Samoo › Finding a Samoyed: breeders, rescue and costs
Finding a Samoyed: breeders, rescue and costs
Where your dog comes from matters for its health and behaviour. This page helps you choose well and budget honestly.
Responsible breeders
A good breeder cares about the dogs, not the sale. Signs of a responsible breeder include:
- You can meet the puppies with their mother, in the home where they were born.
- They show health test results for both parents (see Samoyed health).
- They breed few litters and know the breed well.
- They ask you questions about your home, your time and your experience.
- They give written advice, a contract and ongoing support, and will take the dog back if you can no longer keep it.
- Puppies are at least eight weeks old before they leave, and are microchipped.
The Kennel Club runs an Assured Breeder scheme and publishes advice on buying a puppy. Check its website for the current requirements; being on a scheme is a useful sign but not a guarantee, so still ask questions and see the dogs.
Red flags
- Puppies offered without seeing the mother, or delivered to you.
- Several breeds for sale, or constant availability.
- Pressure to pay a deposit quickly.
- No health test papers, or excuses.
- Very cheap puppies, or very expensive ones with no explanation.
Puppy farms and illegal imports cause real suffering. If something feels wrong, walk away and report concerns to your local authority or the RSPCA.
Rescue and rehoming
Samoyeds do end up in rescue, often because owners underestimated the exercise, grooming or noise. Adult dogs may come already house-trained, with known characters. Look for breed-specific rescues and national welfare charities, and ask about their homing checks. Be honest about your home and experience. A good rescue will match you with a suitable dog, and may offer support afterwards.
What does a Samoyed cost?
Costs vary widely by region and by breeder, and prices change, so check local listings and quotes before you commit. The PDSA estimates the following for the breed:
- A minimum of about £80 a month after purchase and setup.
- Up to about £13,000 over the dog's lifetime.
These are PDSA estimates and your costs may be higher, particularly for a large, heavily coated breed. They include food, preventive healthcare, vet bills or insurance, and accessories.
The cost list
- Setup: vaccinations, microchipping, neutering (usually around six months, according to the PDSA), bed, crate, lead, bowls, brushes and toys.
- Ongoing: food, insurance or vet fund, flea and worm treatments, replacement equipment.
- Grooming: brushes and combs at home, and a professional groomer several times a year if you use one.
- Other: training classes, boarding, dog walkers or day care if you work.
The purchase price
We do not quote a puppy price because it changes and varies. Look at several breeders and be wary of anything much cheaper than the rest. A low price often hides missing health tests or poor conditions. A high price does not guarantee quality, either. Judge by the checks above.
Before you commit, ask yourself
- Can I give two hours of exercise a day for 10 years or more?
- Is someone home for most of the day?
- Can I cope with the hair, the noise and the grooming?
- Can I pay for vet bills and insurance?
- Am I prepared for training that takes patience?
If yes, a Samoyed can be a fantastic companion. See the overview or learn about training a puppy.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. Speak to your vet about your own dog.