10 Reasons Not to Get a Samoyed: A Honest Look at the Breed

Samoyeds are undeniably adorable little fluff balls that can melt anyone’s heart. Their playful personalities and beautiful, cloud-like coats make them irresistible. However, before you decide to adopt a Samoyed, it’s important to fully understand the challenges that come with owning one. We’ve had our Samoyed, Dabao, for several years now, and while we absolutely love him, there are some things we wish we’d known ahead of time. Here are 10 reasons why a Samoyed might not be the right fit for everyone.

1. They Are Stubborn

Samoyeds are known for their stubborn streak. When we first encountered the breed, we immediately fell in love with their fluffy appearance, and after some research, we found that Samoyeds can be quite stubborn. Dabao, for example, is incredibly determined when he wants something. Whether it’s refusing to follow commands, chasing animals like squirrels, or going to another room when he’s not supposed to, Dabao often does things on his own terms. Unfortunately, snacks and treats don’t always work as motivation—he’s not that interested in food. If you’re not prepared for some serious patience and persistence in training, this could be a challenge.

2. They Love to Pull

Samoyeds come from Siberia, where they were originally bred to pull sleds. Unsurprisingly, this means they have a strong instinct to pull, even if they’ve been trained not to. Over the years, we’ve met many Samoyeds, and even those with extensive leash training still pull their owners from time to time. It’s in their nature, and if you’re not up for the physical effort required to manage this behavior, a Samoyed may not be the best choice.

3. They’re Hard to Train

Samoyeds are not the most obedient dogs when it comes to training. While they are clever and can learn tricks quickly (Dabao can play dead and fetch items), behavioral training is a different story. They tend to do things only when they feel like it, not necessarily when you ask. Be prepared for a lot of patience, consistency, and possibly even a dog trainer to get them to follow commands effectively.

4. They Bark a Lot

Samoyeds are very vocal dogs, and while their barking is often harmless and playful, it can be annoying to some. Dabao, for example, barks when he’s excited, whether it’s during playtime or just when he’s happy. His barking is his way of communicating and sharing his excitement. However, this behavior can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, especially in public places where people might think he’s being aggressive. In apartment living situations or around noise-sensitive neighbors, this could be a problem.

5. Their Hair Is Everywhere

The iconic white fur of a Samoyed is beautiful, but it also requires a lot of maintenance. If you don’t have the time or energy to brush your Samoyed regularly, their fur can quickly become matted and tangled. Dabao needs to be brushed weekly for around 30 minutes, and even then, there’s still hair everywhere—on our clothes, in the car, and all around the house. If you don’t mind dealing with white fur all over the place, then this won’t be an issue. But if you do, you may want to reconsider.

6. No Cuddling

While Samoyeds look like they’d be great cuddle buddies, they’re actually not as affectionate as their appearance suggests. Dabao, for example, enjoys being petted, but after a few minutes, he usually gets too hot and leaves. He’s not a fan of staying close for long periods, and if you’re looking for a dog that will curl up in your lap for hours, a Samoyed might not be the right fit.

7. They’re Picky Eaters

Samoyeds can be picky eaters, and Dabao is no exception. Despite trying numerous food brands and even raw feeding, Dabao has rejected most of it. He’s more than willing to go hungry rather than eat something he doesn’t like. This can be frustrating, especially for first-time dog owners who want to ensure their dog is well-fed and content. It took us years to figure out what Dabao actually likes, and even then, he’s still somewhat picky.

8. They Are Pack Dogs

Samoyeds are pack animals, and they don’t like being left alone for long periods. While some dogs are okay with being alone during the day, this is not the case for Samoyeds. They thrive in family environments and need to be around their pack. If you’re someone who works long hours and can’t dedicate much time to your dog, you might want to reconsider adopting a Samoyed. They can become lonely and anxious if left alone for too long. We make sure to spend time with Dabao every day, and when we need to leave him, we try to arrange for family or friends to look after him.

9. They Attract a Lot of Attention

Samoyeds are attention magnets. Their striking appearance, with their fluffy white coats and friendly faces, often causes strangers to stop and ask to pet them or take pictures. While we love these interactions and enjoy meeting new people, this may not be for everyone. If you prefer a dog that doesn’t draw attention or get a lot of unsolicited attention from strangers, a Samoyed might not be the best fit for you.

10. They Need a Lot of Exercise

Samoyeds are highly active dogs and require a significant amount of exercise each day. Dabao, for instance, gets frustrated if he doesn’t get enough exercise. Whether it’s long walks or time spent running and playing, Samoyeds need to burn off energy to stay happy and healthy. If your schedule doesn’t allow for regular outdoor activities, this could be an issue. They were bred as sled dogs and have a lot of energy to expend, so daily exercise is a must.

Conclusion

Samoyeds are wonderful dogs that bring so much joy and laughter into a home. They’re incredibly funny, playful, and loving. But like any breed, they come with their own set of challenges. If you’re considering adopting a Samoyed, it’s important to be prepared for the work and commitment that comes with owning one. We wouldn’t trade Dabao for the world, but we hope this list helps you understand what you’re getting into before making the decision to bring one into your life.

Do you already have a Samoyed, or are you considering getting one? Let us know in the comments, and feel free to share your thoughts or experiences!