Samoyed

Get to Know Samoyeds

• Built-In Smiles: The famous "Sammy smile" isn’t just charming—it has a purpose! The upturned corners of a Samoyed’s mouth help prevent drooling, which is important in freezing temperatures where moisture could turn to ice.
• Slept Beside Humans to Keep Them Warm: Samoyeds were often brought into tents at night by the Samoyedic people to provide body heat, earning them the nickname "sled dog with a soul" due to their close relationship with humans.
• Coats Were Once Spun into Yarn: The Samoyed's thick, fluffy undercoat is so soft and insulating that it has been used to spin a type of wool called “Samoyed wool,” which is warmer than alpaca and almost as soft as angora.
• Used in Historic Polar Expeditions: Samoyeds played a key role in Arctic and Antarctic explorations, including Fridtjof Nansen’s and Ernest Shackleton’s missions, due to their endurance, strength, and resilience in extreme cold.
• Surprisingly Vocal: While not excessive barkers, Samoyeds are very expressive and communicative. They’re known for "talking" to their owners through howls, yips, and grumbles—a trait that makes them even more engaging companions.

Breed History

The Samoyed is an ancient working breed that originated in Siberia, where it was developed by the nomadic Samoyedic people (now known as the Nenets) to herd reindeer, pull sleds, and keep their humans warm in harsh Arctic conditions. These dogs lived closely with their people, even sleeping beside them for warmth, which helped shape their famously affectionate and people-oriented temperament. Their thick, weather-resistant white coats and strong endurance made them invaluable in polar expeditions in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including journeys led by explorers like Fridtjof Nansen and Ernest Shackleton. Today, the Samoyed is loved worldwide for its beauty, intelligence, and famously friendly "Sammy smile."

Personality and Behaviour

• Friendly & Affectionate: Often referred to as "people dogs" because of how much they love human companionship. They form strong bonds with their families and are typically gentle with children, making them excellent family pets. Their affectionate nature means they don’t do well when left alone for long periods—they thrive on connection and inclusion in daily life.
• Playful & Full of Personality: Samoyeds are lively and curious, with a mischievous streak that can be both charming and challenging. They enjoy engaging activities, games, and exploring their environment. Their working-dog background gives them strong stamina and a need for mental and physical stimulation to stay balanced and avoid boredom-related behaviors like digging or chewing.
• Social by Nature: Samoyeds usually get along well with other dogs and are polite with strangers, though they may bark to alert their family of new arrivals. While not aggressive, they can be vocal and expressive, often using a mix of barks, howls, and “talking” sounds to communicate. With proper training and early socialization, they grow into well-mannered and outgoing companions.

Care

• Grooming: Samoyeds have a thick, double-layered coat that requires regular care to keep it healthy and beautiful. Brushing at least 3–4 times a week is essential to prevent matting and manage shedding, especially during seasonal coat blowouts. Occasional baths, along with routine ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care, help maintain overall hygiene. Their white coats tend to repel dirt surprisingly well, but grooming is still a major part of owning this breed.
• Exercise: This is an active, working breed that needs daily physical activity to stay happy and fit. Samoyeds enjoy long walks, hikes, and active play sessions, and they thrive when given a job to do—like pulling a sled or participating in dog sports such as agility or obedience. Without enough exercise, they may become restless or develop behavioral issues like digging or barking.
• Training: Samoyeds are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also be independent thinkers with a stubborn streak. Consistent, positive reinforcement training starting in puppyhood is key to success. They respond well to praise and rewards, and early socialization helps ensure they grow into polite, confident adults. With patience and engagement, they can learn a wide range of commands and tasks.