Samoyed

• Bathing: Samoyeds don’t need super frequent baths—a about least twice a year is OK, though more frequent bathing may be needed if you’ve got an especially muddy pup.  
  • The best time to bathe your dog is right after you’ve brushed out their wooly undercoat. Always thoroughly dry their coat using a high-velocity, dog-safe blow dryer.  
  • In between baths, keep the coat clean by toweling off your dog when they come inside. If your Samoyed gets frequent tear stains, you can use special wipes.  
• Brushing: Because of their double coat, Samoyeds look like white balls of fluff. They also shed a ton, especially in the fall and spring. Brush their coat at least two to three times a week year-round; daily is even better.  
  • Try a long hair de-shedding tool like this one from FURminator and a metal dog comb for removing and preventing mats.  
  • Never shave your Samoyed. Their double coat is weather-resistant, protects them from both the heat and cold, and helps them regulate their body temperature. Plus, the fur may not grow back correctly, and a shaved Sammy is susceptible to sunburns and overheating. 
• Dental care: Start brushing your Samoyed’s teeth at an early age, working your way up to daily brushing with a dog toothpaste. Get a pro cleaning at your vet once a year.  
• Nail care: Trim their nails every three to four weeks. You’ll know it’s time when you hear them clacking on your tile floors. Also trim the fur between their toes. 

Because your brilliant Samoyed is independent-minded and a bit mischievous, start their training as early as possible. Teach them cues like sit, stay, and come, as well as how to walk nicely on a leash. These will all help them become a well-behaved member of the family.  

When you train them, use positive reinforcement—that is, treats, toys, and praise. Also invest time in proper socialization, which involves exposing your Samoyed puppy to new people, places, and situations in a positive manner. If you’d like some help, a certified trainer who uses positive reinforcement can work with you and your pup. 

Training activities for your Sammy will involve their minds and their noses. Some Samoyeds will enjoy learning tricks or participating in agility training. For extra mental stimulation, they may enjoy scent work. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan for your Samoyed, but every pup needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards. Also choose a formula that’s made for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).  

Your veterinarian can help determine the best diet and feeding times for your Sammy. This high-energy dog might benefit from a high-protein “sport” formula, like this food from Purina Pro Plan. 

Don’t forget to calculate treats into your pup’s daily meal plan—their calories count, too, and should never be more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake.  

Samoyeds are highly active dogs who want to keep up with you. In truth, you’ll probably be the one trying to keep up with them. They need about two hours of exercise a day.   

This is easier for them to accomplish in cooler climates—they can run for miles, enjoy hikes, and go all day at games of fetch (try the Chuckit! Launcher toy).  

If it’s warmer out, make sure they have lots of water, shade, and an AC when they get back inside, and choose to go out only earlier and later in the day when it’s cooler. These fluffy pups don’t handle the heat well. 

Sammies love playing with their family in a fenced yard or going on long walks, too. Their instinct is to run off and explore, so if you’re not in a fenced yard or park, make sure they’re on a leash. 

Samoyeds make good running partners—they can reach speeds of over 30 mph on their own, but they’ll go at a more leisurely pace at your side. They’re just happy to be invited along for the ride.  

While they might be OK in smaller homes or apartments, Samoyeds love the outdoors, so a home with a fenced yard is a dream for these sporty pups. 

These friendly dogs are super social and adventurous, and they’d love it if you are, too. Samoyeds will charm guests as much as they’ll delight their own family every single day.  

Samoyeds may do well with other dogs in the home, especially when they’re a similar size. They may not do as well with smaller animals like cats, since instinct might tell them to chase kitties. However, if you socialize your Samoyed puppy with cats and make introductions correctly, they’ll be more accepting of feline friends. 

Younger children and babies might be challenging, since Sammies are so joyful and active that they want everyone to play as much as they do—something that might overwhelm tiny humans. However, Samoyeds are great with older kids. As with all dogs, teach any children how to gently and respectfully play with pups.   

If you tend to be out of the house a lot, have a plan for your pup. Samoyeds adore attention and they don’t like to be alone for long. Even if you’re around and leave them in the yard alone for too long, they’ll let you know they’re not happy with nuisance behaviors, like digging. Sammies want to play with their favorite person in the world—not by themselves.