Samoyed

If you’ve ever wondered if a tried-and-true mood booster can come in the form of a big, white puff of fluff, cue the Samoyed.

This ball of white fluff knows how to turn heads. Samoyeds are elegant, medium-sized dogs who carry themselves with equal parts grace and determination. Their dark eyes sparkle, and they always seem to wear a smile.

Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.

1. Ears Samoyeds have strong, thick, and triangular ears that are slightly rounded at the tips.
2. Eyes Their deep and dark eyes are placed well apart. They’re almond-shaped and are dark-rimmed.
3. Nose They usually have a black nose, but it’s sometimes dark brown. Nose color may change with age and weather.
4. Coat Length Samoyeds have a thick double coat (meaning they have longer, harsher hairs on top of soft wool undercoats).
5. Coat Color Samoyeds are most commonly white, but they can come in a range of shades, including white and biscuit, cream, or all biscuit (a darker cream with shades of light brown—think of the color of toasted coconut).
6. Tail Their tail is moderately long and covered with thick hair. It moves freely over their back.

With a smile ready to greet you at a moment’s notice, the Samoyed is an instant pick-me-up. If you’re looking to make friends, your Sammy will make sure you meet everyone on the block. They’re so friendly that they’d invite a complete stranger in for tea and give them a tour of the house; they really do seem to love everyone.

Also known as Siberian Samoyeds, these pups are whip-smart and crave attention. They’re not the kind of dog you can leave alone for long periods of time—they’ll simply miss you too much and won’t be able to bear the loneliness (yes, it’s a little dramatic, but that’s how your Sammy sees it).

In other words, there’s no need for an electric blanket on cold winter nights—you’re going to have quite the cuddler on your hands.

These dogs form deep bonds with their humans and are always up for a fun adventure. They do have a mind of their own, though, so obedience training can go a long way toward getting them to come around to your way of thinking.

They’re not afraid to bark, but this can also be worked on with a certified trainer who uses positive reinforcement. Samoyed dogs can also be mouthy when they play (it’s instinctual and how they would pal around with other pups), which is something that’s important to nip in the bud at a young age so that no one inadvertently gets hurt, especially kids (who your Samoyed will likely adore).

Samoyeds are high-energy dogs with high-maintenance needs —but they’re 100% worth it . You’ll need to pay a lot of attention to their puffy coat , and their independent streak calls for consistent training and lots of exercise time.

The Samoyed lifespan is 12–14 years. Here are some health issues to be aware of.

Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.

1. Cataracts Cataracts aren’t usually painful , but they do cause vision loss. Surgery is the go-to treatment.
2. Elbow and hip dysplasia: Elbow and hip dysplasia are genetic conditions that develop during puppyhood when the joints don’t align correctly and become loose. Treatment might involve weight loss, reduced activity, joint supplements , physical therapy, pain meds, or (in severe cases) surgery.
3. Heart issues Samoyeds can inherit a condition called pulmonic stenosis , making it harder for blood to flow from the heart to the lungs. The heart must work overtime to pump enough blood, so your Samoyed could faint or run out of energy in the middle of an activity. An echocardiogram (or ultrasound of the heart) can diagnosis it, and treatment includes medications or surgery.
4. Hypothyroidism: Common in Samoyeds, hypothyroidism includes symptoms like lethargy , hair loss, skin and ear infections , and weight gain. A blood test can diagnosis it, and treatment is daily oral medication.
5. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA leads to blindness in dogs . While there is no cure, pups who lose their eyesight can still live full, happy lives and tend to adapt well.
6. Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy This genetic disorder leads to kidney failure . There is no cure, and it affects male dogs more than females.
7. Uveodermatologic syndrome Symptoms of this autoimmune disorder include inflammation of the eye and loss of skin pigmentation on the skin. Treatment may include immunosuppressant medications and steroids.

With their fluffy, thick coat, it makes sense that Samoyeds have a history tied to cold climates. Their name originates from the Samoyedic, a seminomadic people from Siberia, where temperatures can drop to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Not many can endure such harsh conditions, but Samoyeds were originally bred to prosper in this environment—their coat kept them warm and protected them no matter how frigid or windy it might have gotten. The ancestors of today’s Samoyed pulled sleds across the Arctic tundra and served as guardian dogs, as well as hunters and herders at times. (They were reindeer herders at one point.)

On very cold nights, these dogs and their people would huddle together to keep warm with their body heat, forming a close bond. This behavior explains why Samoyeds today tend to be especially connected to their pet parents.

Then, in the late 18th century, Arctic explorers took the Samoyed back to Great Britain, where dog-lovers fell for this clever breed. A royal endorsement was a turning point in the Samoyed’s history: Alexandra of Denmark was enamored with the breed and took one as a companion and show dog. The American Kennel Club registered the first Samoyed in 1906.

Samoyed puppies cost between $1,200–$3,000. If you choose this route,pick a responsible breeder.

You can also consider Samoyed adoption, as there are many waiting for forever homes. Look for aSamoyed rescue group near you, keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter, or searchChewy’s database of adoptable dogsin your area.