Samoyeds are a gorgeous breed that originated in the most northern parts of the world. Their fur mimics that of deep snow from Siberia, where these dogs can spend countless hours frolicking outside in the cold. In this article, we will be looking at the pros and cons of owning a Samoyed.
They are a medium breed dog and their weight ranges from 40-60 pounds. These dogs have a good average lifespan of around 11 years and are generally in good health. They have a distinctive white extra fluffy coat and a so-called “Sammie Smile”, their outer lips curve upward which gives the impression that they are smiling.
They are great family dogs and extremely friendly but there are a few drawbacks too that you should consider about these lovable furballs.
Pros of Owning a Samoyed
1. Friendliest Pup On The Block
These dogs truly are “furry friends” in every sense of the word. They are lovable bundles of fluff that take kindly to any and all human interaction. Samoyeds love kids too which is an awesome pro of Samoyeds! They are great to take along to all your outdoor activities like markets or BBQs and they tend to get along well with other like-minded dogs.
These dogs have a great temperament so you are certainly not buying a guard dog when investing in one. They will much rather welcome an intruder with a bark and a lick than scare them off.
2. Perfect dog for activities
Samoyeds were originally bred as sled dogs for the Siberian snow and these days still require strenuous exercise to fulfill their inherent need to run, one of the pros of owning Samoyeds. For someone that lives an active lifestyle, this is a match made in heaven. The dogs love to run and will happily accompany you on your long-distance runs. Considering their friendly temperament, it is great to take them along to activities that involve other active dogs and it is safe to take them around many people or younger children.
Samoyeds are strong too and people who own multiple Samoyeds still enjoy sledding or “urban mushing” for areas without snow. These dogs love to go on all sorts of adventures and will happily accompany you on any sort of outdoorsy excursion. Keep in mind that they can be sensitive to heat so it is best to do these activities in mild to cooler climates.
Cons of Owning a Samoyed
1. These Dogs Love To Dig
Considering these dogs have an immeasurable amount of energy, it is to be expected that digging will be one of their many manifestations of that energy. Digging holes is an easy and seemingly harmless pastime Samoyeds love to partake in, a potential con of Samoyeds. Soon before long you will find yourself with a backyard resembling a bombed warzone.
Apart from pure boredom, there are a few other reasons your dog could choose to dig. With their thick coats, they are quite sensitive to heat, and digging a hole to lay in seems like a sensible option to them. They enjoy the cool earth and it gives them momentary relief from the heat. You might also have a rodent underfoot that they are trying to reach.
Many Samoyed owners live in more rural areas and are no stranger to rabbits or moles in their yard. Your Samoyed will try its best to save you from such a little intruder. If they have a friend next door they will also try to Shawshank their way underneath your fence so be sure to keep an eye over their digging behavior.
2. Fluffy Dogs = Lots of Grooming
These dogs have majestic white double coats that are unmistakable. But these coats do not stay white nor fluffy without excessive grooming. Double coats are prone to matting and brushing your dog will have to be part of your daily routine. A well-known con of Samoyeds is that they also shed excessively and you will quickly have to become accustomed to hair in every possible place around your house.
It is not advised that their coats be shaved off as their double coat protects them against sunburn and skin ailments and also regulates their temperature in the heat and the cold. They will also develop tear stains around their eyes if it is not cleaned daily. These tearstains are harmless at first but prolonged tearing will attract bacteria and debris to a very sensitive part of your dog.
3. Their Energy Never Runs Out
These dogs were bred to run, and after centuries this is still what they want to do. Samoyeds are seemingly endless sources of energy and strenuous daily exercise is essential. And a walk around the block is not going to cut it. Most people suggest at least a 2-mile walk/run each day and longer outings over weekends.
If a Samoyed does not get a release for all this energy it will become destructive. They dig, bite, claw and bark at any and everything within their reach. But you can’t blame them, their instinct is to run and this is something you will need to factor into your daily life.
4. The “Puppy Stage” Lasts Very long
Most dogs outgrow their puppy faze after about a year, by then the dogs should be fully grown and somewhat calmer. But not a Samoyed. These dogs don’t stop growing till they reach 2 years old as they have a very slow growth rate. This also means their “puppy stage” lasts much longer.
Even as adults, these dogs can be very stubborn and strong-willed. As a puppy, their stubbornness is elevated tenfold, one of the cons of Samoyeds. They will try to push the limits with their owners and obedience is not a high priority for them.
5. They Are Excessively Vocal
Samoyeds are vocal dogs and there is no way around it. From yelps to barks and whines, they cover the whole spectrum. If left alone and unsupervised, these dogs will let the whole neighborhood know about it. Their barks are high pitch and will get some taking used to.
Your dog can be trained, but it will rather be a case of you understanding your dog’s vocalizations than them controlling their barking. It is not unheard of that people get their Samoyed’s “debarked” (Ventriculocordectomy) for their convenience. This unusual practice is a last resort but it’s better to know what to expect before committing to a dog that is known for this characteristic.
I hope that this article on the pros and cons of Samoyeds was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Dog Category Page!
