Samoyed
The Samoyed is an ancient working breed from Siberia, originally developed by nomadic peoples for herding reindeer, pulling sleds, and keeping their owners warm. The breed is known for its thick white double coat, characteristic 'Sammy smile,' and friendly, sociable temperament. Samoyeds are intelligent and energetic dogs that bond closely with their families, do not tolerate being left alone for long, and require daily physical and mental stimulation.
Weight
17–30 kg
Height at withers
48–60 cm
Life expectancy
12–14 years
Size
medium
Activity
high
Shedding
high
Barking tendency
high
Apartment friendly
Possible if given sufficient daily exercise (at least 1–2 hours of active walks), but not ideal: the breed tends to bark loudly, sheds heavily, and needs at least 50 m² of living space; a home with yard access is strongly preferred
Care
Brush the coat 2–3 times per week, daily during shedding seasons; never shave the coat as it insulates against both heat and cold. Provide at least 1–2 hours of active exercise daily. Brush teeth regularly, check ears, and trim nails. Avoid leaving the dog alone for long periods as Samoyeds are prone to destructive behavior when bored. Monitor weight and avoid overfeeding.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy (kidney disease), hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, uveodermatologic syndrome (UDS), cataracts, pulmonic stenosis, gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
Coat
Long, fluffy
Travel
Samoyeds must travel in cargo hold on aircraft due to their size; use a hard-sided airline-approved crate and acclimate the dog to it beforehand. On road trips, stop every 2–3 hours for potty breaks, hydration, and exercise. Keep the vehicle well-ventilated and avoid overheating. Bring a familiar toy or blanket to reduce stress. Ensure vaccinations and travel documents are up to date.
Carrier size
Samoyeds are too large for standard in-cabin carriers — air travel requires a hard-sided, airline-approved cargo crate large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
Harness size
Size Large; choose a fully adjustable harness to accommodate the thick double coat; a no-pull harness is recommended due to the breed's pulling tendency
Leash
A strong 1.5–2 m leash or a locking retractable leash for walks; Samoyeds should always be kept on leash outside of securely fenced areas as they can run for miles if given the chance
Airline cabin travel
usually not
This breed guide is always at hand in the Hani Walk app — along with the walk tracker, digital pet passport and vaccination reminders.
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