| Samoyeds: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Samoyed personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Samoyed, including these excerpts:
"The Samoyed is gentle and dependable in heart and mind -- robust and spirited in body.
This playful dog enjoys vigorous outdoor exercise, especially in cold weather. Without such outlets for his energy, and without sufficient companionship to satisfy his sociable nature, he can be boisterous and destructive.
The Samoyed's attitude toward strangers varies from "Hi there! Come on in!" (often accompanied by enthusiastic jumping) to more conservative, yet sensible and polite. Most will bark to announce visitors, but that's the extent of their guarding inclination.
Samoyeds are usually good with other animals, but with strong chasing and herding instincts, they may take off after trespassing cats or wildlife. A securely fenced yard is a must.
One of the brightest and most sensitive of the spitz (northern or sled dog) breeds, yet still demanding and independent, Sammies need consistent leadership and early obedience training. They have a jolly "sense of humor" and often exhibit it when disobeying.
The Samoyed barks a LOT, and some individuals have high-pitched, extremely piercing voices."
History
This breed was invaluable to the nomadic Samoyed peoples of the Siberian tundra. He herded their reindeer, pulled their sleds, and warmed their huts at night.
Size
19-24 inches and 35-70 lbs |
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Samoyeds
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- There are energetic Samoyeds, and placid Samoyeds.
- Hard-headed Samoyeds, and sweet-natured Samoyeds.
- Serious Samoyeds, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Samoyeds, and Samoyeds who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Samoyed puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
- Is medium to large and "spitz-like": prick ears, foxy face, thick coat, and curled tail
- Is robust and spirited and thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities, especially in cold weather
- Is usually good-natured with everyone
- Is one of the brightest and most responsive of the spitz breeds
A Samoyed may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
- "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
- Chasing and nipping at things that move: children, joggers, other animals, bikes, cars
- Stubbornness (mind of his own)
- Heavy shedding
- Barking
A Samoyed may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Samoyed... |
My major concerns would be:
- Providing enough exercise. Samoyeds MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by non-stop barking and destructive chewing. Bored Samoyeds are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.
| If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking, or to get involved in sledding or carting, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. |
- Bounciness. Young Samoyeds (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.
| If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Samoyed puppies. The temptation to play roughly and nip at moving people is too strong in many young Samoyeds. |
- Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Samoyeds need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you.
- Chasing instincts. Many Samoyeds have strong instincts to chase (and sometimes grab!) cats and other fleeing creatures, including deer and livestock.
- Mind of his own. Samoyeds are not Golden Retrievers. They have an independent mind of their own and can be manipulative. Some are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
| To teach your Samoyed to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Samoyed Training Page discusses the program you need. |
- Grooming. To keep their long thick coat free of mats, Samoyeds require a good deal of brushing and combing.
- Heavy shedding. Samoyeds shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your countertops -- even in your food. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're REALLY up for this.
- Barking. Samoyeds should never be left outside in your yard, unsupervised. MANY Samoyeds have intense, high-pitched barks that can set your teeth on edge, and your neighbors will end up calling the cops to report the nuisance -- or quietly letting your Samoyed out of his yard so he'll wander away.
| If you're considering an adult Samoyed... |
There are plenty of adult Samoyeds who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author. |
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