Samoyed Temperament

The Samoyed is a fine example of an ancient working dog. His eye-arresting beauty and gentle, companionable nature, coupled with his unusual intelligence, demand the love and loyalty of his owner, which he will return a hundred-fold.

Samoyeds are active dogs. They are inquisitive, quick-witted, and mischievous, remaining playful through old age. With a twinkle in their dark, intelligent eyes and their ever present “Samoyed smile,” they are quick to engage with people and other dogs.

Samoyeds are not a breed suitable for solitary confinement in the back yard. Left without personal attention and canine companionship, a Samoyed is likely to become a miserable, destructive problem dog. With love and nurturing, he will enrich his owners’ lives.

PERSONALITY

By nature the Samoyed is not a quarrelsome dog though he will stand his ground for what he feels are his rights. Being an all purpose dog he will easily adapt himself to any circumstances or environment and when brought up with children, they will be his favorites as he excels as a playmate and guardian who will not desert his charges when they are in danger. Despite understood breed traits, it’s important to note that each Samoyed is an individual, and personalities will vary, even within a single litter.

Personalities are also changed with circumstances and environment. The happy, outgoing puppy can end up dull, shy or aggressive through neglect or mistreatment during his first year. Lack of harmony in the home will upset him. He should be taken for short drives as early as eight to ten weeks, meet strangers and adjust to strange surroundings as well as other dogs when he is three months and older. Care must be taken that he is always treated kindly. Never allow an aggressive animal near him until he is old enough to accept such a challenge and protect himself. He must not be deprived of human relationship which he needs. Never tie him outdoors alone. This will change his personality as he was born to be free. A fenced-in yard is a must where he can get his exercise, feel the freedom of open area, yet be protected from death by a car. He will want to herd the neighbor’s cat, rabbits, squirrels or explore the area, as much as ten miles of it.

He has a keen sense of knowing when you are happy, sad, who really loves him, just tolerates him, dislikes him and he will return his love accordingly. He thrives and his personality abounds with love and companionship in being part of the family, in the car as well as at home.

He is a “talky” dog and with encouragement will voice his pleasures and his dislikes. Some enjoy jokes and ham it up when laughed at while others resent it. He will speak with his paw or nose. Many an owner can tell how a cup of coffee was almost bounced from their hands when they ignored his demand to be let outdoors. That nose will also be pressed softly under your arm for attention, pressure added when the first hints for recognition are ignored. They are naturals to “shake hands” as they are quick to offer a paw in friendliness, even when a small puppy. They use their feet cleverly to open doors or draw nearby objects closer to them.