A cheerful, outgoing and lively dog that loves being part of family life. Bred to live in close quarters with people, it is sociable with visitors and usually gets on well with other dogs, so it makes a welcoming companion rather than a guard dog. It is bright and eager to please, but its reindeer-herding past also gave it a streak of independent thinking, so it learns best with consistent, gentle and upbeat training.45832
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Samoyed. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
Heat care summerWalk in the cool morning and eveningevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Coat and looks how to spot one
thick double coat (polar coat)
A dense, weatherproof double coat: a short, soft woolly undercoat under longer, harsher straight guard hairs that stand away from the body and carry a silvery sheen. Males usually grow a fuller ruff around the neck. The body is a medium, elegant Arctic spitz shape, just a little longer than tall, with a high-set tail that curls forward over the back when the dog is alert, and flat, hair-padded feet that work like snowshoes.456
Colourspure whitecreamwhite with biscuitall biscuit (UKC)45
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than 2 hours of exercise a day, while Hill's cites 20-40 minutes as a minimum. Samoyeds enjoy mental work too and take well to obedience, agility, herding and sledding sports. A securely fenced garden helps, as the herding instinct can send it after small animals.6238
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush daily, and expect heavy seasonal shedding ('blowing coat') plus fine hairs year-round. The club advises bathing at least twice a year, ideally after combing out the loose wool, and trimming nails roughly every 3-4 weeks along with the hair between the foot pads. Offer shade in sunny weather, since strong sun can tint the white outer coat.931
Home where they are happiest
Suits an active home with outdoor space; The Royal Kennel Club recommends country living with a large garden. The thick coat is built for cold climates, so provide shade and cool resting spots in warm weather. It should live indoors as part of the family rather than kept kennelled or chained.6839
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An easy keeper that does well on modest portions of good-quality complete dog food. Adjust portions and treats to activity level to keep the dog lean.2
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented; it was bred to live and even sleep alongside its family and dislikes long spells alone. Generally sociable with other dogs, pets and new people, with early socialisation and puppy classes recommended.832
The story where it all began
The Samoyed takes its name from the Samoyedic peoples of Arctic Siberia, such as the Nenets, who kept these white spitz dogs for herding reindeer, hunting, pulling sledges and guarding the herds, and who shared their tents with them for warmth. Genetic studies place the breed among the old 'basal' dog lineages, with links to dog remains from the Yamal Peninsula dated roughly 850-2,000 years old. In 1889 the British zoologist Ernest Kilburn Scott brought a puppy home to England from near Arkhangelsk, and he is credited as the founder of the western breed. Around the turn of the 20th century polar explorers, including Nansen, Borchgrevink, Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen, used Samoyed-type sledge dogs, and some expedition survivors joined the English breeding stock. The first breed standard was drawn up in England in 1909, the AKC recognised the breed in 1906, and early dogs came in several colours before white became the preferred look.14865210
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The upturned corners of the mouth give the Samoyed its trademark 'smile', which the breed standard singles out as a key feature.4
2
Shed Samoyed undercoat can be spun into yarn for knitting and has even been used to tie fishing flies.1
3
One of the founding dogs of the UK breed, Antarctic Buck, survived a polar expedition and was later rescued from a zoo in Sydney.6
4
Its flat, hair-padded feet act like natural snowshoes on soft snow.6
5
Samoyed-type dogs pulled sledges on famous polar expeditions, including Amundsen's journey to the South Pole.2
6
Carsten Borchgrevink took about 90 Samoyed-type dogs to the Antarctic region on his 1898-1900 expedition.1
7
The Samoyed Club of America says a coat change can produce as much as a bushel of fur in two combings.9
8
Among their herding families, Samoyeds traditionally slept beside people and children to help keep everyone warm.8
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name comes from the Samoyed (now Nenets) people of Siberia, who bred these dogs as sled dogs, reindeer herders, and companions.11
Famous ones stars of the breed
Samoyed named 'Snoopy' A Samoyed named Snoopy was the first dog to reach the South Pole, accompanying explorer Roald Amundsen in 1911.11
I bounce out of bed, my white fur gleaming. I give my human a big smile and a lick on the chin. We head outside and I run in circles, chasing leaves and the wind. I love the snow, diving in and tossing it up with my nose. I play fetch with a ball, my tail never stopping. Back inside, I check on everyone, nudging them for pets. I help with chores by 'supervising' from the kitchen rug. When a friend visits, I greet them like a long-lost buddy. I do a little zoomie around the coffee table. At sunset, I curl up, still smiling, ready for another fun day tomorrow.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 212, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 1 (Nordic Sledge Dogs); definitive acceptance 26 Jun 1959; current standard published 4 Sep 20197
Reward your Samoyed with a few pieces of their regular kibble or a small, low-fat training treat, and keep treats to no more than 10% of their daily calories to avoid weight gain. Always check with your vet for treat recommendations tailored to your dog's needs.
These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.
You need
100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)
How
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.
How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Samoyed, and at what times?
Feed your Samoyed at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Consistent meal times help digestion, and you can adjust portions to keep your dog lean.213Pet Wiki plan
What should a Samoyed eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A good-quality complete dog food works well, with portions adjusted to activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs.214
How often should I bathe a Samoyed?
Bathe your Samoyed at least twice a year, ideally after combing out the loose wool. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, and more often if your dog gets very dirty.93Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Samoyed need brushing?
Brush your Samoyed daily, especially during heavy seasonal shedding when extra brushing helps manage the coat. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 3 days, but daily is best for this thick double coat.93Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Samoyed's nails, and how often?
Trim nails roughly every 3 to 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and also trim the hair between the foot pads.915Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Samoyed need?
Samoyeds need high exercise, with the Royal Kennel Club suggesting over 2 hours daily, while Hill's cites 20-40 minutes as a minimum. Pet Wiki's plan recommends about 90 minutes a day, plus mental activities like obedience or agility.62Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Samoyed's teeth and ears?
Brush your Samoyed's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks without pushing anything into the canal. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily brushing and ear checks every 14 days.15Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Samoyed live?
A Samoyed typically lives between 10 and 14 years. Senior years usually start around age 7, so regular vet check-ups become important then.216Pet Wiki plan
Is a Samoyed good with children and other pets?
Yes, Samoyeds are generally sociable with children, other dogs, and pets, thanks to their cheerful and outgoing temperament. Early socialisation and puppy classes are recommended to build good habits.832
Can a Samoyed be left alone?
Samoyeds are very people-oriented and dislike long spells alone, as they were bred to live closely with their family. If left alone for extended periods, they may become anxious, so consider a dog sitter or daycare.832
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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