Samoyeds: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

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.

If you want a dog who...

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Samoyeds have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy.

More traits and characteristics of the Samoyed

If I was considering a Samoyed, I would be most concerned about...

1. 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.
2. Providing enough companionship. Samoyeds are very people-oriented. If you leave them alone too much, they tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking.
3. Chasing instincts. Some Samoyeds have strong instincts to chase (and sometimes grab!) cats and other fleeing creatures, including deer and livestock.
4. Mind of his own. Samoyeds are very bright but they do have an independent mind of their own. Some are manipulative, willful, or 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.

   In other words, you must teach your Samoyed to respect you. A dog who respects you will do what you say and will stop what he's doing when you tell him "No." Follow my free online training programs.

5. Grooming. To keep their long thick coat free of mats, Samoyeds require a good deal of brushing and combing.
6. 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. Make sure everyone in your family is okay with this.
7. 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).