| Height | 21-23.5 inches (male), 19-21 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 45-65 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Gentle / Adaptable [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Siberia [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 55 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Samoyeds enjoy being with their people and participating in family activities. They need some daily exercise and enjoy play sessions with their owner in a safely fenced yard or long walks on leash. The breed has a strong urge to run away and roam, and if loose a Sammie might travel for miles, putting himself at risk. [1]
Grooming
The Samoyed has a profuse double coat, with a longer outer coat of harsh hair and a soft, thick, wooly undercoat. Samoyeds shed quite a bit all the time, even more so during shedding season, which can occur once or twice a year. Daily brushing will help to remove dirt and loose hairs and keep the dog looking his best. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Samoyeds are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders test their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye and cardiac disorders. The Samoyed's teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog a long, healthy life. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Retinal Dysplasia/Oculoskeletal Dysplasia 2 (RD/OSD, OSD2) - DNA Test, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, X-Linked1 (XLPRA1) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Samoyed in 1906. [1]
- It ranked No. 55 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 61 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Sammy, Sam, The Smiling Dog.” [1]
- The AKC lists Siberia as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 5 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 5/5
Common questions
How long do Samoyeds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a Samoyed get?
AKC breed information lists height 21-23.5 inches (male), 19-21 inches (female) and weight 45-65 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Samoyed?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Samoyed, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.