Samoyed Owner's Guide – Lifespan, Health Problems & Nutrition
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Samoyeds are one of the most recognisable dog breeds thanks to their bright white coats and permanent “smile.”
Friendly, intelligent and loyal, they are a popular choice for families and first-time owners alike. However, before welcoming one into your home, it is important to understand their size, temperament, common health concerns and care needs to make sure that they're the right choice for you.
This guide provides everything Samoyed owners and first-time adopters should know about the breed.
Table of contents
General Samoyed Facts
Life expectancy
12-14 years
Average height
Male dogs: 54–60 cm (21–23½ ins)
Female dogs: 50–56 cm (19½–22 ins)
Average weight
Male dogs: 25–32 kgs (55–70 lbs)
Female dogs: 17–25 kgs (37–55 lbs)
Recognised coat colours
According to the Kennel Club breed standards, Samoyeds should have a coat that is pure white, cream, or white and biscuit.
Energy levels
High, usually requires more than 2 hours of exercise and mental stimulation per day.
Temperament
Gentle, friendly and intelligent, with a playful and sociable nature. They are known for their famous “Sammy smile”.
Most suited to
An active household with plenty of space, ideally with a large garden and owners who enjoy outdoor activities.
Samoyed Vet Ratings
Adaptability ⭐⭐
(2/5 not the most adaptable. Samoyeds thrive in larger spaces and can struggle in small flats. They need plenty of daily exercise and are not suited to being left alone for long periods.)
Friendliness/Social ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(5/5 exceptionally friendly and affectionate. Samoyeds are known for their gentle nature and usually get along well with children, other dogs and even strangers.)
Health ⭐⭐(2/5 prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart conditions. Responsible breeding and regular vet checks are important.)
Grooming Needs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(5/5 very high grooming requirements. Their thick double coat sheds heavily and needs frequent brushing to prevent matting and manage seasonal coat changes.)
Exercise Needs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(5/5 extremely active. Samoyeds need at least 2 hours of exercise daily along with mental stimulation. Without enough activity, they can become bored and destructive.)
Samoyed Background
Samoyeds are an ancient breed that originated in Siberia, where they were bred by the nomadic Samoyedic people. These hardy dogs were essential working companions, helping their owners with herding reindeer, pulling sleds, and keeping families warm by sleeping close to them in freezing conditions.
Their thick, weather-resistant coats and incredible stamina made them perfectly suited to the harsh Arctic climate. Beyond their strength and resilience, Samoyeds were also valued for their gentle and sociable nature, which made them trusted members of the community as well as working dogs.
Today, Samoyeds are cherished worldwide for their striking white coats, famous “Sammy smile”, and affectionate personalities. While they still retain their energy and working drive, they have become beloved family pets.
Lifespan of a Samoyed
Samoyeds often live to 12-14 years of age with the right care. They are susceptible to a variety of health issues, however. It is worth familiarising yourself with these so that you can take early action - more on this later!
The size, height, and weight of a Samoyed
Samoyeds are a medium to large breed, with males typically standing 53-60 cm (21-23½ in) at the shoulder and females slightly smaller at 48-53 cm (19-21 in).
An adult male Samoyed usually weighs around 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs), while females tend to be lighter at 16-21 kg (35-46 lbs).
The charts below provide an approximate guide to the weight range you can expect for your Samoyed puppy at different growth stages, based on their adult sizes.
Female Samoyed Weight Chart
Puppy’s age |
Female (adult weight 18kg) |
3 months |
6kg |
4 months |
8.5kg |
6 months |
12kg |
8 months |
15kg |
10 months |
17kg |
12 months |
18kg |
Male Samoyed Weight Chart
Puppy’s age |
Male (adult weight 25kg) |
3 months |
8 kg |
4 months |
11 kg |
6 months |
16 kg |
8 months |
21kg |
10 months |
23.5kg |
12 months |
25kg |
If you wish to plot your puppy’s growth and get a more accurate idea of their predicted weight at various ages then take a look at these puppy growth charts.
Grooming
Samoyeds have a thick, double coat that requires regular care to keep it healthy and free from mats. They should be brushed several times a week, and daily during seasonal shedding periods, to remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
As with all dogs, daily teeth brushing is recommended, and nails should be trimmed as needed.
Do Samoyeds shed?
Yes. Samoyeds shed heavily, especially during seasonal coat blows in spring and autumn. Daily brushing is recommended to manage their thick double coat and avoid matting.
Are Samoyeds hypoallergenic?
Despite popular belief, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Samoyeds produce less dander (dried skin) than some breeds, but they are not fully hypoallergenic.
Common Samoyed Health Concerns
Like many purebred dogs, Samoyeds can be predisposed to certain health conditions. Below are some of the more common Samoyed health issues to be aware of.
Hip Dysplasia
As a medium to large breed, Samoyeds are at risk of hip dysplasia. This occurs when the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain, stiffness, difficulty exercising and an increased chance of arthritis later in life.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Samoyeds can inherit eye conditions such as PRA, which causes gradual degeneration of the retina. This disease is painless but eventually leads to blindness. Responsible breeders screen for PRA to reduce the risk in puppies, so if you're planning on buying a Samoyed from a breeder, make sure you ask about this.
Hypothyroidism
This is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain, lethargy, skin problems and coat changes. It can usually be managed well with lifelong medication..
Diabetes Mellitus
Samoyeds are one of the breeds more prone to developing diabetes. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and changes in appetite. With careful management, many diabetic dogs live long, happy lives.
Glaucoma
This painful condition increases pressure inside the eye and, if untreated, can cause permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing glaucoma in Samoyeds.
Recommended Dog Food for Samoyeds
Good nutrition is vital for Samoyeds to support their thick double coat, maintain a healthy weight and protect their joints and overall well-being.
Samoyed Puppy Food
Samoyed puppies grow quickly and need the right balance of nutrients to support healthy development. High-quality protein helps build strong muscles, while the correct levels of calcium and phosphorus support proper bone and joint growth. A carefully balanced puppy recipe will give your young Samoyed the best start in life.
Our puppy recipes will help to support your growing Samoyed.
Adult Samoyed Food
Adult Samoyeds thrive on a digestible diet that provides quality protein for muscle maintenance and energy. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially important for skin and coat health, keeping their fluffy white fur in top condition. Ingredients that support joint function, like collagen, are also good for Samoyeds, particularly as they are active and prone to joint issues.
Our carefully formulated adult recipes manage all of this for you.
Samoyed Supplements
Supplements can help support your Samoyed’s long-term health. In addition to Years meals being full of whole food ingredients that support your dog's overall health and wellbeing, our Breed Health+ supplement is made to address your Samoyed's particular concerns.
Omega-3 powder is valuable for reducing inflammation and keeping skin and coat in great condition. Collagen supports joint health and cartilage strength, while coconut oil powder can aid skin, coat and digestive wellbeing.
Check out this blog if you are unsure how much to feed your dog.
Summary
Owning a Samoyed is a truly rewarding experience. While this beautiful breed can be prone to certain health issues, the right nutrition and care can make a big difference to their long-term wellbeing.
If you’d like to learn more about how our recipes are tailored to support your Samoyed’s needs, find out more here.
FAQs
Are Samoyed dogs good family pets?
Yes, Samoyeds are excellent family dogs. They are gentle, affectionate and love being around people, including children. Their friendly nature means they rarely show aggression, but they do need plenty of exercise and companionship to stay happy
Do Samoyeds shed a lot?
Samoyeds shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes. Their thick double coat requires regular brushing, ideally several times a week, to manage loose fur and prevent mats. Daily grooming is often needed during shedding season.
Are Samoyeds easy to train?
Samoyeds are intelligent and quick to learn, but they can also be independent and stubborn. Consistent training with positive reinforcement works best. Early socialisation and patience are key to raising a well-behaved Samoyed.
What health problems are Samoyeds prone to?
Samoyeds are generally healthy dogs but may be prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), diabetes and hypothyroidism. Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet can help reduce risks and support long-term wellbeing
How much exercise does a Samoyed need?
Samoyeds are an active working breed and need at least one to two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks, play and mental stimulation. Without enough activity, Samoyeds may become bored and develop unwanted behaviours.
About the author
Kate Hepplewhite
Digital Marketing Manager, Years (Dog mum to a Sprollie-ocker)
Kate Hepplewhite is the Digital Marketing Manager at Years, where she combines her love for dogs with a passion for words. She shares her life with Barney, a lively Springer, Cocker Spaniel and Collie mix, who’s her hiking buddy and daily dose of joy. Together, they’re on a mission to conquer Hadrian’s Wall this year, one muddy mile at a time. When she’s not building digital campaigns, Kate is out in the country with Barney or planning their next big adventure.
