Samoyeds have an upbeat, uplifting personality, and are always ready to greet anyone they meet with a big smile. They fit the classic Northern dog archetype of being outgoing, friendly, and affectionate. Samoyeds naturally fit into a pack, and will gladly welcome everyone else into their pack as well.

Samoyeds aren’t aggressive in the least, despite being good watchdogs. They will bark to warn their owners of anyone approaching, but will then greet the new person with a flurry of kisses. 

Despite this, they have a high prey drive and may end up chasing prey animals that they see, making it somewhat difficult for Samoyeds to integrate into a household with cats or other small animals. 

Most Samoyeds are both intelligent and independent, a combination that may get them into trouble on occasion. However, their loyalty and love for humans is unmatched, and a well-trained and properly socialized Samoyed is one of the best companions a dog lover could ever have. 

While most dogs will try to keep up with their active human companions, a Samoyed owner is more likely to have to try to keep up with their dog. Samoyeds have sky-high energy levels due to their background as all-around working dogs. 

Most Samoyeds will need at least an hour and a half of vigorous exercise per day, with more energetic specimens needing two hours or more. However, they need to do this in colder temperatures, as they are sensitive to heat. Their coats are meant to keep them warm, not cool. 

Sammies love to play and run around, ideally in a fenced outdoor area – their natural prey drive may cause them to chase after small animals such as squirrels or mice. Trying to catch up to a Samoyed in full chase mode is almost impossible as they can reach blisteringly fast speeds, and don’t tire easily. 

However, most Samoyeds are more than happy to slow themselves down to a more human pace if their owner enjoys running or jogging. Just keep your Samoyed on a leash. Be ready to pull them back from any impromptu hunt that they feel like going on – they’re bred to pull sleds, so they can really pull hard. 

Samoyeds are also good at agility courses and rally obedience, as they are naturally athletic and eager to please their owners. 

Samoyeds are a double-coated breed with a pure white coat. Like most other double-coated breeds, they shed all throughout the year, with a couple of increased periods of shedding as the seasons change. 

This process is called “blowing coat”, and typically happens in the spring and in the fall. During these periods, a Samoyed can seem to produce a storm of fur, which may cover everything you own. 

Brushing your Samoyed regularly, around two to three times a week, can help keep their shedding under control. You can use a slicker brush to get to the dense undercoat, and a medium-bristle brush to smooth out the top coat. Daily brushing can help while your Samoyed is blowing coat. 

Samoyeds don’t need to be bathed very often – at least twice a year is advisable, and you may bathe your dog if they get particularly dirty from outdoor play. 

Daily tooth brushing is recommended to keep your Samoyed’s teeth and gums strong and healthy. Nail trimming should be done either once or twice a month, depending on how quickly your dog wears down their nails. 

Samoyeds have served multiple roles throughout their long history, so they can be depended upon to learn a variety of commands. They aren’t difficult to train, though some Samoyeds may have an independent mindset that makes them mischievous. 

When training a Samoyed, getting them motivated to learn is the key to a successful training session. While they aren’t particularly sensitive dogs, they still benefit from a good routine and positive reinforcement. Rewarding your dog with treats, toys, or praise will be the easiest way to get them to look forward to training. 

As with most working dogs, consistent and patient training will be crucial so that your Samoyed grows up to be a well-behaved and gentle adult dog. Samoyeds also take well to agility, nosework, and herding tasks, all of which provide a good deal of mental stimulation that they need. 

Siberian Huskies are a generally healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. Siberian Huskies may be prone to:

• Cataracts – a condition where the lens of the eye slowly becomes more and more opaque, affecting the dog’s vision
• Hip dysplasia – a malformation of the hip joint where the ball and socket do not fit together perfectly, causing pain and weakness in the rear legs
• Glaucoma – a condition in which there is a buildup of pressure in the eye, causing vision loss and pain
• Hypothyroidism – an abnormal amount of secretion of the thyroid gland which can cause lethargy and weight gain

Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs, weighing in at 50 to 65 pounds for males, and 35 to 50 pounds for females. Most male Samoyeds will stand between 21 and 24 inches at the shoulder, while females will be between 19 to 21 inches. 

While they are not particularly large for working dogs, their high energy levels do not make them well-suited to apartment living. A house with a large fenced yard is ideal for Samoyeds, so that they have room to run around and play. 

Samoyeds are also very social dogs and dislike being left alone for most of the day. They need human companionship so that they don’t get bored and anxious. If left alone in the backyard or house for too long, a Samoyed may develop destructive behaviors. 

While Samoyeds may live outdoors in cold weather if necessary, they prefer to snuggle up to their owners just like their ancestors did. They do not do well in hot weather due to their thick coat of fur.