Samoyed German Shepherd Mix: 5 Facts, Traits & Pictures

The Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a hybrid dog breed that is rapidly increasing in popularity. It combines the characteristics of both purebred dogs into one fluffy package.

If you’re just beginning to search for the perfect dog breed for your family, the amount of information can seem overwhelming. With so many breeds available, it can seem impossible to find the right fit.

With the rise of designer breeds, there are thousands of options to choose from! However, each breed has its own characteristics and temperament, so it is important to understand if they are right for your family before bringing a puppy home.

Recently, some breeders have begun crossing the Samoyed and the German Shepherd. This is a relatively rare combination but is slowly growing in popularity.

Because this is a mixed breed dog, they take on traits from both breeds. The Samoyed is an ancient breed dating back to 1000 BCE. They were bred for herding reindeer, pulling sleds, and hunting. The German Shepherd, on the other hand, is a more modern breed. They were created in the late 1800s to herd and protect sheep. Mixing the Samoyed and the German Shepherd has created a protective and loyal companion. 

Since this mix was only created recently and is relatively unknown, we’ve created a list of the top 5 facts and traits about them that every prospective owner should know. Keep reading to find out if the Samoyed German Shepherd mix is a good fit for you and your family!

HeightApproximately 24 inches
Weight45 to 90 pounds
Lifespan10 to 13 years
Best Suited ForExperienced owners; active families
TemperamentLoyal, Intelligent, Friendly, Protective, Trainable, Social
PriceApproximately $500 to $2000
Samoyed German Shepherd Mix Fact Sheet

5 Samoyed German Shepherd Mix Facts

1. They Are Exceptionally Strong

Because of their roots as working dogs, both the Samoyed and the German Shepherd are exceptionally strong. The Samoyed was originally bred for pulling sleds that were quite heavy, which has made them well known for being tough, rugged dogs. Meanwhile, the German Shepherd was bred to protect sheep and has a strong bite to deal with any predators. 

You may be wondering if this cross of working breeds would be a good family pet. This is an especially big concern if you have or are planning to have children. Despite what they were originally bred for, the Samoyed German Shepherd mix makes a wonderful family dog.

In fact, some of the traits that make them so suitable as pets come from their working origins. Because these breeds were with their owners both at home and when working, they were bred to be loyal companions. 

However, we recommend watching the Samoyed x German Shepherd closely when they are around young children or the elderly.

The Samoyed x German Shepherd is really sweet and friendly with family but can get over-excited and accidentally hurt someone. It is not intentional, they just don’t know their own strength!

If an adult cannot be present to supervise regularly, the Samoyed German Shepherd mix would likely do best in a home with older children.

2. They Are Very Intelligent

Anyone who knows the German Shepherd probably knows that they are used as police and military dogs. They are very intelligent and easily trainable, which makes them a good choice for these sorts of jobs. The Samoyed is similarly intelligent and is known for being one of the easiest breeds to train. By combining these two breeds, you will get an intelligent dog that has a strong work ethic.

The Samoyed x German Shepherd is a dog that is eager to please. If you are looking for a dog who will enjoy training sessions, look no further than them!

In fact, it is important that you are able to train your Samoyed x German Shepherd daily. For intelligent breeds, training will help to keep them mentally stimulated. This is as, if not more, important than the amount of physical exercise provided every day.

Not only is training a fun way to bond with your Samoyed German Shepherd mix and teach them new tricks, but it will also leave them exhausted at night, ready to relax and sleep.

3. They Are Great Watch Dogs

Being a guard dog is part of the German Shepherd’s history. Since the early 1900s, they have been used as dogs of war. They are very versatile, having been used in roles such as mine detectors and seeing-eye dogs.

Today they are used in many different jobs such as in the police and military. One thing has always been true, though: these dogs live to protect their people.

Samoyeds are not as good at guarding because they are so friendly. When a stranger approaches, they will become instant friends! However, they are very noisy and will alert you to unusual activity.

Therefore, the Samoyed x German Shepherd is likely to make an amazing watchdog. Between the Samoyed’s tendency to bark at strangers and the German Shepherd’s protective instincts, you will always be safe in the paws of the German Shepherd Samoyed mix! 

4. They Need Lots of Companionship

The protectiveness of the Samoyed x German Shepherd stems from their love of their people. If it were up to them, they would be close to their humans all day every day.

While this is excellent for someone looking for a loyal companion, there are some drawbacks. The Samoyed x German Shepherd is likely to struggle with separation anxiety. It would be ideal for them to go to a home where they have companionship often.

Obviously, it is not possible to be home all the time. It is important to start training your Samoyed x German Shepherd to be comfortable with separation early.

Along with simply training them to stay calm while alone, you can combat separation anxiety by making sure they are getting enough physical and mental stimulation!

A properly exercised Samoyed x German shepherd is much more likely to relax when you are gone. 

5. They Are Double Coated

Both the German Shepherd and the Samoyed are double-coated. Despite what this may suggest, their coats help to keep them comfortable in any conditions! Therefore, it is important to properly groom them.

To help keep your Samoyed x German Shepherd comfortable, it is important to brush them at a minimum once a week.

The Samoyed x German Shepherd is likely to shed a lot, and brushing three to four times a week can help reduce the amount of shedding they do in the house.

Ultimately, the time investment is worth it for the gorgeous Samoyed x German Shepherd. Their beautiful coats are sure to wow anyone who sees them!

As you might’ve seen in the pictures, this mixed breed can have a variety of different colors. While Samoyeds are always lightly colored, this does not always happen when you cross them with a German Shepherd. Their coat can be in many colors such as white, brown, black, grey, and tan.


Final Thoughts: Is the Samoyed German Shepherd mix Right For You?

A Samoyed x German Shepherd may not be for everyone, but they certainly are a breed worth considering.

Crossing the protective and loyal German Shepherd with the friendly and loving Samoyed creates a well-rounded, sweet family dog.

They would be a great fit for an active family that wants a constant companion. Their loyalty makes it no wonder why breeders have continued to mix the Samoyed and German Shepherd! 

We hope this list of traits has helped you decide if a Samoyed x German Shepherd is the right fit for you! As always, if you are considering a puppy be sure to purchase from a reputable breeder to ensure you get the healthiest puppy possible.

If you’re not sure yet if this mixed breed is for you, check out some other Samoyed mixes!

ThePetFaq Team