Are you considering adding a Samoyed German Shepherd mix to your family? If so, there are some things you should know first.
This article will provide you with information on the temperament, size and health of this particular crossbreed. So, read on to learn more before making your decision.
Breeding History
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a relatively new crossbreed, only coming into existence within the last few decades. However, both of the parent breeds have long and rich histories.
The Samoyed is an ancient breed that was developed by the indigenous people of Siberia. These people were known as the Samoyeds, hence the dog’s name.
The Samoyed was originally bred as a working dog and was used for a variety of tasks including herding reindeer, pulling sleds, and hunting.
The German Shepherd, on the other hand, is a much newer breed. The German Shepherd was developed in Germany in the late 1800s for the purpose of being a working dog.
They were originally used as herding dogs, but soon became popular police and military dogs due to their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability.
Samoyed German Shepherd Mix – Key Characteristics
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a cross between two of the most popular and iconic dog breeds in the world.
The Samoyed is known for its thick, white coat and friendly disposition, while the German Shepherd dog is prized for its loyalty, intelligence, and courage.
Designer breeders have combined these two breeds to create a hybrid that inherits the best qualities of both parents.
We explore the individual characteristics of these mixed breed dogs below:
Appearance
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a large and imposing dog. Their physical traits are impressive, which include a strong, muscular build.
Males stand around 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder and females 22-24 inches. They typically weigh between 65-95 pounds.
Their physical appearance is quite impressive. They have erect ears, almond-shaped eyes, and a long, curved tail that is often carried over the back.
Coat Type
As mentioned, the Samoyed German Shepherd mix has a thick, double healthy coat. The outer coat is dense and long, while the undercoat is soft and downy.
This coat provides them with excellent protection against cold weather conditions.
Coat grooming is important, and their double coats need regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles from forming.
They should also be trimmed regularly to keep their canine coats looking neat and tidy. They are moderate shedders and will shed more heavily during the spring and fall.
Coat Color
Their double coat is typically cream or white color, although some have a mix of colors including light brown or black markings.
Females usually have a denser and fluffier coat, whereas males have a sleeker and less dense coat.
Temperament
The personality traits of the Samoyed German Shepherd mix can vary depending on which parent breed they take after most.
However, in general, they are friendly, loyal, and intelligent dogs.
They make great family pets and will do well in homes with children and other pets. They are eager to please their owners and are quick learners, making them easy to train.
They generally need plenty of attention and exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Are they Good with Other Dogs?
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix generally gets along well with other dogs and animals.
However, early socialization is important to ensure that they grow up to be well-rounded adults.
Due to their size, they typically get along better with larger dogs.
However, they can also get along with smaller breeds as long as they are properly introduced and socialized from an early age.
Are they Good with Children?
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a great choice for families with children.
They are patient, have a gentle nature, and are loving dogs that enjoy being around people.
However, due to their size, they should be supervised around very young children.
They may accidentally knock them over or play too roughly. Other than that, they make excellent playmates for kids of all ages.
Samoyed German Shepherd Mix – Other Key Factors
Intelligence Levels
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix is an intelligent breed of dog that is easy to train. They inherit this trait from their German Shepherd parent.
They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and petting.
Their intelligence level is likened to that of a 2-year-old child. They understand up to 250 words and can follow simple commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and heel.
Training Needs of a The Samoyed German Shepherd mix
If you are thinking of getting a Samoyed German Shepherd mix, it is important to know what type of training your new dog will need.
This breed is a mix of two herding dogs, so they have a natural instinct to herd.
They are also very intelligent and easily trainable.
Obedience Training
Basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down should be taught to your Samoyed German Shepherd mix. Positive reinforcement and the use of treats and praise should be an ongoing part of this training.
You will also want to socialize them early on so they are comfortable around people and other animals. This will also help them develop a calm and friendly nature.
Failure to provide basic training and socialization can result in destructive behavior, including unnecessary chewing and aggression towards others.
Training this breed can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog.
Exercise Needs
Due to being a high-energy breed, the Samoyed German Shepherd mix needs regular daily exercise.
Daily walks or runs are a great way to get them the physical activity they need.
It’s also healthy to provide them with some intense exercise every so often, but only after they are 12 months of age or older.
This is because their joints are still developing and any intense physical exercise too early may be harmful to their growth and development.
If you have a backyard, letting them play fetch or chase after a ball is also a great way to tire them out.
Mental Stimulation
Along with plenty of exercise, they also need mental stimulation including brain exercise.
Their attention span should be managed in a productive way. This may involve games of hide and seek, puzzles, or other activities where they need to solve problems.
As they are high-energy dogs, failure to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation may result in destructive behavior.
This could include aggressive behavior and a digging tendency which can become a real problem.
Leaving your dog alone for long periods of time will also likely result in the above issues.
This breed is not suitable for living in an apartment as they need ample space to run around and burn off their energy.
Nutrition
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a large breed of dog that needs high-quality dog food to maintain their health.
They should be fed a dry quality kibble that is specifically designed for large breeds.
This type of food will provide them with the nutrients they need including protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
It’s important to avoid overfeeding them as this can lead to obesity which can put unnecessary stress on their joints and internal organs.
This includes limiting the amount of treats they are fed.
Table scraps should be avoided, along with other cheap foods that do not contribute to their main dietary requirements.
This will also avoid any unnecessary weight gain.
Feeding them two to three times per day is typically sufficient to maintain a healthy weight while ensuring they live a healthy life.
Grooming & Shedding
Shedding is a common trait in the Shepherd Samoyed mix due to their double coat.
As one of the more popular long-haired breeds, they will require daily brushing to avoid mats and tangles whilst taking care of loose hairs.
They should also be given a bath every few weeks to keep their coat clean and healthy.
It’s important to use a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically designed for dogs as human products can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat.
After their bath, it’s also important to thoroughly dry their coat to avoid any skin irritation.
Their nails will also need to be trimmed on a regular basis to avoid overgrowth. This is typically done every few weeks but may need to be done more frequently depending on the rate of growth.
If you’re not comfortable trimming their nails yourself, you can always take them to a groomer or vet to have this done.
Their ears should also be checked regularly for any sign of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
Overall, the Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. However, these requirements are necessary to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Drooling
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix is not a breed that is known for drooling. However, this doesn’t mean that they can’t or won’t drool on occasion.
Any time they are panting heavily or have been drinking a lot of water, there is potential for drooling.
This is especially true if they are excited or nervous as this can trigger an increase in saliva production.
Barking
Barking is a common trait in the Samoyed German Shepherd mix.
As with any dog, they will bark for a variety of reasons including to alert you to something, to show excitement, or to release excess energy. They may also bark as an extension of their protective instincts.
While it’s normal for them to bark on occasion, excessive barking can be a problem.
This is often due to boredom or lack of exercise. If they are not given enough to do, they will often turn to barking as a way to release energy and relieve boredom.
If their barking level is becoming a problem, it’s important to provide them with more mental and physical stimulation.
This could include increased exercise, interactive toys, and training. Active families should never have a problem in this area, if they include their dog in regular family activities.
Adaptability to Weather
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a breed that does well in colder weather thanks to their thick coat. They are able to withstand cold temperatures much better than breeds with thinner coats.
However, they are not immune to cold climates and should never be left outside for extended periods of time in freezing weather.
They should always have access to a warm, dry shelter to retreat to when necessary.
While they prefer cooler weather, they can also do well in warmer climates as long as they have access to shade and plenty of water.
It’s important to never leave them in a car or outdoors for extended periods of time in hot weather as this can lead to heat stroke.
Overall, the Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a fairly adaptable breed that does well in a variety of climates. Just be sure to take precautions in extreme weather conditions.
Health Issues
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a generally healthy breed of dog. However, like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain health conditions.
Some of the most common genetic health conditions seen in the Samoyed German Shepherd mix include the following:
- elbow and hip dysplasia (joint issues)
- heart disease,
- allergies,
- thyroid dysfunction
- retinal atrophy
- eye health issue
Preventative care, such as regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet, can help to reduce the risk of these health concerns.
It’s also important to only purchase your dog from a reputable breeder to help ensure that they are as healthy as possible.
A good breeder will be able to provide you with health clearances for the parents of your puppy.
These clearances show that the parents have been tested for common health and genetic conditions and found to be clear of them.
Life Expectancy
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix has an average life span of 10-12 years. This is a relatively long life span for a mixed breed dog and is due, in part, to their healthy genetics.
Of course, there are many factors that can affect a dog’s life expectancy including diet, exercise, and overall health.
Puppy Prices
The Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a popular breed of dog and, as such, their puppies can be on the pricier side.
Prices will vary depending on the breeder, the parent’s pedigree, and whether or not the puppy has been spayed or neutered.
However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2000 for a Samoyed German Shepherd mix puppy.
While this may seem like a lot of money, it’s important to remember that this is a lifetime investment for these lovely family dogs.
The cost of food, vet bills, training, and other expenses should also be taken into consideration.
When looking for a Samoyed German Shepherd mix puppy, be sure to do your research and only purchase from a reputable breeder.
