Lily’s Second Chance

Samoyed Breed Guide for Adopters: Size, Temperament, Grooming and Health

What was Samoyed bred for?

The breed takes its name from the Samoyed people, a nomadic tribe in the harsh Siberian tundra who relied on these hardy white dogs. Samoyed dogs were used to hunt, herd reindeer and haul sledges. The AKC places the breed in the Working Group and lists Siberia as its origin.

Where does the Samoyed come from?

Polar explorers discovered the breed and began importing it to England around the time of World War I, and English aristocracy then introduced it to the United States. The AKC recognition year for the Samoyed is 1906.

How big is a Samoyed? Size and weight

The Samoyed is a medium-sized dog, and the AKC describes it as Medium in size. The AKC gives a height of 21-23.5 inches for males and 19-21 inches for females, while the UKC lists a desirable height of 21 to 23.5 inches for mature males and 19 to 21 inches for mature females. On weight, the AKC gives 45-65 pounds for males and 35-50 pounds for females, while VCA Animal Hospitals gives a general range of 50 to 65 pounds.

Samoyed temperament and personality

The AKC describes Samoyed temperament with the words friendly, gentle and adaptable. The UKC describes the breed as affectionate, intelligent, trusting and eager to please, and says it is lively and mischievous even into old age. The AKC rates the Samoyed 5 of 5 for playfulness, family affection and child compatibility, and 5 of 5 for vocalization. The UKC says Samoyeds need lots of interaction with their owners. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that some Samoyeds are a bit headstrong and may demand attention if ignored.

How much activity and training does a Samoyed need?

The AKC rates the breed 4 of 5 for energy and 4 of 5 for mental enrichment. VCA Animal Hospitals says the breed dislikes repetitive training, responds well to positive reinforcement such as tasty treats, and many Samoyeds do well at herding, therapy work and sports like recreational sledding and hiking.

Samoyed grooming: do Samoyeds shed?

The AKC lists the coat as long and double, and the UKC says the outer coat is long, straight and coarse over a short, dense, soft undercoat. Samoyed shedding is heavy at certain times of year, so daily brushing is recommended to keep it under control. The white coat can get dirty quickly, so frequent bathing may be needed, along with weekly nail care and ear cleaning.

Samoyed lifespan and health

The AKC gives a general Samoyed lifespan of 12-14 years. VCA Animal Hospitals lists hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, diabetes and hypothyroidism among the more common genetic concerns. A veterinarian can advise on screening and care for an individual dog.

Samoyed adoption and rescue: what to consider

Because the UKC says Samoyeds require lots of interaction and stay lively into old age, an older adopted dog may still want plenty of company. Lily's Second Chance lists dogs cared for by other organizations, so ask the listing organization about a dog's health history and screening.

AKC breed facts

These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Samoyed as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.

AKC group
Working Group
AKC recognition year
1906
Height (AKC published)
21-23.5 inches (male), 19-21 inches (female)
Weight (AKC published)
45-65 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
General life expectancy
12-14 years
AKC size category
Medium

AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)

  • Energy: 4 of 5
  • Mental enrichment: 4 of 5
  • Trainability: 4 of 5
  • Grooming frequency: 3 of 5
  • Shedding: 3 of 5
  • Vocalization: 5 of 5
  • Drooling: 1 of 5
  • Adaptability: 4 of 5
  • Playfulness: 5 of 5
  • Watchful or protective tendency: 4 of 5
  • Affection toward family: 5 of 5
  • Openness toward strangers: 5 of 5
  • AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
  • AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5

Health screenings AKC lists for the breed

Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.

  • Hip Evaluation
  • Cardiac Exam
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation
  • Retinal Dysplasia/Oculoskeletal Dysplasia 2 (RD/OSD, OSD2) - DNA Test
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy, X-Linked1 (XLPRA1) - DNA Test

Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).

Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 8, 2026.

References

Senior Samoyed dogs looking for homes

Each dog is listed by the shelter or rescue named on the card. Please confirm availability with them.