Home Life with a Samoyed

Samoyeds are intelligent, social, and active dogs that thrive in homes where they receive plenty of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. Owning a Samoyed requires commitment, as they are high-maintenance in both physical and emotional needs. This is not a breed that is a good fit for everyone, and it's important to thoroughly research the breed and be honest with yourself about if your lifestyle matches their needs if you are considering adding one to your family.

They work well as a pack in our life because of our accessibility to a large fenced in yard, how well they all get along with each other, my flexible and home working schedule, and my commitment to their grooming and training.

What can I expect with a Samoyed?

Vocal

This is a very vocal breed on average. They often like to bark, howl, and awwoo.

Energy

This is a high energy working breed. They like to run, play, and do jobs.

Social

This is a breed that is meant to be with their human pack all the time. They want to be with their people and need lots of contact and attention.

Grooming

This is a white double coated breed. They should NEVER be shaven for nonmedical purposes. The fur insulates and regulates body temperature. They can easily mat especially spay/neuter coats.

What do they need?

Every living situation is unique, and not being ideal in one area can sometimes be made up for in other areas. For example, while having a 9-5 type out of home job is not ideal with this breed, being able to come home on your lunch break to give them some yard play or hiring someone to walk them during the day can help mitigate the negative effects of working in an office weekdays. Below is generally the type of needs that need to be met to have a happy home life with a Samoyed and keep their more negative tendencies at bay.

Home

A house with a yard is best, as Samoyeds love to run and explore.
They can adapt to apartment living but require frequent outdoor exercise.
They do well in cooler climates, but with proper care, they can adjust to warmer temperatures.

Socialization & Companionship

Samoyeds are extremely social and affectionate. They do best in homes where they are considered part of the family.
They dislike being left alone for long hours and may develop separation anxiety.
They are great with children and other pets, but early socialization helps ensure they are well-mannered.

Exercise

Samoyeds are high-energy working dogs and need at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily.
Activities like long walks, hikes, playtime, agility training, and even sledding keep them mentally and physically fit.
Without enough exercise, they can become destructive or excessively vocal.

Training & Mental Stimulation

They are intelligent but stubborn, so consistent, positive reinforcement training is key.
They need mental stimulation through puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive play. Bored Samoyeds can be destructive to your home.
Samoyeds have a strong prey drive, so leash training is essential for outdoor walks. This is not a breed that is safe to unleash in unfenced areas.

Grooming

Their thick double coat requires frequent brushing (2-4 times per week) to prevent matting and excessive shedding.
Seasonal shedding ("blowing coat") happens twice a year, requiring daily brushing and blowouts with high velocity dryers.
Regular bathing as needed helps keep their coat clean and healthy.
They need nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care to prevent health issues.

Barking & Vocalization

Samoyeds are very vocal and use barking, "talking," and howling to express themselves.
Proper training and stimulation help prevent excessive barking. However, even with training this can be a major issue for people living in shared homes or apartments.

Samoyeds are deeply bonded to their families and thrive on constant companionship. They will follow you around the house, rest their head on your lap, and greet you at the door with pure, tail-wagging excitement—even if you’ve only been gone for five minutes. They are eternal puppies at heart, always ready for an adventure! Whether it’s hiking, running, playing in the snow, or just romping in the backyard, their zest for life is contagious. Samoyeds have big personalities and love to "talk" to their humans with amusing vocalizations, playful barks, and expressive faces. Their silly antics—whether it’s zoomies around the house, rolling in the grass, or tossing their toys in the air—will make you laugh every day. Despite their energetic nature, Samoyeds are also generally gentle and cuddly. They love snuggling up to their humans, especially on cold days. Samoyeds form strong emotional bonds and are incredibly loyal. They are intelligent and eager to please, though their independent streak means they need patient, positive training. They love learning new tricks, working for treats, and engaging in activities that stimulate their minds.

Sharing our life with our pack brings so much joy to our lives. We wouldn't trade it for the world. However, it's important to note that not all homes are a good match for this breed. A possitive experience owning one will only be possible if your own lifestyle meets the needs of the breed.