Samoyed Puppy Buyer’s Guide
You are unlikely to ever find someone who won’t admit that Samoyeds are adorable (perhaps one of the most gorgeous dog breeds), and their puppies are possibly even cuter.
They are like a larger and even fluffier version of the American Eskimo dog, and they share some similarities with the Siberian Husky, yet there are some significant differences in personality and temperament.
While Samoyeds make great family dogs, it is important to do the required research to find out if the breed is right for you. This article is here to help you on your journey towards becoming a Samoyed dog owner.
About Samoyed Puppies
A puppy can’t get much fluffier than Samoyed puppy; a white furry ball with pitch-black eyes, a black nose and a mouth that always seem to be smiling. The Samoyed breed appears to be constantly happy, due to their jovial facial expressions, and they are known for being easy-going dogs that love to cuddle and spend time with the family.
While they remain adorable throughout their lives, the Samoyed puppy is truly something special, and it might be about as close to a stuffed animal look-a-like you’ll ever get, while still being alive.
They are energetic dogs, without usually being too hyper, and they love to run around and play with the kids in the family if there are any. The adventurous spirit of Samoyed dogs and puppies means they will likely go explore whenever they get the chance, which could get them a little dirty by the end of the day!
Your white and fluffy dream of a dog might not be all white after a wrestling game with another furry family member, but the happiness you’ll see on their little faces will make this detail easy to overlook!
What to Look Out for When Buying a Samoyed Puppy
Assuming you have done your research, you should know where to look for a Samoyed puppy and what to avoid (anonymous ads on the internet where the seller won’t let you see where the puppy has been kept is always a red flag).
Ask the breeder if you can meet the puppy while it is still with its siblings and mother, as this will give you a chance to see how your new dog interacts with others, and how it compares to its siblings in terms of personality and behavior.
You might be given the opportunity to pick out your favorite from the litter, and if so, there are a few things to look for. This also applies when you go to meet a puppy that has been chosen for you, as it can help indicate both if the dog is healthy, but also if it’ll grow up to be a well-balanced pup.
Pay attention to alertness and the brightness of the eyes. Samoyed puppies are naturally active and playful, and a puppy that seems shy or evasive contradicts this, something that could potentially be a bad sign. You should also ask to see the parent animals but be prepared that they may not have the dad at the house where the mom and the puppies are kept.
There should also be vet records, and the puppies should have been checked by a veterinarian prior to being sold, and they should have had at least their first round of vaccines and deworming treatments.
Samoyed Life Stages
Time flies when you share your life with a Samoyed, and you get to see your dog go through all these amazing life stages. Starting out small and fluffy, they quickly grow large (yet remain just as fluffy, or more), but they often take longer to mature mentally. This means that your Samoyed might look like an adult sled dog, while still having the mind of an adolescent pup.
Be patient with mischievous behavior, and contact a professional trainer specialized in using positive reinforcement methods if necessary. Samoyeds are wonderful family dogs, but they can often be stubborn and set in their ways, which is why you need to nip a bad habit in the bud as early as possible.
Just like most puppy breeds, Samoyeds over the age of approximately 7 or 8 are considered senior dogs, but this does not usually seem to stop them. A Samoyed tends to live for 12-14 years and will often remain active and energetic throughout its whole life.
For you, this means you’ll be signing up for 12-14 years of long walks, outdoor activities and more, so make sure you are up for this before you start looking through Samoyed breeder listings.
Samoyed Health Concerns
Every dog breed tends to be prone to some health problems, but the Samoyed is considered relatively healthy.
Medical conditions they might suffer from are hip dysplasia (you can have your Samoyed examined to catch this at an early stage), heart problems like pulmonic- and aortic stenosis, hypothyroidism and diabetes, but neither of these is considered a cause for real concern.
The best way to keep Sammy safe is to make regular visits to the vet for routine check-ups.
Samoyed Breeder Information
Code of ethics is incredibly important when it comes to a breeder, and you should look for someone whose primary goal is to preserve the breed and to possibly better it, rather than to make money. When breeding Samoyeds, it should be done out of love for this particular breed, rather than with the intention of making money.
You can find responsible Samoyed breeders listed on the AKC website, or on the equivalent in your home country, and it is recommended to choose one of these breeders as they have all their permits and paperwork in order.
There is no such thing as a health guarantee when you buy a Samoyed puppy, but your chances of acquiring a healthy puppy are a lot higher if you make your purchase from a dog breeder with a good reputation and a serious approach to dog breeding.
They may not always have puppies available, as the demand might be high for these adorable pups, but it will be worth the possible waiting time. Resorting to puppy shipping is only recommendable in situations where you really trust the breeder, but it is always preferable to meet the puppy first whenever possible.
Samoyed Puppy Diet
All puppies, regardless of breed, should be fed high-quality dog food, as it is crucial for their early development. Being a medium dog breed, any premium puppy food or dog food for all life-stages should work well, but you might want to look for one containing fatty acids to promote coat quality, as the Samoyed requires plenty of coat care.
Your Sammy should continue to be fed a puppy diet for at least the first 8-12 months, depending on what your veterinarian recommends, so choose wisely when shopping for food for your young dog.
Is a Samoyed Right for You?
If you are outdoorsy, love to laugh, if you don’t mind the dog hair and if you have room for a medium-large dog, then the Samoyed might be a great dog breed option for you! They are stubborn though, so you likely will have to enroll your pup in training classes or at least dedicate some time to training your dog, to strengthen your bond.
A Samoyed can make the most incredible family member, provided they are given the attention and exercise they need and deserve.