German Shepherd Samoyed Mix-Physical Look, Lifespan and Temperament

As a rather rare mix to find, the german shepherd samoyed mix is to be prized for its friendliness, intelligence and loveliness as a furry companion in the household.

If you are an outdoors person who appreciates the fluffy white appearance of samoyeds (and can put up with their excessive shedding) with a unique appearance, then this mixed breed may be the perfect dog for you!

Read on to learn essential information about this dog from its physical characteristics to its traits and dietary needs.

Physical Characteristics (Size and Physical Look)

The best way to determine a dog’s size, concerning weight and height, especially when it’s concerning a mix, is to look at both of the parents.

A German Shepherd Samoyed mix will have roughly the same size of either breed, which is quite large since the parents are so similar in size. Their dimensions, which can range anywhere from up to 24 inches in height; can also be from 45lbs up to being somewhere underneath 88 lbs in weight.

Appearances, however, will vary with the individual dog: most mixes will likely have a thick, dense coating of white fur with the german shepherd’s black fur appearing in patches, and having either a face that’s partially samoyed or mostly german shepherd.

Lifespan

A german shepard has a lifespan from 9 to 13 years, while the samoyed has a lifespan of around 12 to 13 years. You can expect a mixed breed such as a german shepherd samoyed to live around 13 years or longer since mixed breeds often are expected to live longer.

Grooming Needs

Since both parent breeds shed a lot (especially the samoyed), you can expect the mixed pup to inherit much of its parents’ need for intense shedding and requirement by its owners to groom.

While you cannot stop a dog from shedding, you can somewhat mitigate the quantity of fur it blows around your house by lowering the temperature or making sure the climate you live in with your pet is not as hot as its fur would allow.

Expect to be brushing your pet daily, not just weekly. Not considering the times when the coat has been stained by urine or caked in mud and dirt, your pet will need a bath every other month to keep its cleanliness and shine (did you know it can be burnt by the sun?).

For dental hygiene, provide rawhide bones and certain chewing toys which are sold to keep the teeth clean, and brush their teeth with toothpaste using a gentle toothbrush to remove discoloration and foul breath.

Every two-three weeks trim their nails, as well as the hair from their foot pads. This is important because long hair near the feet can cause the dog to lose traction when they’re in motion, leading to possible accidents or even injury.

Temperament

Just as the rule of thumb states for most features of mixed breeds, the best method to determine a puppy’s temperament as it grows older is to look at its parents. Just like the appearance of this mixed breed, he will be as unique in personality as he is in looks.

As mentioned in this article, the mix may inherit some protective elements from its German shepherd half. However, most German shepherd samoyeds have friendly, enthusiastic temperaments, which are enforced from their samoyed half.

As a mix, it has also inherited great intelligence from both its breed’s parents.

You can expect all the playfulness and activeness of the german shepherd along with the familiar samoyed tongue-wagging smile and furry hug upon being welcomed at home, while being equally recipient of strangers who visit the house.

Many owners of the mix report that the german shepherd samoyed mix requires a lot of affection, meaning you provide it with the same dignity and respect to its german shepherd half as well as attention and loving play to its samoyed half.

Both dogs exhibit anxiety if left alone for periods of time, so it makes sense that the mixed offspring would crave attention and the presence of their owners, and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time.

Exercise Needs

Make no mistake, this is a very active breed, having descended from two highly active parent breeds. It’s definitely not the right pet for those expecting a snoozing fat cat or a languid lap dog, as it will demand daily walks and activity to keep its chewing and restless tendencies in check.

Owners who neglect exercising their pet will quickly bear witness to the consequences in just a day, as a pent-up samoyed shepherd mix will chew up shoes, furniture and any object they can fit their jaw in, much to the chagrin of their owners.

Also, because of the samoyed half of the dog, your mixed pet may develop into a nuisance barker from being left alone, which is its way of communicating to you to “pay attention to me!”

If you are unable to take the dog out on daily walks, keeping them in a large backyard with toys/obstacles that allow them a wide range of movement and activities can help work the uneasiness out of them.

Ultimately, you want your pet to thoroughly enjoy itself, if not tire itself off. Truly, the old adage a good dog is a tired one remains true here, as it will decrease the chances of it carrying inappropriate behavior indoors for the rest of the day.

Health Risks

There are no additional health risks that the german shepherd samoyed mix has in comparison to other breeds, as it is susceptible to the same health risks as any other dog.

However, all mixed breeds have a higher disease tolerance and resistance due to genetic diversity. Always check with your breeder in regards to your pet’s lineage for any hereditary diseases.

When in doubt, never hesitate to take your pet to the vet. Doing so can save its life, and it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Feeding

The diet of a german shepherd samoyed mix should not differ from that of a regular dog of its size. This means that it should be eating high-quality protein foods either raw or in instant doggy packages, or with sweet potato and other starches mixed in to provide micronutrients.

Occasionally you can reward it with treats or raw, meaty bones to chew on (which kill two birds with one stone, as they clean their teeth as well as give them something to chew on). Avoid seafood, as your pet should avoid fish or shrimp for their fattiness (salmon being the exception).

Cooked meat is recommended, if you aren’t okay with using raw meat. Meat can be cooked by either baking or boiling with no seasoning whatsoever.

The quantity of food will be roughly around 15-30 pounds of food per month for a fully grown adult. Adults will eat naturally twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Are German Shepherd Samoyed Mixes Protective?

Since the German Shepherd is known for its protectiveness, this trait can easily be seen in the german shepherd samoyed mix.

However, because of the samoyed’s overwhelming friendliness, you can expect this intense guard-like personality to be possibly diluted. Again, it’s virtually impossible to predict the temperament of the individual mixed breed grown up, unless one looks at their parents.

How Much Does a German Shepherd Samoyed Mix Cost?

German Shepherd Samoyeds are a rather unique mix and can be quite hard to find. Thus, they can cost anywhere from the lowest a german shepherd puppy to the most expensive of samoyed purebreds.

Always attempt to adopt from shelters, rather than from pet stores as they often carry dogs from puppy mills which treat their dogs unethically and remove them from their mothers at a young age.

Is a German Shepherd Samoyed Mix Right for Me?

Are you looking for a predominantly-white furred dog with the dignity and guard-like personality of a german shepard but with the happy, carefree attitude and friendliness of a samoyed? Before you say yes to this mix, consider the following:

• Are you an outdoors, physically active person?
• Do you live in a colder climate, and if not- do you not mind constant shedding and grooming on a daily basis?
• Do you have a strong will (in case your pet challenges your authority)?
• Do you spend enough time at home to prevent your dog from feeling bored or lonely?

If you answered yes to all these questions, then this mix may be the perfect pet for you.

Best Climate for a German Shepherd Samoyed Mix

Since both parent breeds are known to shed profusely, and given the samoyed’s colder, northern origin, a colder climate that’s closer to the north pole if the best climate to be raising this mixed breed in.

If you can’t emulate the cold weather that a samoyed prefers, you can lower the house temperature using AC or compensate by providing top quality grooming for your pet daily.

The Attention a German Shepherd Samoyed Mix Needs

If you are asking “how many,” the short answer is: a lot! As for the kind of attention, you’re going to need provide a variety of affectionate hugs, praise and encouragement, as well as sternness when your pet does something undesirable.

One of the easiest ways to give your pet the attention it needs is to enjoy a walk or outside activity together. Playing with your dog can maximize bonding as well as making sure it gets energy out of its system so that it can be relaxed and content indoors afterwards.

Depending on the individual dog, as well as the temperament of its parents, your pooch may attempt to dominate you at times, trying to assert its authority instead. This is when you need to take charge, from a firm “no” to even squirting water.

Compatibility with Kids

Given proper socialization of both parents, the mixed offspring should have no problem with kids, as german shepherds are known to be good with kids due to their gentle patience and samoyeds are already quite friendly.

Compatibility with Other Animals

Both german shepherds and samoyeds are reported to be good with other dogs and pets in the family, provided that they have grown up with them and have been properly socialized.

Socializing is the process of introducing a pup to the rules of doggy etiquette, where they learn what is appropriate doggy behavior and what is out of bounds. From youth they learn the proper ways to express play and frustration, and if denied this opportunity they can become estranged from the pack.

If your german shepherd samoyed mix is barking and displaying more hostile behavior to not just your neighborhood dogs but your family pets, this can be one of the possible reasons for it doing so. It’s never too late to send your pooch to the trainer for it to be properly trained and socialized.

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