Samoyed
Always smiling and brimming with energy, this affectionate dog loves being part of an active family. A thick, plush coat and gentle spirit make the Samoyed a devoted companion.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
53–60 cm (male)
48–53 cm (female)
WEIGHT
20–30 kg (male)
16–20.5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Samoyed: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Samoyed isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Samoyed's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Samoyed is friendly, gentle, and social, known for its affectionate nature and strong bond with people. They are typically good with children and other pets.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate and sociable with people and dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
Very active, needs regular vigorous exercise
Loves games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to new situations and routines
Strengths
- Friendly with people and other dogs
- High tolerance for cold weather
- Intelligent and eager to learn
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Generally healthy and hardy breed
Challenges
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Can be stubborn during training sessions
- High exercise needs for physical health
- Strong prey drive may chase small animals
Protect your Samoyed
Samoyed are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Samoyeds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Samoyeds are intelligent and quick learners, responding well to consistent, positive training methods. They can be independent thinkers, so early socialization and firm guidance are important.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has high energy levels and requires daily vigorous exercise, such as walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Without sufficient activity, Samoyeds may become bored and develop unwanted behaviors.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Samoyeds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Samoyed would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Their grooming and exercise needs can overwhelm inexperienced owners
Apartment Living
Samoyeds require room to move and can be noisy in small apartments
Active Lifestyle
They thrive with active families who enjoy outdoor activities and frequent exercise
Kids
Gentle, playful, and patient with children, making them a good family companion
Multiple Pets
Usually sociable with other pets if socialized early and consistently
Being Left Alone
They dislike being alone and may develop destructive behaviors or separation anxiety
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Samoyeds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Samoyed
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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