Samoyed at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 46–56 cm
- Weight
- 16–29 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Samoyed right for you?
Like every breed, the Samoyed is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You have children and can supervise them with the dog.
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- This would be your first dog.
How would the Samoyed fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Samoyed
The Samoyed is a striking medium-sized Spitz dog with pricked ears, a tail that curls over the back and a thick, weather-resistant white coat. Its mouth often looks as if it is smiling. Samoyeds are typically loving, loyal and upbeat, with big personalities to match their fluffy coats.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
Independent
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps.
- Good with children
Often good
Often good with children, with supervision.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed comes from the Arctic regions of north-eastern Siberia, where it was developed by nomadic peoples, the Samoyede and the Nentsy. The dogs had to be versatile: they herded and guarded reindeer, pulled loads and sledges, and sometimes hunted. They lived closely with their families and even shared sleeping quarters, keeping people warm at night.
Early dogs were sometimes black and white or brown and white. At the end of the 19th century explorers used Samoyeds as sledge dogs on early polar expeditions, and some came back to England. One foundation dog in the UK, Antarctic Buck, survived Carsten Borchgrevink's expedition and was found in Sydney Zoo before being brought to Britain. Today the breed is white, sometimes with cream or biscuit shading.
Samoyed temperament
Samoyeds are usually friendly, outgoing and devoted. They love being included in everything the family does and are clever, sensitive and playful.
They are known as a noisy breed and are especially good at howling, which some people liken to singing. They will announce any visitor, though rarely do more than that. If bored or left too long they can become vocal and destructive, and some like to chew. They also enjoy digging.
Size and appearance
Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs. Adults typically stand 46–56 cm at the shoulder, with males taller than females, and weigh around 16–29 kg.
The double coat is thick and insulating. Their flat feet have thick hair between the pads, which works like snowshoes and stops snow balling up between the toes. Breed standard colours are white, cream, and white and biscuit.
How much exercise does a Samoyed need?
Samoyeds are very active and usually need at least two hours of exercise a day, including longer walks, play in the garden and plenty to keep their brains busy. Many love running, and canicross can suit them well.
Their thick coat means they overheat easily, so very early morning walks are best in warm weather. They tend to pull on the lead and have a strong prey drive. They are accomplished escape artists, so a very secure garden and up-to-date microchip details are important.
Training a Samoyed
Samoyeds learn quickly and can do well in sports such as agility and flyball, but they are often independent about training and can be challenging to teach.
- Start positive, reward-based training as early as possible; they are sensitive and need gentle methods.
- Make sure the whole family sticks to the same rules.
- Teach loose-lead walking early, as pulling comes naturally to a sledge breed.
- Socialise them from a young age, especially with cats and other household pets.
- Provide pet-safe chew toys to steer chewing away from your belongings.
Samoyed grooming
The coat is high-maintenance. Daily brushing is needed even when they are not shedding, with a more thorough groom once a week. They shed a lot, and the undercoat usually comes out in a heavy moult once a year, or twice in centrally heated homes, when hair gets everywhere and more grooming is needed. The hair between the paw pads may need regular trimming.
A professional groomer can help a few times a year, but the coat should not be regularly clipped, as this can interfere with its natural insulation. If the coat gets wet or muddy, let it dry before combing out the dirt.
Living with a Samoyed
Samoyeds love family life and, with the right socialisation, are usually great with children and loyal to the whole family, although some favour one person. Their size and sometimes boisterous nature mean they can knock small children over. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Often good with children, with supervision.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Samoyed health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Like any breed, Samoyeds can be affected by some health problems, and the Royal Kennel Club recommends several tests for breeding dogs. Knowing about them helps you ask a breeder the right questions; it does not mean every Samoyed will be affected.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
The joints do not fit together properly, causing pain and eventually arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip and elbow testing under the BVA/KC schemes.
Eye problems
These include cataracts, eye ulcers and X-linked progressive retinal atrophy. Eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme and a DNA test for XL-PRA are available.
Kidney disease
Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy causes the kidneys to malfunction. The Royal Kennel Club also lists a DNA test for X-linked hereditary nephritis (XLHN) as best-practice testing.
Diabetes
The body cannot produce or use enough insulin, leading to high blood sugar.
Pulmonic stenosis
One of the heart valves is malformed and obstructs blood flow.
Certain cancers
Samoyeds can be prone to some cancers.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Samoyed home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Samoyed cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Samoyed home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Samoyed
If you have decided the Samoyed suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Samoyed
Samoyeds do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Samoyeds looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Samoyed adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Samoyed FAQs
Is the Samoyed good with children?
Often good with children, with supervision. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Samoyed live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Samoyed need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Samoyed shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Samoyed need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Samoyed easy to train?
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Samoyed be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Samoyed bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Samoyed good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Samoyed live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Samoyed get?
Adults typically stand 46–56 cm at the shoulder and weigh 16–29 kg.