How to Care for a Samoyed

Co-authored by Mark Garcia

Last Updated: September 29, 2025 Approved

• Grooming Your Samoyed
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• Feeding and Exercising Your Samoyed
|
• Socializing and Training Your Samoyed
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• Watching Out for Common Health Problems
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• Expert Q&A

|Show more |Show less

Characterized by their fluffy white fur and plumed tail, Samoyeds are considered one of the world’s most beautiful dogs. They are smart, fun-loving, energetic, and great for families with children. Like any breed, however, they require specific care, such as daily exercise and frequent brushing. By learning to properly care for your Samoyed, you can ensure a great relationship for many years.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Grooming Your Samoyed

1. 
   1
   Get the proper equipment and set aside time. Your Samoyed has two layers of hair: a fine undercoat keeps it warm and an outer layer of coarse hair to protects it from the weather. To maintain all of this fur, you need to comb and brush your dog several times a week with the right kinds of tools.

   • You will need a rake or comb with rotating teeth (to glide through the hair easily) and a pin brush with rounded ends (to prevent you from scratching your dog while grooming).
2. 
   2
   Groom with a comb or rake first. Use one hand to part the hair and section it. With your other hand, comb the hair in the direction of hair growth. Start at the bottom of the section you are wanting to groom and comb down in the direction of the hair growth. Keep combing each section until no more hair falls out.

   • Because it can take a while to completely comb your Samoyed, you may want to take breaks for playtime throughout the process.
   • Talk to your dog throughout the combing and reassure them what a good dog they’re being.
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3. 
   3
   Finish with a brush. You can either go through all of your dog’s fur in this step, or just brush the top coat. The Samoyed breed standard calls for the outer coat to stand out from the body. If you want to do this, brush in the opposite direction of hair growth during this last step.

   • Only use a brush on your Samoyed’s tail, since this is a sensitive area. Hold the tip of the tail gently in one hand while brushing with the other.
   • Samoyeds “blow” or shed their undercoats completely twice a year. During this time, brush daily to help eliminate loose, dead hair.
4. 
   4
   Check for health issues while grooming. While brushing and combing your Samoyed, check for fleas and ticks. Also, feel your dog’s body for any new lumps or bumps while grooming them. If caught early, these problems can be easily solved.
5. 
   5
   Bathe your Samoyed once or twice each year. Place a non-skid mat in the tub so your Samoyed doesn’t slip in the bath, and have plenty of towels and treats nearby. Close the door so they can’t escape. Brush your Samoyed before bathing to remove loose dead fur and to prevent knots, and place cotton balls in his ears to prevent water from entering.

   • Despite their stunning white coats, Samoyeds do not need to be bathed that often. Once or twice a year will suffice, unless your dog gets exceptionally muddy or dirty.
6. 
   6
   Shampoo your dog. After thoroughly wetting your dog, massage in shampoo from the neck down and rinse completely. Then dry with a power dryer for pets and give your Samoyed a final brushing.

   • Ask your vet for a recommendation for a shampoo for your dog; some suggest using a whitening pet shampoo to enhance your Samoyed’s pristine white fur.
   • Use a washcloth to clean its face so you don’t get water in your dog’s eyes or mouth.
7. 
   7
   Check nails twice a month. Samoyed’s nails are strong and grow quickly, so they need to be trimmed regularly to avoid splitting, cracking, and overgrowth. Cut only the clear tip. The dark part that shows through the nail is a vein, and it will bleed profusely and be extremely painful for your dog if it is cut.

   • Nails are easier to clip after soaking them or after a bath.
   • If you aren’t comfortable cutting your Samoyed’s nails, ask your veterinarian or pet shop for a quick lesson.
8. 
   8
   Take care of your Samoyed’s teeth. Brushing once or twice a week with a dog-specific toothpaste, and giving your dog dental chews regularly, will help prevent tartar and plague. They will also help keep your dog’s breath fresh.

   • Ask your veterinarian to examine your Samoyed’s teeth yearly. Your vet will be able to completely remove plague and tartar and check for loose or diseased teeth.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Feeding and Exercising Your Samoyed

1. 
   1
   Feed based on age. Depending on whether your Samoyed is a puppy or an adult, they will need to eat varying amounts several times each day.

   • Samoyed puppies aged 2-3 months generally need to eat about one-half cup of kibble mixed with water three times a day.
   • Young Samoyeds are not great eaters and often have to be enticed to eat with meat juices or bacon grease added to their food.
   • Once they reach 3 months, they typically eat dry kibble only twice each day.
   • Adult Samoyeds, older than 1 year, are best fed twice a day. Typical adult Samoyeds usually eat between 2 and 3 cups of premium dog food each day.
2. 
   2
   Refrain from overfeeding your Samoyed. Your Samoyed will live a longer and happier life if they maintain a healthy weight. If you notice your dog is putting on weight, decrease the amount you’re feeding them and take them on extra walks.

   • If you do give your Samoyed table scraps, only give chicken or beef that has been removed from the bone.
3. 
   3
   Provide ample exercise for your Samoyed. This breed has a lot of energy and can become destructive if they are bored. To counter this, your Samoyed needs daily exercise, like long walks or active yard play. They are also happy to accompany you on hikes or bike rides.
4. 
   4
   Keep your Samoyed safe while outside. This breed has strong herding instincts, from their past experience herding reindeer, so they must be in a securely fenced yard if not leashed.

   • Your fence should be strong and at least 4 feet high, since Samoyeds can jump over fences.
   • Never chain your Samoyed in your yard. They can become tangled in the chain and choke to death.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Socializing and Training Your Samoyed

1. 
   1
   Make sure your Samoyed will be around people a lot. This breed is extremely social and friendly. Conversely, they can become miserable and destructive when confined alone to a backyard. Thus, it is important to give your Samoyed lots of attention.

   • Samoyeds love to be around children and are excellent companion dogs.
   • If possible, install a dog door so that your Samoyed can go out when necessary but enter to share in family activities.
2. 
   2
   Train your Samoyed at a young age. As the dog gets older, it can become more stubborn. By establishing house rules while your Samoyed is young and letting them know you are in charge, you will be able to have a smooth relationship.

   • If you don’t want your Samoyed on the bed as an adult, for example, do not allow it as a puppy.
   • A socialization class for your Samoyed puppy and you can teach you how to relate to each other and have an effective working relationship. You will learn to be a fair and consistent owner and will learn effective voice commands.
   • Your breeder or veterinarian can recommend a class, or you can look online at Websites such as that for the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.
3. 
   3
   Assert your role as the pack leader. Since Samoyeds are pack-oriented, they will look for a leader or assume that role themselves. To establish your authority, do simple things, like be sure to go through a door first when accompanied by your puppy. Or, teach your dog to wait for your signal before he starts to eat.

   • Another way to assert your role as the “alpha” dog is to make your Samoyed move out of your way when they are lying on the floor, rather than you walk around them.
   • Additionally, you can reinforce your role as the leader by not sharing your bed with your Samoyed.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Watching Out for Common Health Problems

1. 
   1
   Avoid medicines containing sulfa. Many Samoyeds have adverse reactions to medicines with sulfa. Mark your dog’s medical records with a note to avoid any drugs that contain sulfa or sulfonamides to avoid potential problems.
2. 
   2
   Look for hip dysplasia. This condition is characterized by an improper fit between the ball and socket in the hip joint, and this is one of the more common health conditions for Samoyeds. Symptoms include stiffness, lameness, or hearing a clicking sound when your Samoyed walks. If you suspect this is an issue, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a full examination.
3. 
   3
   Check your Samoyed’s eyes for signs of cataracts or glaucoma. These two eye conditions commonly plague Samoyeds, and you can look for symptoms that will necessitate a trip to the vet. Your dog’s pupils may change color from black to blue or white, and their vision will be impaired if they have cataracts. Signs of glaucoma are not as readily seen by casual observers, but sometimes the eyes will appear red if glaucoma is present.
4. 
   4
   Learn the signs of diabetes in Samoyeds. Like in humans, diabetes mellitus in Samoyeds is characterized by an inability to regulate blood sugar levels. If your dog is suffering from this condition, they may have symptoms like excessive thirst and urination and weight loss. Check with your vet if you notice these signs.
5. 
   5
   Visit your veterinarian regularly. Depending on your Samoyed’s age, you will need to receive medical attention every few weeks or every year.

   • Puppies need a lot of shots, so they will need to see the vet every 3 or 4 weeks until about 16 weeks old.
   • Spaying or neutering typically occur at around 6 months, so a vet visit will be necessary then.
   • Older dogs, aged 1 and older, typically only need yearly checkups.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How do I keep my Samoyed from shedding?

  

  Mark Garcia
  Certified Dog Trainer

  Mark Garcia is a Certified Dog Training Specialist and the Founder of Rosewood K9 based in Los Angeles, California. Mark specializes in dog training, boarding, and day care services. He uses scientifically proven methods for dog training that includes behavior and obedience training, confidence building, structured leadership, and positive puppy training.

  

  Mark Garcia

  Certified Dog Trainer

  Expert Answer

  Make sure you brush your Samoyed regularly to get rid of dead hair that's shedding.

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• Question

  Are Samoyeds aggressive?

  

  Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
  Veterinarian

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

  Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Expert Answer

  The Samoyed breed is a lover, not a fighter. But like any dog, this is hugely influenced by their early life experience and lifestyle as an adult. Samoyeds that are well-socialized as pups, and trained daily using reward-based methods, should make for a loving and reliable pet.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  Are Samoyed good family dogs?

  

  Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
  Veterinarian

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

  Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Expert Answer

  Samoyed originated as working dogs that lived in close company with their people. This means they love being with and around people, and have a well deserved reputation for being friendly. However, they can be strong willed and develop bad habits if they don't get plenty of exercise.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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