Frequently Asked Questions About the Samoyed Breed

Whether you first saw them on TikTok or have been a long-time fan, Samoyeds are definitely having a moment. Samoyeds are beautiful, friendly dogs that make great family pets. But before you run out and get one, there are a few things you should know. Here are answers to the frequently asked questions about the Samoyed breed:

12 Top Questions About the Samoyed breed

1. Do Samoyeds shed? 

Samoyeds have long dense coats, so people often ask “Do Samoyeds shed a lot?” The answer? Emphatically, yes. And even if you’ve other breeds that shed before, you likely aren’t prepared for just how much they shed. Samoyeds blow their coats — sometimes several times a year — leaving clumps of hair everywhere. You can manage their shedding with regular brushing and blow-drying, but you will absolutely need to stock up on lint brushes.

2. Are Samoyeds hypoallergenic? 

Whether Samoyeds are hypoallergenic is a subject of debate. They are generally considered a hypoallergenic breed, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have any reaction to them. Like other breeds, the Samoyeds’ produce dander, which can trigger allergic reactions. And their coats can collect dust and other allergens that can worsen allergies.

Some people will find that they don’t have allergic reactions around Samoyeds, but other people will. Before adopting a Samoyed, it’s a good idea to spend time with them to see if they cause an allergic response.

3. Can a Samoyed be a guard dog? 

Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs, but their hair can make them look much larger. While they may be intimidating to some people, they are terrible guard dogs. Samoyeds are friendly, even to strangers, and they are more likely to lick an intruder than bark at them.

However, they do make good watchdogs. Samoyeds are observant and like to make noise, so they will alert you to people at the door.

4. Are Samoyed good family dogs? 

Samoyeds are excellent family dogs. They are sweet and friendly and can be very gentle with young children. As with any dog, you shouldn’t leave children unattended with a Samoyed, but they are generally good-natured and patient.

5. Is a Samoyed a Husky?

Many people will mistake a Samoyed for a Siberian Husky, but they’re two distinct breeds. Samoyeds are known for their long, white or biscuit coats and friendly dispositions. Huskies are similar in size, but their coats can be a mix of black, red, gray, or white, and Huskies can have brown or blue eyes.

6. Do black Samoyeds exist? 

If you love Samoyeds but not the white hair, you may be wondering if a black Samoyed is an option. Black Samoyeds don’t exist; according to the Samoyed Club of America (SCA), they can be only white, white and biscuit, cream, or all biscuit.

However, Eurasiers, Chows, and even Pomeranians can look like black Samoyeds, so they could be alternatives. Just keep in mind you shouldn’t pick a breed solely for its looks; make sure you do your research on temperament, health, and care requirements before picking a breed.

7. Are Samoyeds cuddly? 

Samoyeds can be cuddly, but they also have a lot of energy. Samoyeds were originally bred as working dogs, so they need a lot of exercise. A daily walk is a must, and they’ll also love to play fetch or go for a run. If you don’t have time for a daily walk, a Samoyed may not be the right breed for you.

When they get enough exercise, a Samoyed can become a giant lap dog, and they love spending time with their families.

8. Are Samoyeds smart? 

Samoyeds are very intelligent, which can be both good and bad. They’re easy to train for tricks and obedience, but they can also be stubborn and mischievous. Samoyeds need a lot of mental stimulation, so daily walks or runs aren’t enough; they need interactive toys and games to stay entertained.

9. Are Samoyeds easy to train? 

Samoyeds get bad reputations for training, but that’s because they’re often misunderstood. Samoyeds are remarkably clever and learn quickly. However, they also get bored easily. While other dogs may be happy to repeat commands, a Samoyed will get bored and start adding their own creative spins after completing the command a few times. They love attention, and will try some interesting ways to get it.

With a Samoyed, short, regular training sessions are better than long drawn-out sessions. And they often do better with personalized, one-on-one instruction rather than group classes.

10. How much do Samoyeds cost? 

When looking for a Samoyed, you’ll see a wide range of costs. A Samoyed from a shelter or rescue group may cost less than $300 to adopt, while a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost well into the thousands. In the U.S., the typical Samoyed price is between $2,000 and $3,500 for a puppy. How much a Samoyed puppy costs will depend on your location, the breeder, and whether the dog is show-quality or not.

Never pick a breeder solely on price; do your homework to find a breeder that produces healthy, temperamentally-sound pups. It will end up saving you money in the long run.

11. Can Samoyeds be brown? 

No, Samoyeds cannot be brown. Some dogs look like brown Samoyeds, but they are actually a mix of breeds. Or they may be Chow Chows or Eurasiers. 

Samoyeds only come in white or biscuit. In some cases, the biscuit coloring can be so prevalent that it looks like a very light brown, but richer shades — such as chestnut or chocolate — are not possible in a purebred Samoyed.

12. Are Samoyeds rare? 

According to the American Kennel Club’s 2021 breed popularity listing, Samoyeds were ranked 55 out of 197 breeds. More popular breeds include Labrador Retrievers (#1), Rottweilers (#8), Siberian Huskies (#19), Pugs (#33), and Dalmations (#49).

Samoyeds aren’t necessarily rare, but they are less popular breeds. Their grooming and exercise requirements tend to scare people away, but if you’re willing to put in the work, a Samoyed can make a wonderful companion.