Did you know that Samoyeds are among the oldest dog breeds in the world? In fact, studies have shown that there are only 14 ancient breeds that are genetically close to wolves, and the ever-gorgeous Samoyeds are one of them.
Samoyeds came from Asia, and the Siberian Samoyede people bred them to be strong dogs that could pull sleds, herd sheep, and hunt. Nowadays, these dogs from the Spitz family are valued not for their use but for their aesthetically pleasing appearance and their adorable, friendly temperament.
A fun fact about Samoyeds is that they also have one of the most mispronounced dog names in the world. Samoyeds are actually pronounced “SAM-my-ED” but most people use “Sam-MOY-ed” instead.
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One-Time Costs of Samoyed Ownership
Samoyeds are considered one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world today. But regardless of their outstanding price, a lot of people seem to gravitate toward buying them.
- Actual Samoyed Purchase Price
The one-time costs of owning a Samoyed primarily revolve around the actual price of the dog when you buy it.
Samoyeds are known for their adorable smiles, which may be their own way of compensating for the insane amounts it would cost to buy them. As one of the most expensive dog breeds, Samoyeds typically cost around $2000 to $5000.
However, there are also a few factors that may influence the Samoyed price, which will be discussed in the sections below.
- Shipping & Transport Cost
If your pet has to be shipped from a different location or state, some breeders such as Pet Van Lines would ask for an additional $100 for the shipping fee. However, this would have to depend on your own location and the distance that the dog will travel to get to you.
Some breeders will have shipping costs free of charge but when this happens, it is likely that they have already adjusted the Samoyed’s price to include shipping without you knowing.
- Registration Cost
If you want your Samoyed registered with American Kennel Club, you may have to pay an additional $34.99 for the paperwork.
Most reputable breeders would lay down this option on the table even before you ask. However, when this does not happen, you can try to ask the breeder directly about registering your Samoyed.
- Shelter Cost
Once you have your Samoyed, you should invest in a quality dog crate or kennel for your pet to use whenever it misbehaves or until it has become accustomed to the rules of your house.
It’s also a great way to transport your furry companion. Dog crates or kennels range from $19 to $322 depending on the brand, size, and quality.
Furthermore, your dog would need its own den, a place of solitude where it can return to after a tiring day, which is why you should also buy a dog house that would serve this purpose. Dog houses typically cost between $89.99 and $274.99.
- Dog Training
Training can be quite costly but Samoyeds can become quite stubborn without it. Prices for dog training would depend on the type of training you wish your dog to have, either in a group setting or privately done.
This usually costs from $150 to $295 for basic group training and up to $1,200 for private training.
Recurring Costs of Samoyed Ownership
Samoyeds are very high maintenance. In fact, the actual cost to purchase a Samoyed breed would only seem like an installment compared to how much you would be spending on the dog in the long run.
Food, grooming, and medical expenses make up the bulk of the overall expenses of owning a Samoyed dog.
- Food Expenses
While Samoyeds could consume a variety of food, it is recommended that they are fed with high-grade dog food in order to meet their nutritional needs. In the long run, this can become expensive as high-grade dog food doesn’t come cheap.
Finding high-grade dog foods aren’t too hard as local supermarkets and online stores sell them. These types of foods can cost from $36 to $71 while those from a common variety are priced around $2 to $17.99.
- Accessories
While some dog accessories can be considered as one-time expenses, there are those that, due to the constant use, become subject to wear and tear such as collars, leashes, and toys. This means that you would need to replace these accessories a number of times throughout your time with the Samoyed.
Dog collars cost around $9.99 to $27.99 while leashes cost somewhere around $10 and below to over $30. Electronic collars can cost over a hundred dollars.
While it’s hard to give an estimate on dog toy prices, they don’t actually cost that much; most of which are priced only below $10.
- Grooming Costs
Part of owning and raising a Samoyed breed dog is keeping it well-groomed at all times. Samoyeds are valued for their gorgeous thick white fur and when neglected, can easily become matted and dirty.
Grooming can cost around $100 every few weeks if you would want to keep your dog looking great.
Typical grooming costs would include bath and blow-dry, brushing, haircut, ear cleaning, nail trimming, de-shedding, teeth brushing, and anal gland expression. Some pet grooming services like Grooming Angel Pet Salon have standard prices for different dog breeds ranging from $55 to $85, although, some features may be excluded.
- Medical Expenses
In order to keep your dog at optimum health, you would need to make regular visits to the vet.
Early detection and preventive care is the key to sustaining good health for your dog and to achieve this, a vet must conduct regular physical examinations which may cost around $54 to $63. Vaccinations, on the other hand, can help your dog become immune to a number of diseases. These may cost $20 for each vaccination.
You must also satisfy your dog’s dental needs and an annual teeth cleaning may cost around $320.
- Insurance
Now, this is optional. But since Samoyeds are expensive dogs to have, it would definitely do you good to get insurance for your pet in case something unfortunate happens. Insurance plans can cost around $25.25 to $72.32.
What You Should Expect
- Any reputable breeder would have you sign a contract before you can buy your own Samoyed in order to protect the dog in the case that something bad happens to you or when you don’t want to take care of it anymore.
- Breeders would also interview you and ask questions regarding your experience with owning dogs, how busy your schedule is and your living conditions. Again, this is done in order to protect the dog.
- The following may or may not be included: AKC registration, a microchip, or spay and neutering.
- Samoyeds could either be white, cream, light brown or somewhere in between these shades.
- Samoyeds are big dogs. Males could stand from 21 to 24 inches while females can reach 19 to 21 inches.
- These stunning dogs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years which means that you’ll have plenty of time to grow and live with them.
Factors Affecting the Price of Samoyeds
- Certified Dog Breeders
There is a big difference between buying from puppy mills and certified dog breeders. With the latter, you are guaranteed to receive a top-breed dog because dog breeders follow a strict breeding program to ensure that their Samoyeds are less likely to have health issues.
Furthermore, going for a certified dog breeder can help stop puppy mills and their often inhumane treatment of the dogs they breed.
Dogs from certified breeders are more expensive because they can show bloodline certifications as well as the family history of the Samoyeds they are selling.
- Age
Age affects the price of Samoyed dogs wherein puppies are given a higher value than older ones.
You can definitely save more if you buy an older dog. However, this also means that you’ll be missing out on the dog’s puppy years which can also affect their level of loyalty towards you.
- Gender
While Samoyed females are valued more for their ability to reproduce, a top-breed male that has been proven able to produce quality offspring can be given twice the value.
As far as gender goes, it all comes down to breeding capabilities. Any male or female that has potential to breed will be valued higher for this characteristic alone.
- Bloodline
A dog that came from a champion bloodline will be given a higher price as they are likely to exhibit desirable qualities and greater potential to become a show-dog.
If you don’t care about showing off your dog, then you may be able to save more money by disregarding this factor.
Where To Buy Samoyed Breed Dogs
If you cannot find the right Samoyed for you at traditional pet stores, the best place to turn to would have to be the Internet.
Right now, there are several breeders that offer great quality Samoyed dogs online and you need only type a keyword to search for them. But once you have found a breeder that you think you can trust, it would be better to go with those that are affiliated with the American Kennel Club just like Lancaster Puppies that offer AKC-registered Samoyed puppies.
Adoption as an Alternative Option
If you wish to acquire a Samoyed dog but at a more cost-effective way, then adoption is definitely for you.
While a lot of breeders take certain precautionary measures to protect the dogs that they sell from being abandoned, there are times when such cases become inevitable especially when an owner dies, gets divorced, and other unfortunate circumstances.
But when this happens, there are some Samoyed dogs that are given another chance at finding a loving owner through the process of adoption.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find Samoyeds in your local shelter, pound, or rescue group. If not, you can always use the internet to search for Samoyed dogs that you can adopt. There are numerous organizations online like AdoptAPet.com that help interested dog lovers find a pooch to love.
Tips on Taking Care of Samoyed Dogs
- Treat your Samoyed as part of your family. This is because Samoyeds are affectionate and deeply loyal creatures that often form a tight bond with its owner.
- Do not leave your Samoyed alone too often because these dogs tend to develop separation anxiety. If you leave them alone too much, your neglect may cause the Samoyed to become depressed and destructive.
- Always have your Samoyed engage in physical activities in order to keep it busy. Doing this can prevent your dog from developing undesirable characteristics and behavior.
- Remember that Samoyeds were originally bred for sledding, herding, and hunting which means that they are highly active dogs. Letting your dog play around the backyard for a few minutes and walking it just down the road wouldn’t be enough to satisfy its physical requirements.
- Regularly taking your Samoyed outside can help prevent bad habits such as chewing, chasing, biting and wandering.
- While Samoyeds are highly-socialized creatures, it would be best to be on the lookout whenever they are near kids in order to prevent them from knocking or tripping children.
- Their thick fur makes Samoyeds sensitive to heat so it would be best not to let them out too much under direct sunlight.
- Samoyeds are known for their endearing smiles which would further be enhanced when you keep them well groomed and healthy.
- Puppies need at least four meals a day while those who reach beyond the age of 1 can be satisfied with a single big meal per day or two smaller meals.
- Do not feed your dog chocolates or other caffeinated substances, alcohol, grapes, onions, garlics, salty foods, dough, animal bones and spoiled food.
The Bottom Line
Because of their size and playful behavior, it takes a lot to take care of Samoyed dogs. Money isn’t the only thing you need to prepare when you decide to purchase a Samoyed breed dog, you would also need to give a lot of time and energy.
They can be exhausting to have but in time, they’ll become loyal companions and their loyalty knows no bounds. You only need to show them love and on a few rare occasions, your iron hand, and they’ll treat you like family.
Samoyeds are beautiful dogs and despite the exaggeration in their price, you’ll come to realize that they are worth more than any amount you can give.
