Sammys 101

Working group

The Samoyed is a recognizable spitz-type breed with pointed ears and a lot of coat, most often seen in pure white. The Sammie's size puts them in the middle of the pack – not as small as a Pomeranian, not as large as an Alaskan Malamute. They're friendly, outgoing and typically mischievous – sure to keep you on your toes!

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Sammys

The Samoyed's smile matches their disposition

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
19 to 23.5 inches tall
Group Size Medium
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
020
Weight
35 to 65 lbs
0150

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Mature adult Sammy

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Sammy conditions

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Hypothyroid disease

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Urinary tract infection

Senior Sammy

10+ years

Risk level for common Sammy conditions

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Arthritis

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Kidney failure

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Liver disease

Sammy puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Sammy conditions

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Conjunctivitis

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Gastroenteritis

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Urinary tract infection

Young adult Sammy

10 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Sammy conditions

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Conjunctivitis

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Foreign body ingestion

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Pneumonia

Mature adult Sammy

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Sammy conditions

risk-level-bar

Hypothyroid disease

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

risk-level-bar

Urinary tract infection

Senior Sammy

10+ years

Risk level for common Sammy conditions

risk-level-bar

Arthritis

risk-level-bar

Kidney failure

risk-level-bar

Liver disease

Sammy puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Sammy conditions

risk-level-bar

Conjunctivitis

risk-level-bar

Gastroenteritis

risk-level-bar

Urinary tract infection

Young adult Sammy

10 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Sammy conditions

risk-level-bar

Conjunctivitis

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Foreign body ingestion

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Pneumonia

Samoyed image

Nationwide can help you save on your Samoyed's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Get your Samoyed’s health information in a free report

Samoyed image

Fur brushed out from the Samoyed's gloriously thick white coat is in demand from hobbyists, who use it to craft dog-fur hats, scarves and sweaters.

Samoyed coat care and colors

As befitting a breed originating from Siberia, the Samoyed has a lot of coat, consisting of both a downy undercoat and a weather-resistant overcoat. To minimize shedding, comb and bush down to the skin to get as much loose fur as you can.

Should I cut my Samoyed’s hair?

Samoyeds usually don't need haircuts, unless they get severely matted or have debris in their coats that cannot be brushed or combed out.

How do I keep my Samoyed's fur white?

Regular bathing and brushing should keep your Samoyed's fur white. There are pet-safe shampoos that enhance natural color, brightening the white safely. You should be able to find these at dog shows or at retailers that provide shampoos for show dogs.

What is the best way to groom my Samoyed?

Weekly combing and brushing down to the skin will remove debris from your Samoyed's coat and help prevent matting. During high-shed periods in spring and fall, daily raking and brushing will reduce the amount of fur around your house. In addition, trim or grind nails to keep them short.

Sammy exercise & training

Full speed ahead

Exercise level

With a high energy level and plenty of smarts, you can bet the Samoyed will find things to do if you don't keep them occupied – and you may not like what they find. Long walks, hikes or runs are ideal year-round, but this breed especially loves winter activities.

Class clown

Trainability

The Samoyed is an intelligent breed full of energy and ideas. Consistent training with positive reinforcement will help your Sammie see things your way.

Sammy fun facts

Top girl names for Sammys

100%

of Sammys are female

0%

of Sammys are male

Top boy names for Sammys

Nationwide loves Samoyeds of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Sammys

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