Have you considered adopting a Samoyed Husky mix? The Samusky, Samhusky, or Siberian Samoyed is a gorgeous mixed breed dog that comes from mixing a Samoyed with a Siberian Husky. These snow dog breeds are beloved for their striking appearance and boisterous personalities. The Samusky is a designer dog, bred purposefully together to create an incredibly special pup.
The Samoyed often gets confused with the Siberian Husky. Both have gorgeous eyes, fluffy coats, engaging personalities, and are of medium to large size. Mixing these two breeds with other dogs is becoming quite popular, though the Samoyed Husky mix itself is a rarer designer breed. Although they have high energy and can be needy, they can make fantastic companions with the right family.
If you are debating welcoming one of these large, fluffy snow dogs into your home, there are a few things you should know first. I look at their history, temperament, size, grooming needs, training, puppy prices, and more. I’ve got all the details to help you decide if this pup is the right fit for your family.
History
While both the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed are very old canine breeds, the Siberian Samoyed is relatively new. This designer pup likely originated in the United States due to both breeds being popular in places like Alaska. Just remember that with any mixed breed, there is a level of unpredictability in both appearance and personality. They may take after one parent more or seem like a mix of both.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is a medium-sized breed, bordering on large.
Samoyeds are an ancient breed of dog that can be traced back to Siberia. They have similar genetics to wolves (but are not wolves). These ancient pups were hard-working dogs who could withstand freezing and harsh conditions during the day and helped keep their owners warm at night. They were bred specifically to lay on top of their owners and keep them warm, a naturally heated doggie blanket.
These pups are no longer as common as working dogs but have become beloved pets. They have striking white coats and almost constantly smiling faces. Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs weighing between 35 and 65 pounds. They will stand between 19 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Purebred Samoyeds generally only come in white, cream, biscuit, and a white and biscuit combination. Purebred Samoyeds will always have a shimmery, silvery coat.
Samoyed pups are highly energetic, love to play, and become very close to their humans. Though they make excellent pets, they will not be good dogs in homes where they do not get a high amount of daily activity and almost constant attention. They have a nickname, “Smiling Sammy,” due to their constant cheerful expression.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies tend to look like wolves.
The Siberian Husky is a breed that many people fall in love with at first sight. While we don’t know exactly where the breed originated, we do know they are one of the older dog breeds on the planet. Siberian Huskies are traced back to the Chukchi tribe, nomadic people from eastern Siberia. These dogs helped carry supplies and people across the ice, snow, and frigid conditions. At night, they served as a source of warmth for the family.
Siberian Huskies were brought to Alaska in 1908 to work with miners during the gold rush. Once there, they also found a home in sled racing. A very famous group of Huskies ran over 615 miles to deliver lifesaving diphtheria serum to Alaskan children during the epidemic of 1925. This story is depicted in the Disney film Togo.
While Siberian Huskies are famous for their endurance, speed, and athletic ability, they are also notorious for being incredibly clumsy. That, paired with their friendly demeanor, makes them one of the most interactive dog breeds around. They’re highly energetic and very affectionate and need homes with plenty of room to run around and people to give them a ton of attention.
Additionally, while Siberian Huskies don’t bark, they are known for howling and crying, often at the most inopportune moments. Huskies are medium-sized and weigh between 35 and 60 lbs. They have muscular bodies and stand between 20 and 23 and a half inches tall at the shoulder. They stand up for their incredibly fuzzy coats, striking eyes that are often a piercing blue, and an intense, wolf-like appearance.
Temperament
The Samusky is a smart, very sociable, friendly, and incredibly energetic dog. Because their parent breeds are high-energy, very friendly, somewhat needy dogs, you can expect that your pup will require a good amount of attention.
The Samusky will likely be an excellent watchdog and alert you to anything amiss. Due to the Huskies howling genes, there is a good chance that your mixed pup may be pretty vocal at times. Samuskies can make wonderful companions but are incredibly high-need dogs.
They love to please but can quickly become over-excited. This mix can also be stubborn and independent. A Samoyed Husky is not a pup you can leave alone all day. They require interaction and affection all day long and can become quite destructive if they don’t get it. Due to their strong pack mentality, they are driven and thrive on companionship, so they seek it out. Separation anxiety can become a very big issue if they are left alone for too long.
While these mixed pups can tolerate other animals, remember they have a high prey drive. They love to chase things and are quite fast and strong. If you have smaller dogs or cats, this may be a challenge if your mixed pup decides to chase one. While they have a high prey drive for smaller animals, Samuskies can be incredibly loving and gentle with people, especially children.
Size & Appearance
Both breeds are athletic and known for being sled dogs.
The Siberian Husky and the Samoyed are comparable sizes, so you can expect a mixed breed to be anywhere from 45 to 60 pounds or more and stand between 20 and 24 inches at the shoulder. They will likely have prominent, triangular-shaped ears, pointed faces, fluffy coats, black noses, and striking eyes.
Eye color is generally blue, brown, or one of each. Their eyes are striking regardless of color and will draw you in with their friendly expression. Along with pointed ears and narrow faces, they will likely have a noticeably curved tail. They look similar to both parent breeds, with a wolf-like build. And, of course, many have a smiling face, adding to their cheerful charm.
Coat & Colors
Both Siberian Huskies and Samoyeds are known for their lush, double coats, and the Samusky shares that trait. They will stand out in a crowd for their luscious, fluffy coats. These pups have dense coats with a soft inner layer and longer, straighter outer hair.
Samuskies can come in several colors, including white, cream, biscuit, black, gray, red, agouti, and sable. These pups can be solid colors or mixed. They will inherit different colored patterns and markings from this Siberian Husky.
Because they have so much hair, they shed a considerable amount year-round. If you adopt one of these fuzz balls, you must be okay with dog hair on almost everything.
Exercise & Living Conditions
This specific canine mix might be one of the most energetic breeds around. They require a home where there is someone around most of the time. Boredom and this pup do not mix well. They become destructive and sullen. Siberian Samoyed pups are also quite stubborn, so they need an owner who can set boundaries and stick to them.
A home with a backyard is better. Your pup will need frequent trips outside to burn off all that energy. If you like long walks, hiking, playing frisbee, and exploring the world with a friendly, smiling pup, the Samusky is perfect for you. These pups handle cold weather well and like to be outside, but they should not be put out all day or overnight. The double coat can make them overheat, so they need plenty of water and shade when outside.
Your Samusky pup will need vigorous exercise every day. Ideally, they need about 60 to 90 minutes a day as a minimum. Try to break this up into a couple of brisk walks, engaging games, and interactive playtime. Remember, the Samusky is a very destructive pooch if bored, so keep a variety of toys and other entertainment easily accessible.
Training
Samusky pups are incredibly smart and love to please their people. Their intelligence makes them very compatible with training. As long as you are consistent with behavior expectations and do not let your pup get away with mischief, they can learn many different things.
Remember, both these breeds were originally working dogs and sled racers. They are eager to learn new things and quickly pick up on basic commands, house training, and more advanced tricks and games.
The Samoyed Husky mix can be stubborn, so obedience training and socialization must start early. The best bet is to set the expectations for proper behavior early. It would be best if you reinforced them regularly. This is especially important as the Samusky is super friendly and exceptionally good-looking. They attract attention, so it is safer for your pup and other people if they have appropriate training.
Health
Learning about Siberian Husky conditions can help you better understand the possible risks of this mixed breed.
As a mixed breed, Samuskies tend to be healthier than both parent breeds. These doggies have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years on average. Though they are a reasonably healthy breed, the Siberian Husky Samoyed mix can be prone to a few health conditions, making pet insurance a great fit for them.
Pet insurance can help pay for a portion of unexpected veterinarian expenses for your Samusky. Learn all about the best pet insurance. Our insurance experts have even written about the best insurance for Siberian Huskies.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a condition that affects the joints. They do not form properly, become loose, cause joint pain and dysfunction, and can affect mobility.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland malfunctions and produces lower-than-normal thyroid hormone levels. A malfunctioning thyroid can lead to many different symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, skin and coat issues, recurrent infections, slow hair growth, gastrointestinal upset, and abnormal heart rate.
Diabetes
Improper levels of insulin in the body cause diabetes. Canine diabetes can affect many dogs, but overweight dogs are at higher risk. Siberian Huskies are prone to developing diabetes, something to keep in mind with your Siberian Samoyed.
Eye Defects
Samoyeds and Huskies are prone to some eye conditions and defects. These include glaucoma, cataracts, distichiasis (extra hair growing in the eyelid), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and retinal dysplasia.
Bloat
Bloat, or gastric dilation volvulus, is a serious, sometimes life-threatening condition. It occurs when the stomach fills up with air and twists. Larger breeds and those that tend to eat and drink quickly are at higher risk. You can decrease this risk by feeding your pup small meals, and don’t let them free-feed.
Dental Concerns
Samoyeds are prone to dental issues, including a hereditary tooth enamel disorder, so it’s something to keep in mind with this mixed breed. You must start dental cleaning when your puppy is little and keep them up throughout every life stage. Regular brushing, dental treats, and professional yearly cleanings are helpful to keep those chompers clean and healthy. Research shows that dental disease affects 80% of all breeds by age two, so take these preventative steps early with your Samoyed Husky mix.
Nutrition
This breed is already larger than life, so be judicious in their portion size.
You must be careful not to overfeed your Samusky. These pups love food and will always be in the mood for a snack. They can quickly become overweight if you are not careful. Because they have such high energy, a healthy diet is essential. Portion control is especially important. Be sure to set regular mealtimes and stick to them. You must be sure your pup is getting quality food that supports growth and daily activity.
A large-breed dog food is a good pick, formulated for dogs 50 or more pounds. It is especially important that they be fed puppy food for the first year. When they reach about seven years old, it’s time to switch to senior dog food.
The Husky Samoyed mix may be a picky eater, something common in both parent breeds. Consider fresh dog food for this breed. While they need healthy kibbles, they can also benefit from fresher flavors and top nutrition of fresh, human-quality dog foods. A nutritionally dense diet is best so they can get a good amount of calories without overeating.
Grooming
Samuskies have a lot of hair and require regular grooming. A daily brush-through is best to keep their coats clean and free of debris and to prevent mats. They shed daily but will shed more twice a year during seasonal changes. Due to the large hair volume, the Siberian Samoyed may not be a great pick for allergy sufferers.
Be sure to check your Husky mix’s nails and clip them about once a month. Check their ears regularly, and don’t forget about cleaning those teeth.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
Siberian Husky puppies are adorable and energetic.
The cost for a Siberian Husky Samoyed puppy can range anywhere from $500 to $2,500 or more. The cost will depend on the bloodlines and pedigree of the two parent breeds. Breeder quality and puppy health are also factors. This specialized mix is hard to find, so availability can drive the price higher.
Rescues & Shelters
It is fairly rare to find the Samusky in a shelter due to the pedigree of the two parent breeds. If you have an interest in a rescue pup, start with Siberian Husky and Samoyed-specific recuse groups. You can also check with your local shelters and veterinarian for recommendations.
A rescue pup can be a fantastic way to save a life and is a good pick for folks who do not want the training and chaos of a new puppy. Additionally, many rescue programs allow you to foster a dog first to see if they are compatible with your family.
As A Family Pet
The Samusky can make a wonderful family pet, but not for everyone. These are not pups for families without a significant amount of room, time, and energy to give them. These doggies require a lot of attention and care. They will steal your heart but are quite a handful.
Siberian Husky Samoyed mixes are incredibly high-energy. They need at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise.
Samuskies are super friendly and attention-driven.
These pups need high-calorie, nutrient-dense food.
Siberian Husky Samoyed mix can be very clingy and does not like being left alone for long.
They are perfect pets for active families where someone is home all day.
Samuskies have heavy, double coats and are high maintenance when it comes to grooming.
Huskies and Husky mixes tend to be vocal. They often howl rather than bark.
These dogs do not do well in apartments as they like to howl and cry and are very destructive when confined to a small space.
Samuskies have a high prey drive, so be careful around smaller pets, especially cats.
Keeping Your Mixed Breed Healthy
The Samoyed Husky mix is an agile, active pup bred from two remarkably hearty breeds. These pups can learn various tricks, agility training, and dog racing. One great advantage to having a highly active pup is that it also gets you up and out and active. What’s your favorite way to stay active with your pup? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments.
Keeping your pup healthy, regardless of breed, is a top priority. All dogs need a high-quality diet, regular exercise, plenty of interaction, and regular veterinary visits. Preventative care is pivotal to identifying problems early on and keeping your best buddy by your side as long as possible.
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Danielle is a pet owner with over 30 years of experience. She has experience as a professional researcher and educator for many years. She is dedicated to providing top-quality research and information to help pet owners. Danielle spends countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments. Danielle works with a professional and experienced team to give our readers the best, most accurate, and most up-to-date information.
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