Tanya Edwards
| USA TODAY
Taylor Swift and her new husband Travis Kelce appear to have gotten a Samoyed breed of dog, based on photos of the majestic floof leaving a flight with the pair. Understandably, people are very curious about the beautiful white dog (which some breed lovers call “land clouds”) and are considering a Sammy of their own. Before you start searching for your own to bring home, here are some things to know.
History of the Samoyed breed
One of the oldest breeds of dogs, Samoyeds can trace their history back 4,000 years. These beautiful working dogs were once assisted with herding, hunting and sled-pulling in the Arctic regions of Siberia.
“They are smart, wonderful family companions,” said Kathleen Farlow, President of the Samoyed Club of America. “These dogs enjoy pleasing their owners and are very receptive to training.”
How much exercise does a Samoyed need?
Samoyeds often remain playful, social and physically active well into adulthood, but a well-exercised adult Samoyed should still be capable of relaxing at home. The dogs activity level, like most breeds, becomes more moderate with age.
“Most healthy adult Samoyeds need at least one to two hours of physical activity each day, ideally divided across walks, play, training and opportunities to explore. The precise amount depends on age, temperament and health,” said Dr. Kathryn Dench MA VetMB MRCVS, Chief Scientific Advisor, Paw Origins.
Be mindful in warm weather, as the dog’s dense coat increases the risk of overheating.
One important note, said Dench, is that Samoyeds need more than simple ball chasing or they’ll get bored.
“Hiking, scent games, structured walks, controlled running and dog sports can provide a healthier balance of physical and mental work,” she said.
Exercise is key because they’re smart and like to stay busy, said dog trainer Chris Loverseed of Positive K9 Training,
“If they get bored, they can become annoying pretty quickly. Barking, digging, chewing, pulling, pestering people, all that sort of stuff,” he said.
Do you need to train a Samoyed?
“Training isn’t a bad idea, especially for lead walking, because if you do not teach that properly, they can very quickly become a sled dog and pull you everywhere,” said Loverseed.
That said, not every dog will need ongoing professional training, but puppy classes or early guidance from a qualified, reward-based trainer are extremely valuable.
Dench explained, “Samoyeds are strong, sociable dogs that may pull on the leash, jump enthusiastically, vocalize or become distracted by people and animals,” Dench explained.
Therefore, it’s key to work on leash walking and remaining calm around distractions while the dog is a puppy.
“A trainer is particularly helpful when an owner is inexperienced with working breeds or when behavioral concerns are already developing,” Dench added.
Does a Samoyed’s coat need a lot of care?
Yes and no, our experts said. Samoyeds will shed a lot of white hair, and require regular grooming. Expect to brush your dog thoroughly several times per week, increasing to daily grooming during periods of heavy shedding.
The brush actually needs to reach through the beautiful coat rather than simply smoothing the surface, Dench said.
“Otherwise, loose fur can become compacted close to the skin, trapping moisture and contributing to matting, irritation or infection. Particular attention should be paid behind the ears, around the collar, beneath the legs and around the hindquarters,” she said.
Who should adopt a Samoyed?
While they are loving, friendly dogs, Samoyeds might not be for everyone. They generally thrive with companionship, consistent training, substantial grooming and regular activity.
However, Dench noted, they “can also be vocal, and their size, strength and prey drive require thoughtful management.” Be sure to seek out responsible breeders who will screen breeding dogs for inherited health concerns relevant to the breed, including hip, eye and cardiac conditions.
Those looking for a responsible breeder can find them on Samoyed Club of America.
For the right family, a Samoyed can be an affectionate, comical and deeply engaging companion. That said, Dench advised, “for the owner who dislikes grooming, shedding, training or daily exercise, that spectacular white coat may arrive with considerably more responsibility than expected.”