op, it sounds like a golden retriever is more of what you would like - gentle and social, trainable especially with rewards - treats and toys.

We've had 2 and they are the sweetest dogs!

I wonder if they make good service dogs for pulling wheelchairs.

I had a sammie growing up. She was a beautiful and wonderful dog, but a TON of work. Their instinct is to pull, which was really fun when it snowed and she pulled us around on a sled, but not as much fun when you just want to go on a walk. All dogs need to be trained, but you absolutely must with this bread or it will take over. She was a very loyal dog and wonderful with children, but had a ton of energy. You have to put in a lot of work to keep that under control.

Very similar to huskies - strong will independent thinkers, prefer to make their own decisions.
The worst part - could be VERY destructive if bored or not given enough exercise.
Internet is full of pics of huskies and samoeds in the completely destroyed rooms after been left home along.

Samoyeds are beautiful but very strong-willed independent dogs. They are energetic and love to pull and run. They need lots of exercise or they start acting out. And they do shed like crazy. And they can bark. A lot. These are not necessarily negatives but they need a home that is able to handle them.
They do fine in this are as long as they are indoors during the hottest part of the day, and walked early morning or late evening.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They share characteristics of huskies and other Nordic breeds. Yes to shedding, running off, stubbornness. They are a lot of work and not the nicest personality overall.

OP here. Really??

The reason we might get one is that we heard they were particularly gentle and social. Is the above your direct experience with a Samoyed? I agree with the shedding and want to know more about the potential for running off.

OP, dogs like these were bred to pull and run for the horizon. Hounds were bred to put their nose to the ground and follow a scent. If you want a dog that comes back get a retriever.

Any dog needs proper training. Don't be lax about a leash.

There's a reason you do not see a lot of them.

First hand experience with a husky and an akita. Like sammies, these dogs were bred to be independent thinkers able to survive in harsh climates. Easy going and social would be the last terms I would use to describe these breeds. I love them for what they are. I am sure there are social and nice sammies out there, just not as a rule.

Anonymous wrote:They share characteristics of huskies and other Nordic breeds. Yes to shedding, running off, stubbornness. They are a lot of work and not the nicest personality overall.

OP here. Really??

The reason we might get one is that we heard they were particularly gentle and social. Is the above your direct experience with a Samoyed? I agree with the shedding and want to know more about the potential for running off.

They share characteristics of huskies and other Nordic breeds. Yes to shedding, running off, stubbornness. They are a lot of work and not the nicest personality overall.

Is it too hot to have one around here?

Can anyone with experience in the breed tell me about it?

Particularly how much they shed (daily or weekly vacuuming? daily brushing?), whether you know of anyone allergic to them, and how much exercise they need. Are they easily trainable, do they tend to run off?

Thanks!