The breed is also known for its magnificent double coat of white, cream, or biscuit. The breed standard notes that the coat should “glisten with a silver sheen.”
Samoyeds “blow” or shed the undercoat twice a year. There is no such thing as a 100 percent hypoallergenic dog breed and most of those breeds considered best for allergy sufferers are non-shedding breeds. People with allergies interested in acquiring a Samoyed would do well to expose themselves to Samoyeds before deciding to purchase one. They do indeed shed.
There’s another unusual feature about the coat. Even experienced Samoyed owners are continually amazed how their muddy, filthy dogs clean up relatively easily once the mud is rinsed off and the dogs are dried. Samoyeds with proper stand-off coats are said to be “Teflon” dogs because the dirt doesn’t stick. A forced air driver works wonders in blowing out dirt and dust from Samoyed coats.
Samoyeds are very smart, get bored easily, and thrive when given tasks to complete. It takes an owner talented in training to bring out their best. They have achieved MACH titles in agility, high in trial obedience awards, have bested traditional herding breeds in herding trials, and are crowd-pleasing favorites in appearances pulling Santa’s sleigh, weight-pulling, or posing for photo-ops whenever out in public.
They make exceptional therapy dogs and are innately gentle with children and senior citizens alike.
Historically kept in the their nomadic owners’ animal-skin chums (teepee-like tents), Samoyeds thrive with close human contact. It is not a breed that does well kept apart from the human family. These dogs tend to get along well with other pets, but common sense should prevail when introducing animals to each other. And remember that dogs are like children—they need to know and understand the rules of the household.
They have lots of energy and need sufficient exercise. They make terrific walking companions; some enjoy swimming. Most love the snow.