An Insight to a Samoyed’s Temperament and Behavior
The term “Happy’ is a well–suited trait for a Samoyed as the corners of its lips curl up to give the characteristic “Sammie Smile.” Known as one of the oldest breeds of dogs, a Samoyed would appear to be always smiling, and that gives it its friendly name ‘Smiling Sled Dogs’. Knowing about human behavior or trait is easier due to the extensive research and study available out there but, wouldn’t it be interesting to also understand the personality of our four–legged companion.
The first thing a dog lover is always curious to know prior to having a dog is understanding its personality in terms of “Is the dog aggressive?”, “Can a Samoyed be dangerous?”, “What is the temperament of the dog?” etc. A dog’s personality greatly impacts the environment not only at home but also in the neighborhood and in your social circle. Having a dog is obviously like having another family member, and knowing its behavior is of utmost importance. In this article, you will get more acquainted with the temperament and personality of a Samoyed. If you have a Samoyed or decide to have one soon, you have reached the right place to get your curiosity settled. Let’s dive right into understanding what makes a Samoyed a Happy Dog.
The Samoyed breed hails from north-western Siberia, also known as the sled dog. Named after the Samoyedic people, Samoyeds, or Sammies as they are affectionately called, performed a vital function of protecting their human owners generation after generation.
Due to their close interaction with humans, they have a very friendly association and thrive on human company. Samoyeds are often referred to as a ‘gentle breed’ by their owners and trainers. Samoyeds are known as people dogs and share amiability towards the members of the family.
Samoyed temperament
The temperament of a Samoyed radiates friendliness, and they are not at all aggressive or dangerous. Samoyeds live in harmony with the humans and other animals they are raised with. They are smart and social dogs with a friendly vibe, who demand love and attention.
As the Sammies are known to prefer close interaction and connection with humans, subjecting them to solitary confinement in the back yard of your house can make the Samoyed alienated, miserable, and even hostile. As the Samoyeds are known to be intelligent dogs with a touch of independence, it is best to keep them busy, as not performing any task could lead to annoying behavior like digging, jumping the fence, chewing shoes etc. Just like human behavior, it is important to note that neglecting or mistreating a Samoyed could result in dull, shy, and aggressive behavior. A fun fact is knowing that Sammies, due to their friendly disposition, are not aggressive with cats. It might be a relief for people who are multi-pet families. The aggressive behavior of a Samoyed, although rare, can surface if provoked, when they are in pain or fear of another person or animal. If aggressive behavior has been concerning you for a long time, you might want to find a dog behavior specialist to consult with.
Nobody would ever wish to have a pet who instills fear amongst friends, family, children, or strangers at the dog park. With a smile that is so heartfelt, a Samoyed would definitely be a friendly favorite in your home and neighborhood. A Samoyed would capture a special place in the heart of a toddler or an older kid as they display a high degree of affection towards kids. As they are patient, playful, and energetic, they can keep up with young children and get close to them quickly. With a toddler, a Samoyed is more gentle, and with an older kid, it is more of a playmate and a guardian who will not desert its responsibility when in danger. Samoyed adores older kids who are willing to spend time with them playing or just taking them for a walk. The Samoyed is also friendly with children outside of their families as well, demonstrating the same level of loving demeanor, which makes them a great fit as a family dog.
Independent personality
The Samoyeds have an independent personality, yet love to be around people most of the time. They are highly adored for their friendliness and would get attached to any member of the family whom they are fond of and would listen to him/her more than the rest of the members. They have an innate desire to contribute to the family and take it upon them as their role. The Samoyed has a playful temperament and would often encourage you to take part in their mischievous acts, thus making the environment filled with fun and happiness. The major reason for a Samoyed to bond and form a strong connection with its family is credited to its very friendly and playful nature. There have been funny instances when a Sammie would spill over your coffee cup if you did not engage in playful time or ignore his need for attention.
A Samoyed dog personality is more of an inquisitive, quick-witted, and mischievous one, and they vow to remain playful even after growing old. With a twinkle in their eyes and a heart-warming smile, they are attuned to people and develop a deep bond of affection with them. Samoyeds are not a breed for solitary confinement and always prefer friendliness requiring love and nurturing. Samoyeds are good at judging when you are happy, sad, whether you love or dislike them, and they will always reciprocate in the same manner. A Samoyed is not a quarrelsome dog and does not prefer conflicts but will stand firm in case of a challenge.
Why are Samoyeds so friendly?
The question ‘why are Samoyeds so friendly’ is best answered when one experiences interaction with this ‘talky’ dog who openly voices his likes and dislikes. He will also speak with his paw by putting it at you or press his cute nose softly under your arm for attention. They love shaking hands, and it is one the best signs speaking of an infinite friendliness they are filled with.
After a long tiring day at work, a Samoyed’s affection, warmth, and love will for sure wash away your worries and take you to your furry happy zone. You can also be prepared to get attention from strangers when out and about due to the Smiling Sammie’s radiating friendliness. A Samoyed is definitely a dog whose personality matches its appearance and will rarely be a disappointment.
Related questions
Do Samoyed dogs bite?
No, Samoyeds are not at all considered to be dangerous dogs and have a very low biting potential. A concern often alarming dog owners is the fear of them being dangerous or biting people. However, as it is true for all dog breeds, a Samoyed can bite if it feels threatened or trapped. It, therefore, becomes very important for Samoyed owners to understand their needs and refrain from putting them in uneasy and difficult situations. Often the top reasons for a Samoyed to bite would be protection, pain, herding instinct, or being provoked.
Do Samoyed dogs bark a lot?
The Samoyeds are known to bark a lot in a high-pitched voice which is often easily taken care of at the early training stage. Just like any dog, a Samoyed is protective of his family and would bark to alert the owners when they see somebody new to them or an unusual trespasser. Samoyeds pay close attention to their surroundings and instantly recognize if a visitor is not a part of the family. They are also known to bark when they sense that their family members are in danger. Due to their close bonding with humans, Samoyeds will also often end up barking if left alone for a longer duration of time. Samoyed changes their barking level depending on their emotional state or the message they are trying to convey.
Are Samoyed dogs loyal?
Yes, Samoyeds are known to be one of the most loyal, kind and gentle breed. They are extremely affectionate and protective of their family members and enjoy spending lots of quality time with their owners. Samoyeds also make good therapy dogs owing to their extreme friendly nature. It is said that a Samoyed can understand your emotions and would act or respond accordingly, which makes them loyal companions.
Are Samoyed dogs smart?
Yes, Samoyeds are known to be the 44th smartest dog breed out of 138 qualifying breeds based on a study conducted by Coren, a PhD, and a canine psychologist. Samoyeds are quick learners and need to be trained with the right attitude without getting bored. Early exposure of a Samoyed to different people, other dogs, sounds, experiences, etc. can ensure their social circle develops as they need early socialization. Samoyeds are known to have an intuitive and highly adaptive intelligence making them perfect smart dogs. As the Samoyeds were originally bred as multi-purpose dogs for the arctic circle, they tend to possess highly instinctive intelligence, which helps them perform different roles.
