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Samoyed German Shepherd Mix: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

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Height: 16–24 inches
Weight: 40–80 pounds
Lifespan: 12–14 years
Colors: White, brown, black, grey, tan
Suitable for: Active families, experienced owners, active singles or couples
Temperament: Loyal, loving, intelligent, friendly, protective, trainable, social

What do you end up with when you mix two of the best purebred dog breeds around? Well, it will be a very fluffy surprise! A Samoyed German Shepherd Mix is a large and extremely loving hybrid pooch with loads of energy to spare. Smart as a whip, loyal to a fault, and the perfect pup for most active families, this pet is sure to please!

But before you run out and scoop up an adorable Samoyed German Shepherd Mix puppy, it’s important to fully educate yourself on this dog’s unique care needs. Thankfully, we’ve done the hard part for you and created this comprehensive guide on caring for your new canine companion.

Here is your complete guide to buying, owning, and caring for a Samoyed German Shepherd Mix.

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Samoyed German Shepherd Mix Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

One of the most important things to keep in mind before buying or adopting a Samoyed German Shepherd Mix puppy is that these dogs have a lot of energy. A combination of two working breeds, the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix always needs a job to do and loves staying active. If you’re a couch potato who hates to run or exercise, this breed is not best suited for you. Moreover, if you live in an apartment, the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix is not the right pet for you. He requires a spacious home with a large yard where he can run, explore, and play.

A Samoyed German Shepherd Mix may inherit the Samoyed’s thick, double-layered coat. This means that your dog could be a big shedder. If you’re opposed to dog hair or have allergies, opt for a more hypoallergenic breed.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix

1. Hektor: The First Registered German Shepherd

Captain Max von Stephanitz discovered a wolf-like working dog named Hektor at a dog show in Karlsruhe, Germany. He fell in love with the dog’s power and intelligence and ended up buying him. After changing Hektor’s name to Horand von Grafath, the pooch became the very first officially registered German Shepherd in 1889.


2. Samoyeds Were Bred to Live in Tents

The Samoyed was originally developed to be a companion dog for tent-dwelling nomads who lived in harsh, cold climates.


3. They Love to Work

Thanks to the long working heritage of both of his parent dog breeds, the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix has a hard work ethic and loves staying busy.

The parent breeds of Samoyed German Shepherd Mix
The parent breeds of Samoyed German Shepherd Mix: Left – German Shepherd (Anna Dudkova, Unsplash) | Right – Samoyed (Barcs Tamás, Unsplash)

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix 🧠

The Samoyed German Shepherd Mix is a smart, active, and loving hybrid dog. Protective over his family, the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix can be shy around strangers. Ongoing socialization and training will transform your timid dog into a confident and obedient family friend.

Extremely social, the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix cannot be left alone for long periods of time. He needs tons of mental stimulation and attention from his human pack. If you work long hours or plan to travel, this isn’t the breed for you.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Samoyed German Shepherd Mix can make a great pet for families both with and without children if he is properly trained and socialized from the start. This hybrid dog can be protective, playful, and also wary of strangers. To ensure your dog remains calm and confident around your kids, you must start socializing him with your family and strangers from day one. Due to the large size of this breed, it’s important to always keep a close eye on your Samoyed German Shepherd Mix when he plays with your tots to avoid accidental injuries.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

As with people, the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix must be properly socialized with other animals to ensure he and all your other pets stay safe. While this breed is typically good with other dogs and even cats, training will guarantee smooth integration into your multi-pet family.

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Things to Know When Owning a Samoyed German Shepherd Mix:

Now that you know a bit more about your new Samoyed German Shepherd Mix’s personality, let’s explore everything he needs to remain happy and healthy throughout his life.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Samoyed German Shepherd Mix is a large dog with tons of energy. As such, he’ll need high-quality dog food that caters to his big build and high activity levels. Feed your Samoyed German Shepherd Mix about three cups of premier quality kibble divided into two meals per day. This roughly equates to 15 to 30 pounds of dog food each month. Always ensure your pet has access to clean, fresh water.

Exercise 🐕

A very active and athletic dog, the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix will need at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day. This dog is best suited for active individuals looking for a pet who can truly go the distance. The Samoyed German Shepherd Mix will love to tag along on your morning jog, weekend hike, or compete in an agility course with you.

If you do not have the time or energy level to dedicate to properly exercising a Samoyed German Shepherd Mix, opt for a more laid-back breed.

Training 🦮

It is almost effortless to train a Samoyed German Shepherd Mix. A highly intelligent dog that loves to please, your pet can learn basic commands and complicated tricks with ease. Positive reinforcement training works best for this dog.

Grooming ✂️

As we mentioned before, the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix will shed a lot. Shedding will drastically increase during the spring and summer months. To keep on top of loose hair, thoroughly brush your dog several times per week. Bathe him monthly, clean his teeth daily, and trim his nails as needed. To keep your Samoyed German Shepherd Mix looking his best, take him to a professional groomer several times throughout the year.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
Serious Conditions
  • Hip and/or elbow dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Diabetes
  • Heart problems
  • Hypothyroidism

An overall healthy mix breed, the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix can live for up to 14 years. Regular exercise, a quality diet, and routine wellness visits will keep your dog in top-notch health well into his golden years.

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Male vs Female

Male Samoyed German Shepherd Mix are larger than females by up to 10 pounds and several inches. Both genders have similar personalities, especially after spaying and neutering.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a lively and loving dog to add to your family, consider a Samoyed German Shepherd Mix! Smart, friendly, and athletic, this dog is a great choice for active people who are seeking an exercise companion. With the proper training and socialization, the Samoyed German Shepherd Mix will make a fantastic canine companion for years to come!

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Featured Image Credit: Left – Zanna Pesnina, Shutterstock; Right – liaoxh1981, Pixabay

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