Samoyed Dog Experience - Bad or Good? (13 answers)

Jim P: Can you tell me about your Samoyed bad or good experience?
I'm thinking of getting a Samoyed dog but I can't make up my mind.

Answers and Views:

Answer by nanook
Lovely breed but need brushed often due to their thick long coats.

Answer by Lyss
Sammys are very loyal and obedient but they also love to cuddle and lounge around. They are the sweetest things!

Photo Credit: DantasticImages/Pixabay

Answer by Chiappone
I used to have one, she was a wonderful dog. They do require a ton of grooming and can be rather stubborn when it comes to training (they're smart so it makes it harder sometimes). If you have dog experience and love dogs, a Sammy is a wonderful pet.

Loving Gentle Giant

Answer by greenweenie
A Samoyed is a loving, gentle giant. They are best suited to moderate to a cold climate. They are related to Huskies which are famous for pulling sleds in Alaska. Almost any dog will chew on stuff so I wouldn't be concerned with that. He is best as an outside dog (you apparently want an inside dog) though he's OK inside .... just if he has an accident, you will think a horse did it. Samoyeds are pretty big dogs. I say: if that is the breed you like GO FOR IT.

Answer by corky95621
They are a fantastic breed. I have a friend that owns them and they are a lot of work! A dog that you CANNOT shave.

Worst Shedders

Answer by Leigh
You must be a complete dog lover, and truly want one of these dogs if you are going to get one. I'm glad you're asking for advice before getting one.

I can tell you that these dogs are the worst shedders I have seen yet... not impossible to live with, but you must make a commitment to keep up with brushing the dog...it really does need to be done daily with these dogs.

The few that I have known could be a little temperamental (not aggressive, more like just bitchy), and the one I fostered was quite difficult to train (housebreak and obedience). I attribute some of the training difficulty to the previous owner's neglect...the dog was so exuberant, and really just wanted to cuddle and get petted..he'd had basically no obedience training and had been left outside. They are big dogs, and strong dogs, so depending on your disability, they may not be the right dog for you.

I suggest calling more breeders of the dog and trying to spend some time with a few of them (try dog parks, rescues, breeders).

Personally, I would not choose the breed after fostering one. They require a lot more time than I am able to give, and really, the time you put into the dog is the most important thing...if you can honestly spend a few quality hours with your dog every day, and make sure that it gets a good walk/run, it could work out...but, if you're new to dog ownership, I would recommend starting with a more easy-to-train, easy-to-handle dog.

Answer by ginbark
I was friends for years with a top breeder of Sammys and their main drawback to me was THEY SHED like maniacs. The white fur floats all over your counters and coats your clothes and car. They need frequent grooming and tend to be more difficult to train like most sled-type dogs are.

They are also very active so if you can not run the dog for at least 45 mins a day off-leash safely a young one would prob not be a good match. Possibly an older rescue?

Answer by animal_artwork
I have owned Samoyeds for 36 years. I've shown them for 25 years and have been a breeder for 19 years.

Samoyeds bark, dig, shed and run away (they need the TRAINING to be good dogs). They are smart, wily, conniving dogs who have an agenda in life and it's not always compatible with their human agenda. They need a strong leader who has clear ideas of right and wrong & has taken the time to learn how to train an independent thinking dog.

They are outstanding with kids and other humans, make great therapy dogs but most of them are not terribly loyal and would follow a stranger home on the promise of a cookie.

They Are Not Watchdogs or Guard Dogs

They are not known to be very good watchdogs (not good guard dogs at all) and would merrily point out the cookie cupboard to an intruder. That being said, like all dogs, they will defend their pack.

A pet quality pup from a responsible breeder will cost between $ 800-$ 1200 and will come with a health guarantee (the usual is 3 years all though some are now giving a lifetime guarantee). Rescued dogs are great and if you don't want to deal with a typical 3-year puppyhood a rescued Sam is your answer.

The typical lifespan of a Samoyed is 12-15 years so getting a temperament screened Sam from a rescue is a great way to go (When I get old and can't deal with pups I will adopt Silver Sams- rescues 8 and older). Backyard bred Samoyeds are NOT a good way to go… the small amount of money you save will be eaten up quickly in vet bills.

If you decide on a Samoyed puppy it is IMPERATIVE that you purchase one from a reputable breeder. The parents should have OFA ratings, have CERF (for eyes), have heart and thyroid clearances, and have Optigen genetic clearance for PRA.

A well-bred Samoyed takes a LOT less grooming than one who is poorly bred. (I've had a lot of rescued Sams go through my door and have also shown other people's dogs) A good Samoyed will have a weather-resistant and dirt-resistant coat. I rake my Sams out once a month (a good breeder will show you how to line comb) and I only really bathe them if I'm going to be showing that dog. The second dog in my avatar had not had a bath in 8 months.

While Samoyeds can be a vocal breed they learn VERY quickly to be quiet if they figure out that barking lands them in a crate. My dogs give 2 barks and then shut up.. they don't even bark when playing because barking is not a useful tool for them to get what they want.

Samoyeds do BEST as house dogs. They are not good left in a yard alone and will dig, chew and occupy themselves by trying to find something more fun to do .. like an escape.

Rumble Video: Cute Samoyed wants to make sure no escalators can hurt his little puppy-paws.

They Are Smart

They are smart. It is somewhat like living with a 3-year-old child… "why?" "why?" They are easily trained BUT you have to give them sufficient reason to do what you ask (rewarding with a few kibbles works as most are food-oriented). They can be challenging as they often have both a sense of humor and the need to see if any given rule is still in force.

A well-bred one will stay surprisingly clean as the coat has a harsh outer texture. Combing or brushing once a week often is enough… and actual bathing is infrequent. The second dog from the left in my avatar hadn't had a bath in 8 mos.

They need to eat surprisingly little for a dog their size - the harsh arctic conditions where they originated make them very fuel-efficient… often pet owners overfeed.. which leads to both obesity as well as a dog who you may not be able to reward by giving treats.

I crate train my dogs when they are younger as it keeps both the house and the dog safe. Some are chewers when left alone.

Training classes can be an excellent idea! Be aware though that Samoyeds rebel STRIDENTLY against physical discipline. Coercion, until they figure out what it is you want, is a much better idea… then if you reward they will be motivated to repeat. They LIKE to make you happy.. but prefer to work as partners with you being the leader rather than simply be forced into compliance.

Good luck!

Grooming Advice

Answer by Leanna G
Sammies are wonderful dogs, but just like any dog, they will need patience and training.

I used to groom a number of sammies and that is the part most people slack off on. They have a VERY dense undercoat that needs to be brushed out on a regular basis.

I recommend using a double-row undercoat rake through the dog's coat at least twice a week (be sure to get the britches and armpits very well).

It's also worth it to take it to a PetCo self-service dog wash just to use the velocity force dryer which will literally blow the loose undercoat out of the dog (it will look like it's snowing in there). I recommend professional bathing a sammie every 10 to 12 weeks and using the force dryer on him every 3 to 4 weeks, especially during shedding season.

Samoyeds Are Not For Everyone

Answer by hollygreeder
Siberian Samoyeds are a great breed of dog, but they are not for everyone. The typical age for a Samoyed to end up in rescue is 18 mos and it's usually because the owners have not figured out how to train a Samoyed.

They are NOT a good breed for a first-time dog owner.

Sammies are fun-loving dogs who wear a smile on their faces year-round. They are ACTIVE and need both their brains and their body worked. They get bored easily. .

Samoyeds need a LOT of attention as they are a true pack dog. They make great household companions. Until well into adulthood (age 6 or 7) they usually are not safe left loose in a house unattended though, so crate training is a must.

They are LOUSY outdoor dogs and have a tendency to destroy a yard, yard furniture and will spend hours barking and trying to figure out how to escape and go find some fun. Samoyeds are non-conformists and it often takes several different styles of training in order to find what works best… its as if they've read all the books and want to put you through your paces.

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They Are Trainable

Many professional trainers have the notion they are untrainable, which is just what Sam wants the trainer to believe (lots more fun that way)… however, if you have the patience and determination to figure out what makes a Samoyed tick, they are immensely trainable. Often, the way to Sam's heart (and training) is through his stomach… its an advantage to use this to your benefit and not free feed.

Because of Sam's arctic outlook on life, they believe the next meal may not be just around the corner and will behave as if they are starving, it's hard not to fall prey to that and let the dog become overweight. This "I'm starving" nature means all edibles or semi-edibles (trash, bathroom garbage) are fair game.. and you need to understand it is nearly impossible to train a Sam to stay off the counter.

Rescues want what is best for the dogs they have fostered, rehabilitated, and care deeply for. Often, people comment that it is harder to adopt a dog from a rescue than it is to adopt a child. While you think you're doing the rescue a favor by adopting a dog… you need to realize while the original owner may no longer want the dog.. the dog is in no way unwanted or in jeopardy and the rescue's job is to place the dog in the dog's best interests.

I have, personally, accepted someone's application.. and had to wait through many months and many dogs before finding the RIGHT ONE for their family. Sometimes it is easier (and better for your family) to start with an older, calmer dog (calmer being a relative term). This allows you a chance to ease into life with a Samoyed while helping an older, less-adoptable dog a home. Samoyeds live until they are 12 to 15 years, and do not show their age until very late in life. A 7-year-old Samoyed is just in his prime.

Buy your Samoyed from a responsible breeder who belongs to the Samoyed Club of America and has signed their Code of Ethics (health screening of parents)… or get one from a rescue, it'll already have all its shots, be temperament tested and spay/neutered.

Answer by Joanne
My half-brother had one once that used to bark a lot, and was very stubborn but it was really friendly. But when they had a baby it started going to the toilet in the house for attention.

Answer by mickey
They are very loyal, fearless, and protective…..but they need a very firm hand or they will dominate, they have an extremely keen sense of hierarchy and you must be considered to be the "alpha dog" or they will walk all over you. Don't allow them to have the upper hand.

They form attachments to one master… they do not make good pets for families with lots of children.
Also, they need a LOT of exercise because they have a tremendous amount of energy and a strong need to work.

Smart and Very Playful

Answer by Rachel
Samoyeds are smart and very playful. Unlike many breeds, they remain playful as adults and into old age. The flip side of playfulness is also a factor - Playful dogs tend to be mischievous and can often be destructive when not supervised. Like other northern breeds, they have a mind of their own. Sometimes they are happy to obey and eager to please, but other times there is just something better to do. Friends to visit, things to chase, things to sniff or possibly eat...

Unlike other northern breeds and most working dogs, the original Samoyeds stayed inside the dwellings of their nomadic owners at night. Therefore they have a very close bond with people and are not happy at all being outdoor dogs. They tend to be great with kids and loathe to bite. (Those dogs not trustworthy with people and rolling about the ground and sleeping with the children did not last, they were out of the gene pool pronto)

They were imported from their native environment in NW Siberia only about 100 years ago, so they are still close to their working heritage. They look all cute and fluffy, but underneath they are a hardy working dog. They were used to herd reindeer and pull sleds. That coat is just about the most effective at keeping a dog warm. They can handle temperatures that other breeds cannot. Siberia also gets fairly warm, so in the summer they shed that coat and can handle wide extremes.

Sammies can do well in obedience if you make it fun and rewarding for them. They are not a fan of repetition and will get bored, so they will never perform at the level of Border Collies and such in obedience. Make things a game for your Samoyed and they will keep working, try and force them and you will get slow grudging compliance, or absolute refusal if they think they can get away with it.

A Couple of True Stories about Samoyeds

Here are a couple of true stories from Samoyed owners that illustrate their nature.

"S" owned an older male Samoyed that he normally left loose in the house while gone. One day "S" returns and panics when his dog does not greet him at the door. Then he hears him barking in the backyard and lets him in. S was relieved but confused. Then he sees that he has been robbed. Stereo equipment and television are gone. After a few moments of freaking out and calling the police, he notices that there is a ring of dog toys in a semi-circle about 4-5 feet around where the equipment used to be. Very strange.

Then the scenario begins to make sense. Burglar breaks in, of course, the friendly Samoyed lets him in. Burglar is disconnecting equipment, the dog keeps bringing toys to try and get Burglar to play. No reaction to the first toy, he goes for another. Finally, the Burglar gets tired of it and puts the dog outside. Samoyeds are not guard dogs!

Another owner was competing with his Samoyed in obedience. On the recall, his dog does great and comes and sits in front. Yay. Then he sends her to heel. The dog is supposed to circle around and behind the owner and sit in the heel position on the left side. She goes around but it seems to be taking longer to return to heel position. He's not supposed to turn so the owner waits. People begin to laugh. Finally, he sees her come to heel, but she is chewing and swallowing. Uh Oh.

Afterward, he found out what happened. The pattern had the owner standing with his back to the ring gate. When his dog circled around, she saw a child eating a sandwich near the ring gate. So she took a detour, snatched the sandwich, and returned to heel. LOL Samoyeds love food and are inventive in getting it.

Another food story. "A" and "M" were sharing a hotel room at a dog show. A had to leave to run out to the car. She set her sandwich on top of the TV, which was one of those mounted up high. A told M to watch A's dog Sasha because she might go after the food. M was not worried, Sasha was lying on the bed and not even looking at the food. But as soon as the door shut behind A, M was astounded when Sasha leaped onto the dresser and stood on her back feet so she could snatch the sandwich off the top of the TV. She had it swallowed before M could even react.

Escape Artists

Samoyeds are escape artists. They love to get out and explore. My first Samoyed was very good at opening gates. He figured out those flip latches common on chain link fences quickly. He got so good that we could approach a gate he had never seen before, I would tell him "open it" and he would find the latch, whatever side it was on, flip it open, and let us through in just a few seconds.

We had a lever handle on the front door and he learned to let himself out. We had one of those gates with a two-part latch, the kind with a curve to it, designed to be automatically pushed up and then close on the gate when you swung it shut. He learned that he had to hold the latch up with his nose while he pulled the gate open towards him with his paw.
Samoyeds are smart, fun-loving, happy friendly dogs. They tend to really like children. They won't protect your stuff, but many will stand their gr
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