" for their permanent grin.
In the late 19th century, explorers, traders, dukes, and princesses introduced Samoyeds to Russia, Australia, England, America, and more countries and quickly gained popularity as show dogs and loyal companions. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Samoyeds in 1906, and by 1920, 40 Samoyeds had been registered.
Today, Samoyeds are ranked #50 out of 200 dog breeds on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2023 between Portuguese Water Dogs and Whippets. One fluffy Samoyed explorer has made headlines and appeared on countless talk shows for its unique mode of transportation. Lumi the Samoyed travels on the New York City Subway in a special backpack worn by owner Jackie Hornung. A rule states that all dogs must be “enclosed in a container” and “carried in a manner which would not annoy other passengers.” The 50-lb. Lumi snuggles Hornung contentedly, enjoying the attention both in person and online.
Sammies as sled dogs
Samoyeds were bred for herding, weight pulling, and sledding and are versatile team dogs. Because they do not have a particular specialty like other Northern dog breeds, they are not the preferred choice for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Instead, breeds bred for speed like the Siberian Husky are better suited to the grueling race. However, Samoyeds tolerate cold well and is one of the best cold-weather dog breeds that loves to romp around in frigid temperatures.
A few Samoyeds have enjoyed time in the spotlight thanks to sledding. In his groundbreaking 1911 expedition to the South Pole, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen relied on Samoyeds as integral members of his team. While Amundsen is widely recognized as the first person to reach the South Pole, historical accounts suggest that he achieved this milestone trailing slightly behind his lead Samoyed dog. In the winter of 1952, Rex the White Way ran supplies to 226 people trapped on a train in the infamous, rugged Donner Pass during treacherous winter conditions.
What Does a Samoyed Puppy Look Like?
If you were to design a dog perfect for the snow, you’d create a Samoyed! The most striking feature of a Samoyed puppy is its gorgeous coat. They have a spectacular double coat that comes in white, biscuit, cream, or white and biscuit. This coat is weather-resistant with a waterproof outer layer and soft, dense undercoat for maximum insulation, even in temperatures down to -60 degrees in Siberia!
The next feature you will notice is their permanent smile which earns them the nickname of the “Smiling Sled Dog.” Samoyed puppies always look so happy to see you with the upturned corners of their mouths, pink tongues, and bright, friendly expressions. One fun fact about that perpetual smile is it actually has a functional purpose. It keeps them from drooling and prevents icicles from forming and hanging down their mouths!
Samoyeds have a compact, muscular body, a strong neck, and a deep chest under all that fluff. They stand 19-23.5 in. tall and weigh 35-65 lbs. as adults. Their perky, fox-like triangular ears stand on the tops of their heads, and their black noses are as cute as a button. A Samoyed’s tail is curled above its back and can be wrapped around its nose to stay warm when it sleeps or lies down in a ball.
What’s the Personality Like of a Samoyed Puppy?
We can guarantee that your Samoyed will not be a boring lump of a dog that snoozes the day away. Instead, they’re lively and always looking for fun! While they may have their independent streaks and vocal tendencies, their loyalty and loving demeanor make them cherished family members. Here are some personality quirks and traits of Samoyed puppies to let you know as a potential Samoyed puppy owner what to expect.
Most Popular Pup
Samoyeds are known for their friendly and sociable disposition. They tend to be outgoing and enjoy interacting with people and other animals. This makes them excellent family pets who thrive on companionship and attention. While your Samoyed may bark at a stranger, she will quickly warm up and see the new person as another family member.
Play it again, Sam
These fluffy dogs retain their playful demeanor well into adulthood. Samoyeds love engaging in games and activities with their family members, whether it's a spirited game of fetch or a romp in the backyard. Their playful nature adds joy and liveliness to any household.
Nuzzles & cuddles
Despite their larger size, Samoyed puppies are remarkably gentle and affectionate. They often form strong bonds with their human family members and are known for their loving nature. They enjoy cuddling and are known to express their affection through gentle nudges and affectionate gestures.
Jokesters
Samoyeds are renowned for their mischievous streak, adding a playful charm to their personality. They often engage in behaviors that showcase their intelligence and creativity, from stealing socks to orchestrating elaborate escape attempts. Their playful antics keep their families entertained and on their toes!
Affectionate with kids
Samoyed puppies love children and follow them around! Samoyeds see them as part of their pack and interact well with them. Due to how rambunctious kids and dogs can be, supervise playtime to ensure everyone has a fun, safe time.
How Much Activity Does a Samoyed Puppy Need?
Before adopting a Samoyed puppy, it’s crucial to understand the physical and mental stimulation needs of this dog breed. If you do not, you may call your Samoyed puppy a “difficult dog” and see them in a negative light. However, knowing how to meet their needs will result in a happy Samoyed! They’re tireless, so make sure you have a new pair of sneakers and a quality leash!
Physical exercise needs
Samoyed puppies are agile, athletic dogs with enough energy, stamina, and endurance to pull heavy cargo long distances through terrible weather conditions, so you already know they are not going to be your average lap dog content with 20 minutes of exercise. Whether it's hiking, jogging, or simply frolicking in the snow, Samoyeds are happiest when they have the opportunity to expend their energy outdoors.
Samoyed puppies will need a family who can devote 1-2 hours each day to exercise their Samoyeds. They love doing whatever their owners are doing and like to go on adventures. Samoyeds are great walking and hiking buddies and love to run long distances. Samoyeds generally get along well with other dogs, so a trip to the dog park would also be a great way to let out some energy.
Having a yard for a Samoyed is a good first step to meeting their physical exercise needs. However, there are a few things to know before opening the door. Letting them out by themselves is not a good option because they need to have a human’s company and will probably bark. Supervise them, even in a fenced-in yard, because they are escape artists due to their strong urge to roam after running away and are capable of traveling several miles.
Another great tool in your activity belt is to give your Samoyed a “job.” They are great athletes and love agility courses and a lesser-known dog sport called skijoring where dogs pull owners on skis using special harnesses. You can teach them to fetch your slippers, play a racing game in the snow, or solve a complicated puzzle. Put them to work and reap the rewards of a happy Samoyed!
Mental stimulation is crucial
In addition to having high physical exercise needs, Samoyeds require an abundance of mentally stimulating opportunities. Samoyeds are smart and like to stay busy. They are also “Velcro dogs” and want to be by their people as much as possible.
Failing to provide enough opportunities to work their brains can result in destructive behavior and a negative attitude towards your puppy. It’s up to you to give them enough opportunities to bring out the best qualities. Some consequences of a lack of mental stimulation include severe separation anxiety, excessive barking, boredom, destroying property, running away, and other behaviors that will make you pull out your hair! Be proactive and give your Samoyed puppy plenty of chances to work their minds and bodies. Keep it fresh by rotating out interactive toys and puzzles, and switch up your outdoor activities.
Samoyeds have a high tendency to bark and vocalize much like Huskies do. They are known for their distinctive "Sammy talk," which includes a range of vocalizations such as barks, howls, and "talking" grumbles. They are great watchdogs and can bark for a variety of reasons. You’ll need to be committed to providing adequate physical and mentally stimulating opportunities to reduce separation anxiety in your puppy by socializing them early and giving them positive, human-approved outlets before they create their own.
Training Your Samoyed Puppy
Training serves several purposes for a Samoyed’s overall well-being. Socialize your Samoyed puppy as soon as you bring it home, exposing it to different sounds, experiences, and household activities so your puppy will develop confidence in various situations. Having your Samoyed puppy follow your clear directions for what to do when he needs a “job” helps keep him physically fit while stimulating his brain. As we saw with Lumi the Samoyed, a well-trained and well-socialized Samoyed can go anywhere, even on the subway, and be a delight to behold.
Samoyeds are eager to please and form deep bonds with their owners. This connection will help in training efforts. Because they are so intelligent, make your training sessions fun and unexpected so they do not become bored and complacent with the same exercises.
Samoyed puppies need a patient but firm hand because some inherent traits may make training challenging. Samoyeds can be stubborn and take their time demonstrating a command even if you know they know it! They may also have short attention spans, so break up training sessions into mini-sessions if needed.
Grooming a Samoyed Puppy
A huge part of owning a Samoyed puppy is keeping that lush, long fluffy coat looking amazing! Grooming a Samoyed puppy requires effort on both your and your groomer’s part, but with proper care, you can keep your Samoyed looking like a beautiful cotton ball.
Start by establishing a grooming routine early to accustom your puppy to the process. They will be at the groomer quite a bit and will need frequent brushing, so you should get them used to the noises and sensations.
Even if you think your Samoyed might be hot in the summer, never shave your Samoyed! Their double coat keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter due to their coat’s ability to regulate temperature. Shaving them will remove this ability and cause a dysregulated body temperature.
Regular brushing is the key to preventing mats and tangles in their thick, double-layered fur. Use a slicker brush or a comb designed for long-haired breeds to gently remove loose hair and debris. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears and under the legs. Samoyeds will blow their coats twice a year as new fur grows in, but they do shed moderately year-round. Invest in lint rollers for every room and a great vacuum!
Bathing should be done occasionally, using a mild dog shampoo to keep their coat clean without stripping its natural oils. Avoid over-bathing, as it can dry out their skin and coat. After bathing, thoroughly dry your Samoyed puppy to prevent moisture from getting trapped in their dense fur, which can lead to skin issues.
Additionally, regular maintenance of their nails, ears, and teeth is important for their overall hygiene and health. Trim their nails as needed, clean their ears with a vet-recommended solution, and brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental problems.
Caring For Your Samoyed Puppy
Samoyeds are a relatively healthy breed and live an average of 12-14 years. The best thing you can do for a Samoyed puppy’s health is to establish a relationship with a licensed veterinarian. He or she will be a partner in helping your Samoyed live the best life possible.
All Samoyed puppy owners should keep them up-to-date on core puppy vaccinations, flea, tick, and heartworm medication, provide regular grooming and body scans, and give regular dental care.
You know that Samoyeds do great in the cold, but make sure they do not get overheated in the summer. Keep them out of direct sunlight, give them access to plenty of fresh, cold water, and don’t overexert them to prevent overheating.
While they’re generally robust dogs, Samoyeds can experience health concerns you should know about in case you need to take early action.
- Eye problems: Ulcers, cataracts, or glaucoma
- Diabetes: Trouble regulating their blood sugar levels
- Bloat: The stomach turns, trapping gas and cutting off vital organs
- Heart conditions: Aortic stenosis is a narrowed aorta that is inherited
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: A hereditary trait where the joints are malformed
- Certain cancers: Pancreatic, mammary/breast, or liver
- Uveodermatologic syndrome (VKH): An autoimmune condition that attacks a dog's eyes, skin, and nervous system
Finding Samoyed Puppies Through Pawrade
Now that you have your heart set on adopting a Samoyed, where can you find one? You will probably turn to the internet, but how do you know what you find is trustworthy? Ask yourself:
- Do they offer a comprehensive health guarantee?
- Is there proof of healthcare and current vaccinations?
- Do you know information about the puppy’s parents?
- Can you pay in a secure way that protects you?
At Pawrade, we can answer “yes” to all of the above! Our dedication lies in uniting caring households like yours with puppies seeking nurturing homes. We guarantee our hand-selected breeders practice responsible breeding standards and place the well-being of our puppies at the forefront with our puppy-first approach.
While the hardest part of your journey will be settling on which Samoyed to adopt, trusting Pawrade will be the easiest decision you make! We can’t wait to help you choose your floofy white canine companion so you can see her perpetual smile every day. Check out our Samoyed puppies for sale to get your fur party started!
