7 Facts To Know About Samoyeds Before Buying One
Light, fluffy, soft, clean, adorable, wool blankets. These are some phrases that might spring to mind when you see a cute picture of someone’s favourite dog breed, the Samoyed. On first glance, the Samoyed could be mistaken for a polar bear cub, but look again and you’ll see one of the happiest fur balls you’ll ever meet. Here are seven facts about the Samoyed breed that you should know before buying one!
- Get Ready To Exercise!
The Samoyed is an active breed and enjoys a good workout in the form of a long walk, jog, or game of fetch. And much like their fur coat alludes to, the Samoyed likes to exercise in the cold. A winter day in the snow is exactly what Samoyeds look forward to. This is not a dog that likes to sit around the house
2. Can’t Take The Heat
It’s in the spring months that you have to pay extra attention to your Samoyed and make sure it doesn’t overheat. Their thick luxurious white coat is great for cold winters, but not ideal for summer trips to the beach. Try in home exercises with the air conditioner running on hot sticky summer days.
3. Invest In A Good Vacuum
That luxurious white coat keeping the Samoyed toasty in January will end up scattered around your house come spring time. Samoyed’s are notorious shedders and it’s important to brush the dog daily, and of course, vacuum your home. Better yet, harvest their fur and use it to knit yourself a blanket…really! A Samoyed’s fur is similar to wool and can be harvested to keep you warm all winter long.
4. They’ll Love Your Kids
If you couldn’t tell from the Samoyed’s signature smile, where the corners of their lips turn up and form the iconic “Sammie Smile,” Samoyed’s are great with kids and people in general. Bred to live in tents, they are comfortable in small close quarters with families, making the perfect apartment or townhome dog. If your house is small however, then outdoor exercise becomes even more important, since they lack indoor exercise space. Try not to leave Samoyeds alone for long periods of time as they tend to bark in your absence. They are pack animals after all. They aren’t just great with people, they love other four-legged friends too, however, they are herding dogs and may have a tendency to chase and nip other dogs.
5. They Are Hunters First
Don’t let that smile fool you, the Samoyed was bred to hunt, and that is exactly what they’ll do if a small prey crosses their path. It’s important to keep your Samoyed on a leash at all times for its own safety.
6. Difficult To Train
Training a Samoyed is not a walk in the park. It is a smart breed and keen learner, so you must approach training with a positive attitude. Don’t let the Samoyed get bored. Always try to keep it on its paws guessing what exercise is coming next. Samoyeds appreciate thinking exercises and figuring out problems. These come in the form of agility routines, like directing the Samoyed through a self-made obstacle course. It is a good idea to place Samoyed puppies (and yourself) in kindergarten/socialization and obedience classes where you are taught how to establish a healthy relationship with your dog.
7. Health
Samoyeds are a relatively healthy breed and typically live between 12–14 years. They are susceptible to hip dysplasia, diabetes, and cancer. Samoyed puppies need slow and steady growth. Males grow to between 50–65lbs and Females reach 35–50lbs. Rather than leaving the Samoyed’s food out, feed it twice a day, with 1.5–2.5 cups of high quality dry food.
The Samoyed is a perfect breed for those who are active, with a family, who are able to dedicate a lot of time and attention to their dogs. With proper patient training (and a strong vacuum), you and your Samoyed will be on your way to making memories that last a lifetime.
