Celebrating Samoyeds, a Floating Marshmallow of a Dog

Breeds

Breed Profile Samoyed

If you’ve ever met Samoyeds, you probably rolled through a common list of questions: Is that a giant Japanese Spitz? Or a white Husky? Maybe it’s a marshmallow on legs, just waiting for me to come gobble it up? That last one just us? Ok, fair. Either way, we’re here to tell you that this smiling, gentle pompom is in fact a very smart, friendly, and energetic breed of its own.

Samoyed

History of Samoyeds

As all that hair might suggest, Samoyeds are part of the ancient Spitz group of dogs that developed in Arctic areas. They have a strong history as working dogs; herding reindeer, pulling sleds, and helping to keep their families warm and safe. They’re famous for powering just about every early polar expedition. Not a bad resume.

Weight: 20-30kg

Colour: White, Cream, Biscuit or a mix 

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

What You’ll Love

  • Intelligence and independence: They’re loving and affectionate, but still enjoy their own company.
  • Playful: The combination of brains and energy make them a lot of fun.
  • Hypoallergenic: You wouldn’t guess it looking at all that hair, but they have low dander levels and hardly drool, making them a good match for people with allergies. Plus, they’re know for having a “little dogā€ smell–basically they’re not big and stinky.
  • Well dressed: Their coats aren’t only beautiful, they also keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. They’re also surprisingly easy to keep clean. Which is lucky, as these guys loving to get muddy. But once they dry off most dirt brushes out easily.
  • Loving: They’re great family dogs that may have been babysitting for thousands of years.
Dog Breed Samoyed

What You Might Find ā€œChallengingā€

  • Barking: Unfortunately this is the downside of being a great natural watchdog.
  • Stubborn: If they’ve made up their mind about something, you could struggle to get them to follow your instructions.
  • Digging: They truly believe they need a new hollow to lay in every day.
  • Grooming: That beautiful mane takes work. Their double coat requires a fair amounts of grooming to keep healthy. Also, they have two major sheds per year. Maybe consider switching out your black clothes for white instead

Common Health Issues of Samoyeds

  • Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation: Like a lot of larger dogs, they can have problems with their hips as they get older.
  • Eye Diseases: They can developed cataracts with age, so keep up their eye exams.
  • Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy: This is quite complicated to explain in a sentence, but you can read more about it here or chat to your vet.

In love with Samoyeds? The Samoyed Clubs of Victoria and New South Wales both help rescue and re-home Samoyeds.

The Best Aussie Samoyeds on Instagram

Learn about other dog breeds

Written by on for Off The Leash

Article last updated on February 17, 2022

Doug never had a dog growing up but as soon as he stopped moving around knew he needed a dog in his life. Enter Snoop the Beagle. Doug worked for 7 years designing and making dog treats and food for some of Australia's best brands. Now a Co-Founder of Scratch Pet Food.
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