Samoyed

Another working breed with a high drive for play. They make good family dogs and diplay loyalty to other animals and children. With out regular exercise these animals will become bored and exhibit undesirable behaviors such as execsive barking, destructive tendencies, escape behavior (digging), and extreme weight gain. Although they do require some maintenance and little grooming, these dogs seem to groom themselves quite well. Their coat should not be trimmed or shaved unless it's for medical reasons. On the positive side is a lack of shed makes them hypoallergenic, they have very little if any doggy smell, and the dense coat makes for a great flea and tick repellent.

I lost my second Sam in August of 08 at 14-1/2 years old.  Kasper and Kip  were the most magnificent animals on this planet.  I learned more about dignity and love from these two guys than from anything else. They are "Working Dogs," so they need outside exercise every day, rain, snow, or shine.  They do talk with their wooo-wooo, like someone else said, so pay attention and talk back to them.  They will dominate you easily if you are careless enough to let them.  A firm voice is all that is needed to keep them in line.  I will miss these two guys 'til the day I die.  I will not have another as I am an arthritic 68-year-old and unable to get up and down on our hardwood floor to be closer to them,  which is the best place in the whole world.  "Not guard dogs," are you crazy?  My two cream puffs growled and bared their teeth when anything come toward us in a threatening manner.  I have no doubt Sams would attack an intruder.

are they real?

We looked after one for about six months when I was a kid. Nice enough dog, but sheds like a snowstorm and more than a little yappy.

When I was a child my family had a Samoyed named Tammi. We loved her! My parents only kept her as an outdoor pet, they didn't believe in dogs as housepets (I think they now regret this...). Anyway, she was a great dog, but of course her coat was frequently a mess, because being outside all the time and she got into everything. I think if she had been inside all the time, she would have shed a lot. She lived to be 16 or 17 years old. She was suffering a great deal from arthritis, and my parents had her euthanized, because she finally quit eating. Great dog, and I always wanted another Samoyed.

I have had 2 samoyeds and they have both been the best dogs ever. About the shedding, I am pretty clean - not a clean freak but my house is always clean - and it's no big deal, I just vacuum the bottom floor about 2-3 times a week. My carpet is light though and that helps. They don't guard, but unlike huskies, they're wonderfulness does not stop at their looks. They are AWESOME, I can't even explain how awesome. My current one is 13 weeks old, and potty trained!!! My first one was also potty trained at 6 weeks! Talk about intelligent dogs, but sometimes mischevious. My current one seems much more laid back, compared to the first who was wild and loved to chew if he didn't get enough attention. I live in Colorado and it's great to be able to put the dog out in the snow and it not be too cold for her. They love you more than anything in the world. You will never want a different breed!!!!

Gorgeous dogs, with their long luxuriant fur and regal bearing. They also shed like nobody's business so I recommend any prospective owners invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner. Brush them often though, and it will help minimize the problem. They were originally bred in Siberia, where it is extremely cold in the wintertime, so think about that if you live in Florida or Arizona or someplace hot.

I've read more than once that this breed "Is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the purebreds" I agree! Beyond looks, they're friendly, great with people & kids. They are vocal, well known for their 'Woooo Wooo" which is how they "talk" to you. I'm now a member of Samoyed Rescue, we rescue them from shelters and find them new homes. Not a good watchdog, they rate 0 on that scale, they love everyone! They do shed, but for all their good points, it's no big deal, just vacuum more often.

I have just gotten a samoyed about 2 months ago and feel that she is the best dog I could share my life with. She's only a pup still (13 wks) and is really sweet. They truly have a great tempermanent. Its true that they can be stubborn and try to exert their will, but a firm and gentle hand can help. Regards to their coat...needs to be brushed about once a week. Their coat remains pretty clean otherwise, and according to our breeder (who has had several champions) they only need a bath every other month or so. They can bark, but once you teach a "quiet" command, its not a problem.

Like Snoopy, I've never owned one but think they're beautiful. Those dense white coats just invite your fingers! The only Samoyeds with whom I've had any acquaintance have been friendly and gentle. One friend of mine did point out a problem for city dwellers -- those thick beautiful coats mean that the dogs aren't comfortable as indoors dogs and are often uncomfortable in summer.

I've never owned one, but I think they are beautiful dogs. I love their while, fluffy coats. Maybe someday I'll look into buying one.

I've come across excellent,wise comments on Rateitall that with dogs,beauty really is only skin deep ( that we certainly shouldn't hold a dog's appearance against it),but with its fluffy shining white coat and endearing smile,the Samoyed's gorgeous looks have long held a fascinating charm for me- a fascination made only greater by the breed's relative rarity.The very few i've briefly come across seemed easy-going and friendly and it was a thrill to stroke them.However,i can imagine they must need a great deal of grooming,and would not best be kept in a small apartment.I've read that they can tend to enjoy barking,though i didn't notice this,and are inclined to be rather independent,as well as being gentle.I'll be delighted to know more and hear the opinions of experts and owners.Sorry i'm not more helpful: i suggested the breed for the list not only to raise the Samoyed's profile but especially to learn more(which is what Rateitall is about!).The comments on dogs i've usually enjoyed t... Read more