Samoyed

The Samoyed does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to your dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior.

Some Samoyeds are prone to gaining weight, so keep an eye on calorie intake and body condition. Treats are useful for training, but too many can lead to obesity. It also helps to learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not.

Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

The Samoyed has a profuse double coat: a longer, harsh outer coat over a soft, thick, wooly undercoat. Sammies shed steadily all year, with heavier shedding once or twice a year during seasonal coat changes.

Daily brushing removes dirt and loose hair and keeps the coat in good shape. Work mats and tangles out with a slicker brush or metal comb, and during seasonal shedding an undercoat rake helps pull out dead hair.

Trim the nails every three to four weeks or as needed, and keep regular ear cleanings in the routine. Start at-home dental care while the Samoyed is young, and ask your veterinarian about professional cleanings.

Bred as working dogs, Samoyeds are active and do not tire easily. They need a lot of exercise, at least two hours a day, whether long leashed walks, runs, or play sessions in a safely fenced yard.

The breed has a strong urge to run and roam, and a loose Sammy might travel for miles and put itself at risk. That speed and endurance make a securely fenced yard or dog park essential for off-leash play, and a leash or fenced area whenever they are outside.

Samoyeds love dog sports such as sled or cart racing, packing, skijoring, agility, flyball, and obedience. Games and tricks give them the mental stimulation they need, and without enough activity a bored Samoyed tends to develop habits like chewing and digging.

This Arctic breed prefers cool weather and may be happier with indoor activities during hot summer months. Supervise your Samoyed around smaller animals like cats, rabbits, or squirrels, since the breed may try to herd them.

Samoyeds need substantial exercise, socialization, daily grooming, and protection from warm temperatures.

The bond between Samoyeds and people runs deep. The Samoyed people once huddled with their dogs for warmth on brutal Arctic nights, and the breed still craves love and attention. A Sammy left alone in the backyard becomes miserable and destructive.

Use consistent, patient, reward-based training. The breed bonds closely with its people and is eager to please, but it also has a stubborn streak that can make training a challenge. Use positive, reward-based training with treats, toys, and praise, and switch up activities to keep these smart, fast learners from getting bored. Group obedience classes, where they meet other people and dogs while learning, work well.

Friendly, gentle, and adaptable, Samoyeds can get along with other dogs, cats, and children given the right introductions. Begin Samoyed training and socialization early.

Ask your breeder how they have approached socialization so far, and get advice from your veterinarian on how to safely expose your pup to new situations. A well-socialized puppy grows into a well-mannered adult dog.