Samoo › Samoyed grooming: how to look after that coat
Samoyed grooming: how to look after that coat
The white coat is the breed's trademark, and it takes regular work. Brushing little and often prevents most of the problems.
Why the coat needs care
A Samoyed has a double coat: a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and a longer, harsher outer coat. It sheds heavily. According to the PDSA, Samoyeds need daily brushing, and their paw pad hair may need regular trimming. The coat should not be clipped all over, since this can interfere with its natural insulation.
The kit you need
- A pin brush for the outer coat.
- A slicker brush for tangles.
- An undercoat rake or a long-toothed metal comb for the dense undercoat.
- Scissors with rounded tips for paw hair.
- Nail clippers or a grinder.
- A dog shampoo and a good drying towel, and possibly a dog dryer.
Daily and weekly routine
- Daily: a short brush, 5 to 10 minutes, focusing on behind the ears, the armpits, the chest ruff and the "trousers" on the back legs, where mats form.
- Weekly: a longer session with the comb, working down to the skin, line by line. Check ears, eyes, teeth and paws.
- Every few weeks: trim excess hair between paw pads and check nails.
Brush properly
Don't just brush the top. Mats form close to the skin, and a coat that looks fine can be tangled underneath. Use the line-brushing method: part the coat, brush a small section from the skin out, then move to the next. Brush dry. Never brush a dry coat with the wrong tool in a hurry: it pulls and the dog learns to dislike it.
Shedding and moulting
Samoyeds shed all year, with heavy moults typically once or twice a year, when the undercoat comes out in handfuls. During this time brush every day and consider using a high-velocity dryer outdoors. Entire females often moult after a season or after having puppies. You can't stop shedding, but regular brushing keeps the hair on the brush rather than the sofa.
Bathing
Samoyeds' coats repel dirt well and often don't need frequent baths; every couple of months is common unless the dog gets muddy. Brush out the coat first, because water tightens mats. Use a dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Dry completely, down to the skin. A damp undercoat can cause skin problems.
Clipping and shaving
It's tempting to shave a Samoyed in summer, but the PDSA advises against clipping all over, since the coat acts as insulation against heat as well as cold. A shaved coat can grow back patchy and lose its protective texture. If the dog is too hot, offer shade, water and cool floors, and walk in the early morning or evening. If you are concerned about heat, ask your vet.
Professional groomers
The PDSA suggests a professional groomer several times a year can help. Look for a groomer with experience of double-coated breeds, who will brush and bath, and not shave. Book the first visit when the dog is young so it gets used to the table and dryer.
Teaching a puppy to enjoy grooming
Start in the first weeks, with short, happy sessions and a treat afterwards. Handle the paws, ears and mouth gently every day. A dog that accepts handling will be easier to groom, easier for the vet and safer in the long run.
Signs of a problem
- Constant scratching, red skin, or bald patches.
- A bad smell from the coat or ears.
- Matted fur that pulls on the skin.
- Sudden heavy hair loss outside a normal moult.
See a vet for any of these. For more on daily care see exercise and training, or read about health.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Speak to your vet about your own dog.