Trainability

The sensational Samoyed is a very smart and fast learning breed, however don’t be fooled by that smile, it takes the right frame of mind and attitude to get your beloved pup to listen. Training can be testing to those who are unfamiliar with this breed. They simply hate to be bored and will turn-off to all commands if they are not challenged to learn. Because of this intelligence, the breed simply loves to think, making repetitive boring training sessions a recipe for disaster. Many Sammy owners thrive alongside their canine companions in dog sports, including agility, as it allows their dogs to think while actively learning. Like with all pups, early socialisation is important. Consider a puppy-preschool so that your pup can learn to happily play and interact in a safe environment. In the early days, as many sounds, sights and situations as possible will ensure your pup grows into a well-rounded dog.

Grooming

If you do not have the time, money and energy to invest in grooming the Smiling Sammy is not for you. This breed requires a good dose of grooming to keep their coats looking healthy and tangle free. Daily brushing is required during the springtime ‘big shed, while a few times a week will suffice during normal times. Even if you choose to enlist with a professional groomer for some help, the coat will still need weekly home-time maintenance. Like with all dogs, get your wee pup used to nail clipping to make the job an easy task once they grow. It’s also a good plan to start ‘vet-proofing’ your pup. This includes desensitising them to touch in areas such as the paws, face, mouth and ears. Your young puppy will also need to tolerate and enjoy the grooming experience. Start early and slowly. Ask for some advice from your breeder.

Exercise Requirements

This breed is perfectly suited to those households who like to move. Samoyed’s love to run and play. With a history in sled pulling, hunting and herding, this is not the type of breed who will spend endless says snuggled up sleeping. They need to move. Many owners do not trust their dogs off-leash due to their huge desire to run and give chase to small mammals. This makes on-lead training very important as your dog will need to be walked twice per day. However, extreme care must be taken in warmer weather. This breed is a winter breed so if you live in a hot climate area do not exercise your dog in the heat of the day. Some owners even opt shaving their entire coats to help their dogs cope with the heat summer can bring. During the blistering hot days, only exercise your dog during the early morning and late evenings.

Intelligence

This breed needs to be mentally challenged or your adorable Sammy will most certainly find something much more interesting to do. This may come at the cost of your relationship with your neighbours and your shoes! A bored Samoyed will become destructive and may also begin talking to the neighbours with their lovely howling chatter. They simply hate to be alone, so investing in some good training, socialisation and boredom busting technique when you are not around can help bridge the ‘alone’ time gap. Ensure your dog is adequately exercised will also help immensely with any unwanted behaviours. These dogs also make great watchdogs.

Family Friendly

A very affectionate and loving breed that will thrive in a busy, happy household. They are well known for being wonderful with children. However, like all breeds, socialisation from a young age with ‘little humans’ is important. Like with every dog, supervision is required. Plus; it is important to train your dog how to correctly interact with children, and teach your children how to correctly interact with a dog. If sourced from a good breeder and socialised correctly, this breed adapts well to life with other dogs and pets. But it is good to remember that they have been trained for many years to give chase to prey. Meaning that your dog will need lots of socialisation with small animals if you want to ensure the relationship isn’t just one big game of ‘chase’ through the home.

Indoor/ Outdoor

The Samoyed does not take well to long endless hours alone or stuck in a kennel. They love to be with their owners and family ‘pack’. A strong sturdy fence is also required. Check the fence often for any possible escape routes. Care must be taken during the heat of summer and many Sammy owners will leave their dogs inside with the air-conditioning blowing. If this is not possible it is imperative you ensure your dog has a nice cool place to escape the summer sun. Plenty of water and shade is also important.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.