Samoyed

A working breed, the Samoyed can be strong-willed at times, but above all they remain friendly, gentle, and devoted family dogs. The Samoyed was originally bred to hunt, haul sledges, and herd reindeer. Among the breed’s duties: pack hiking, tracking, and warming their owners by sleeping on top of them at night.

Illustration courtesy of the Swedish Kennel Club

Share this page

Quick Facts

Height

Male: 21-24in

Female: 19-21in

Weight

Male: 44-72lb

Female: 37-55lb

Fun Fact

Shed Samoyed fur is sometimes used as an alternative to wool in knitting, with a texture similar to angora. The fur is sometimes also used for the creation of artificial flies for fly fishing. Samoyed fur sweaters have been reported to handle temperatures well below freezing.

Are you a breeder?

About this Breed

Samoyeds, the smiling sledge dogs, were bred for hard work in the world’s coldest locales. The Sammy’s famous white coat is thick enough to protect against temperatures as low as minus -60. Powerful, agile, tireless, impervious to cold—”Sammies” are a gorgeous but highly functional breed. Even their most delightful feature, a perpetual smile, has a practical function: The mouth’s upturned corners keep Sammies from drooling, preventing icicles from forming on the face.

Samoyeds’ friendly disposition makes them poor guard dogs. The breed is characterized by an alert and happy expression which has earned the nicknames “Sammie smile” and “smiley dog.” With their tendency to bark they can be diligent watch dogs. Samoyeds are excellent companions, and they are known to remain playful into old age.

From a training perspective, with their sled dog heritage — a Samoyed is not averse to pulling things so leash training is essential.

Samoyeds on Embark

Explore some Embark dogs that share Samoyed ancestry.

Navi

Purebred

Kuma

Purebred

Goose

Purebred

Dakota

Purebred
Beignet

Purebred

Carefree's John Wick

Purebred

Atlas

Purebred

Elissa

Purebred
Kupa

Purebred

Luca

Purebred

Ollie

Purebred

Whitney

Purebred