The Samusky is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Samoyed and the Siberian Husky dog breeds. Highly intelligent, loyal, and good-natured, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.
The Samusky goes by several other names, including Samsky or simply Samoyed Husky mix. Despite their status as a designer breed, you may find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and breed specific rescues. So remember to adopt! Don’t shop!
These adorable pups make excellent dogs for people with a lot of space, such as a backyard, or for highly active urban dwellers. They are sociable and loyal, which makes them a great option for both families with children and one-or-two-person homes, as well. Samuskies don’t take well to boredom, and they can be a bit stubborn if not properly trained. If you want an active, loving dog who will just as happily snuggle with you as go on a hike with you, this may be the right dog for you!
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:20 to 24 inchesWeight:45 to 60 poundsLife Span:12 to 15 years
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More About This Breed
Highlights
- Samuskies are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Samoyed or Siberian Husky parents.
- The main colors of Samusky dogs are white, cream, fawn, gray, red, sable, and agouti, which is a pattern where each hair has alternating dark and light bands. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors.
- Samuskies may not be the best option for allergy sufferers. They shed a lot and require daily brushing to minimize shedding and maintain a healthy coat.
- The Samusky is generally a sociable, easy-going dog who can get along with almost anyone. However, they do tend to pick a favorite human and stick with them.
- Samuskies have high energy and can become bored easily, so they need lots of mental stimulation, or they’ll invent their own ways to stay entertained. These dogs tend to be escape artists when bored.
- Make sure this active mixed breed gets at least one solid half-hour to hour-long walk a day along with a few active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
History
The Samusky mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, given the fact that both the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed can trace their roots back to northern Russia. Designer breeders likely started intentionally the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed sometime in the late 1990s in North America.
Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to keep the Siberian Husky’s loyalty and endurance and the Samoyed’s sociable attitude. The two dogs do have many similarities, and combining the two breeds gives Samusky owners the best of both worlds. Breeders continued to create Samusky puppies as demand for the mixed breed climbed.
Even though the Samusky breed got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. If you decide the Samusky is the breed for you, consider adoption.
Check your local shelters, look up Samusky rescues, or even check with breed specific Siberian Husky or Samoyed rescues, as they often take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them.
Size
As the Samusky is a relatively new breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between two similar dogs, the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed, you can expect Samuskies to be on the medium to large side.
Most weigh in at 45 to 60 pounds and range in height from 20 to 24 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger than average.
Personality
Many Samusky enthusiasts describe these dogs’ personalities as spunky, loyal, and outgoing. They may be a medium-sized dog, but that won’t stop the Samusky from thinking they’re a lap dog and popping right on your lap.
Having said that, they have high energy levels and can become bored easily, so they will need lots of mentally stimulating activities, or they will invent their own ways to stay entertained; many Samusky lovers say these dogs tend to be quite the escape artists when bored.
Some Samusky dogs might have a prey drive, though most seem to have lost the hunting tendencies of both their parents. This doesn’t mean that they won’t dart after a squirrel across the street, as they are still highly inquisitive dogs. Samusky pups need humans that keep a very close eye on them.
While the Samusky makes an amazing family dog, they do tend to pick a favorite and stick with them. That isn’t to say that your Samusky won’t be affectionate with everyone, though. Samuskies can thrive in both one-person homes and families alike, as long as they are getting enough exercise and stimulation.
Health
The Samusky mixed breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions and ailments that the Siberian Husky and Samoyed also face. While most Samusky dogs are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to go to routine checkups with the veterinarian and to regularly practice healthy habits.
Some of the more common health problems Samuskys suffer from include:
- hip dysplasia
- diabetes
- hyperthyroidism
- eye defects
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Samusky’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine specific to your Samusky to keep them healthy.
Samuskies are somewhat prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure this active mixed breed gets at least one solid half-hour to hour-long walk a day along with a few active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in to keep them at a healthy weight. Regular exercise will also curb unwanted destructive boredom habits.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually one or two times a month, or every two weeks. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can also help you with this.
Your main concern when it comes to your Samusky’s care will be maintaining their joint and eye health. Both the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed are prone to joint issues, namely hip dysplasia. Siberian Huskies also are prone to eye issues. Be sure to give your dog any supplements recommended by your vet as a form of preventative care.
Feeding
An ideal Samusky diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. This mixed Husky/Samoyed breed has a tendency to gain weight if overfed, so be sure to stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out throughout the day. Limit their amounts of treats, too.
As with all dogs, the Samusky’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Samusky’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Samusky coats are often a mix of their Siberian Husky and Samoyed parents’ coats and colors. The main colors of Samusky dogs are white, cream, fawn, gray, red, sable, and agouti, which is a pattern where each hair has alternating dark and light bands. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors.
The Samusky breed has a double coat, which makes them an incredibly fluffy dog–but also a dog who sheds a lot. Your Samusky will blow their coat roughly twice a year as the seasons change. This means they may not be the best option for allergy sufferers. This also means the Samusky requires daily brushing to minimize shedding and maintain a healthy coat.
Thanks to their double coats, the Samusky is very tolerant of cold environments. That being said, that doesn’t mean they should be left outside in extreme cold temperatures. Their double coat makes them prone to overheating, so be sure to monitor your Samusky in warm or hot environments, and always make sure they have a cool, shaded reprieve stocked with water.
Children And Other Pets
The Samusky is generally a sociable, easy-going dog who can get along with almost anyone. However, it’s important for children–and even adult guests–to learn early how to properly approach and play with your Samusky. These dogs make excellent, active companions for nearly everyone.
When it comes to other pets, Samuskies can get along fine with other animals if they are introduced in a calm, slow manner. Early socialization will help any pet introductions go smoothly. If your Samusky has a favorite human, they could also become somewhat territorial of them and guard them from other animals. Again, proper training can prevent this.
Still, many Samuskies get along just fine with other dogs and cats, so it really comes down to training, socialization, and the luck of the draw.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Samuskies because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Samoyed or Siberian Husky breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- San Francisco Samoyed Rescue (SFSR)
- Raven’s Husky Haven and Rescue
