# Samoyed (*Canis lupus familiaris*) Samoyeds are fluffy, friendly dogs known for their big smiles! They love to play and are great with families. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Also known as:** Sammy ![Samoyed](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424231/objects/4432.jpg) ## Appearance The Samoyed is a medium-sized dog known for its beautiful, thick, pure white or biscuit-colored double coat. It has a distinctive 'Sammy smile' created by upturned corners of its mouth and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Its fluffy tail curls gracefully over its back, often touching its spine. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - Samoyed fur is so insulating, it can be spun into yarn and woven like wool! - Samoyeds accompanied explorers on historic expeditions to both the North and South Poles. - Their distinctive 'Sammy smile' actually helps prevent icicles from forming on their muzzle in extreme cold. - They don't have a strong 'dog smell' like many other breeds, making them unique! ## Special abilities - **Blizzard Shield:** Samoyed has a thick, double-layered coat that helps them survive freezing arctic temperatures as low as -60°C. - **Snow Runner:** Samoyed can pull heavy sleds for long distances because of their powerful build and incredible stamina in deep snow. - **Reindeer Wrangler:** Samoyed can herd reindeer by circling and guiding them, an instinct vital for their original nomadic owners. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 48-60 cm - **Weight:** 17-30 kg - **Lifespan:** 12-14 years - **Speed:** 25 km/h - **Litter Size:** 4-9 - **Gestation:** 60-65 days ## Diet & Feeding Samoyeds are omnivores, enjoying a mix of kibble, cooked meat, and occasional vegetables. - **Age differences:** Puppies need more frequent, nutrient-dense meals for growth, while adults eat less often. - **Primary Foods:** dog kibble, cooked meat, fish, vegetables, berries - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Symbiotic with:** Reindeer (*Rangifer tarandus*) — Samoyeds historically herded and protected reindeer for nomadic tribes in Siberia. - **Symbiotic with:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Samoyeds have a long history of working closely with humans, providing warmth and companionship. - **Hunts:** [Common Vole](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-vole) (*Microtus arvalis*) — Historically, Samoyeds might hunt small rodents like voles if they encountered them in the wild. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always be gentle and kind when playing with dogs, and ask an adult for help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Samoyed? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Samoyed? 48-60 cm ### How much does Samoyed weigh? 17-30 kg ### How long does Samoyed live? 12-14 years ### How fast can Samoyed move? 25 km/h ### What does Samoyed eat? Samoyeds are omnivores, enjoying a mix of kibble, cooked meat, and occasional vegetables. ### How does Samoyed hunt? Foraging ### How many babies does Samoyed usually have? 4-9 ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Samoyed: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/samoyed)