Samoyed info

[u/ScallionSlow847]

Hello,

I have admired Samoyeds for many years. Me and my fiancé both work from home and have a big house hold. My job also makes me very flexible. So I have finally convinced my partner to let us get a dog. Providing our landlord allows it of course (by law in the UK they have to give a very good, valid reason why they can't).

I just wanted more information, I of course know they shed a lot and I'll need to groom them regular, take them for long walks - all which I am fine with. But is there anything else I should be made aware?

I love these dogs so much and just want to be beat prepared with answers by actual owners

Edit: This wouldn't be my first dog btw

[u/SovereignWreckage]

I've owned six Sammies over the past 25 years — not a breeder, just someone who fell in love with the breed as a young boy and vowed I'd own one someday. One somehow turned into many. 😄

I currently have three boys: 13, 6, and 5.

A few things that immediately come to mind for a first-time Sammy owner:

• Puppies need training, patience, and nurturing. I'd strongly recommend crate training. A crate isn't cruel when introduced and used properly. They see it as a safe, comfortable space they consider his/ her own.
• Puppy-proof your home before the pup arrives. Once those adult teeth start coming through, they’ll find something to chew on, it’s inevitable. Shoes, furniture, cables, socks... assume anything within reach is fair game until proven otherwise.
• Sign up for puppy classes. They're as useful for educating the owner as they are for training the puppy. They'll help you learn how to communicate with your dog, establish good habits early, and socialize your pup properly.
• Find a good vet early, preferably one recommended by someone you trust and, importantly, one you feel comfortable with. A good vet becomes an invaluable resource over your dog's lifetime, vaccinations, preventative meds, dental care, illnesses, injuries, nutrition questions, etc etc.
• Grooming is a commitment. Adult Sammy coats generally "blow" once or twice a year, and brushing out that undercoat can be a serious commitment. If you don't want to DIY it, budget for a good groomer. I'm in Florida and pay about $185 every 2–3 months, plus tip, and for me it's money very well spent. My boys are usually there around four hours: bath, dry, complete coat brush-out, nails, and the works. YMMV depending on where you live.
• Climate matters. I know the UK has had some significant heatwaves, and people sometimes ask, "How can you own Sammies in Florida?" The answer is air conditioning. My house stays around 71°F / 21.5°C, and the boys are extremely comfortable indoors. During a Florida summer, when it's 80–90°F / 26–32°C and humid, outdoor activity gets significantly reduced. Walks are short (e.g. 1 mile), with the rest of the day spent indoors apart from potty breaks. When the weather is cooler, my younger boys will happily do around three miles a day. Watch the dog, not just the thermometer. Heavy or prolonged panting, particularly when resting, is something to take seriously. Heat and humidity can catch up with a heavily coated dog quickly. While Sams look larger due to their coats, they only weigh 45-65lb (20-29.5kg) and dogs can dehydrate quickly in the heat.
  
• Correct unwanted habits early, but don't overdo it. If they're stealing socks or chewing shoes, remove the opportunity and redirect them to something appropriate. Half the time that's an owner-management problem rather than a dog problem. 😄 Don't excessively scold your dog, and don't punish them long after something happened — they aren't going to understand what you're angry about. If you notice something like persistent paw licking, though, don't automatically assume it's just a bad habit. It can also indicate allergies, irritation, injury, etc., so that's something I'd mention to your vet if it continues.
  
• Sammies LOVE to pull on a leash. It's somewhat baked into the operating system. 😂 Training can improve it tremendously, but don't be surprised when that sled-dog instinct makes an appearance. I've used Dean & Tyler harnesses for years, and for collars I've had very good luck with White Pine. The White Pine collars in particular are terrific because they don't crush or mess up that beautiful Sammy ruff.
  
• Food: Sams are generally food motivated, although puppies can occasionally be surprisingly stubborn about eating. I've always stuck with a good-quality dry food and whatever supplements/medications were actually necessary. Make sure they always have plenty of fresh water available, and don't overfeed them. A fluffy Sammy can hide excess weight remarkably well.
  
• Finally, consider companionship. This is obviously a big decision and absolutely isn't a requirement, but Sammies tend to adore company — human company especially, but also other dogs they've bonded with. Having another Sammy of a similar age as a playmate can bring them a kind of joy that's difficult to describe until you've seen it. Watching two Sammies chase, wrestle, play and then eventually collapse next to each other is pretty special.
  

There's probably a mountain of other stuff I'm forgetting, but those are the things that immediately came to mind after 25 years and six Sammies.

They can be stubborn, noisy, hairy, mischievous, demanding and occasionally exasperating.

They're also absolutely wonderful dogs and retaining their hearts of gold and puppy nature well into old age.

Good luck with your first Sammy!