Last Updated: Nov 22, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Are Samoyeds Aggressive Towards Strangers?
- Are Samoyeds Aggressive Towards their Owners?
- Are Samoyeds Aggressive Towards other Dogs?
- Are Samoyeds Afraid of Strangers?
- Are Samoyeds Afraid of Other Dogs?
- Do Samoyeds Have Non-Social Fears?
- Do Samoyeds Get Along Well With Other Dogs?
- Are Samoyeds Easy to Train?
- Do Samoyeds Get Along Well with Cats? Do They Get Along Well with Other Pets?
- Do Samoyeds Like Attention? Are they Clingy or Aloof?
- Do Samoyeds have Separation Anxiety? Do They Like to be Left Alone?
- Are Samoyeds Touch Sensitive? Do They Like to be Groomed?
- Are Samoyeds Hyper? Are they Highly Excitable?
- Are Samoyeds Playful? What is the Energy Level of Samoyeds
- Conclusion on Samoyed Temperament
Introduction to the Temperament of the Samoyed
The are many descriptions of the temperament of the Samoyed out there. However, most of these descriptions are difficult to verify or prove. They are based on mere speculations.
In this article, we will provide a factual description of the temperament of the Samoyed based on solid scientific research. This will give you a better understanding of what you can expect from the Samoyed breed.
We obtained our description of the temperament of Samoyed by analyzing raw scientific data from The Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) database.
The C-BARQ dog temperament standard was developed by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania. It is considered the gold standard for measuring the behavior of dogs.
Over the years, the C-BARQ study has collected data on the temperament of thousands of dogs of different breeds including the Samoyed.
The C-BARQ study obtains its data by asking dog owners to score the behavior of their dogs on different behavior patterns.
The idea behind the C-BARQ study is that if it collects thousands of scores from thousands of dog owners on different aspects of dog behavior, a clear pattern will emerge on the temperament of different dog breeds.
The C-BARQ questionnaire measures 14 behavior aspects of dogs:
- Aggression towards stranger
- Aggression towards its owner
- Aggression towards other dogs
- How well they get along with other dogs
- Fear of strangers
- Fear of new things (new objects, unfamiliar loud sounds, etc)
- Fear of other dogs
- Separation anxiety
- Clinginess
- Trainability/ Stubbornness
- Prey drive
- Excitability
- Touch sensitivity
- Energy level
In this article, we will discuss the score of the Samoyed for each of these 14 characteristics. This will let you know the real temperament of the Samoyed.
The summary table below shows the score of the Samoyed for the different behavioral characteristics.
High percentage scores close to 100 are bad. Low percentage scores close to 0 are good.
| Behavior | Score |
|---|---|
| Stranger Directed Aggression | 6.9 percent |
| Dog Rivalry | 53.1 percent |
| Energy Level | 51.0 percent |
| Excitability | 5.9 percent |
| Separation Related Behavior | 48.0 percent |
| Dog Directed Fear | 41.6 percent |
| Stubbornness | 39.6 percent |
| Nonsocial Fear | 34.9 percent |
| Dog Directed Aggression | 30.4 percent |
| Touch Sensitivity | 27.4 percent |
| Attachment Attention Seeking | 24.7 percent |
| Owner Directed Aggression | 20.9 percent |
| Prey Drive | 19.8 percent |
| Stranger Directed Fear | 13.6 percent |
Note that with proper training, you can better your Samoyed`s temperament. To learn how to properly train your Samoyed, I highly recommend that you go through Dr. Ian Dunbar`s online dog training classes, which you can find here.
I learned most of the things that I know about training dogs by reading Dr. Dunbar`s books and watching his training videos. Dr. Dunbar`s dog training methods are for people expecting to own a puppy soon, new dog owners, and experienced dog owners.
Another helpful online dog training class that I recommend is this one. The class will teach you how to properly train your Samoyed.
See also our complete ranking of dog breeds from the `best` to the `worst` based on temperament.
Are Samoyeds Aggressive Towards Strangers?
Dog breeds that are aggressive to strangers show hostile responses to strangers approaching or invading the dog`s or the dog owner`s personal space, territory, or home range.
Stranger-aggressive dog breeds are quick to show aggression to unfamiliar people.
Typical signs of moderate aggression in dogs include barking, growling, and baring of teeth. More serious display of aggression generally includes snapping, lunging, biting, or attempting to bite.
Samoyeds are not aggressive towards strangers.
This is because the Samoyed ranks very low for aggression towards strangers.
The Samoyed ranks number 121 out of 124 dog breeds for aggression towards strangers.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has a stranger-directed-aggression score of 6.9 %.
Other dog breeds that are not aggressive towards strangers just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Stranger-Directed-Aggression Rank | Breed | Stranger-Directed-Aggression Score |
|---|---|---|
| 118 | Alaskan Malamute | 10.9 % |
| 119 | Keeshond | 10.7 % |
| 120 | Black and Tan Coonhound | 9.6 % |
| 121 | Samoyed | 6.9 % |
| 122 | Irish Wolfhound | 6.6 % |
| 123 | Greyhound | 2.5 % |
| 124 | Siberian Husky | 0.0 % |
The dog breeds that are most aggressive towards strangers are the:
The dog breeds that are least aggressive towards strangers are the:
Usually, small dog breeds display aggression not because they are mean but because they are afraid and feel insecure due to their small size.
Are Samoyeds Aggressive Towards their Owners?
Due to human effort over the course of many centuries, the dog has become a very domestic animal. Dogs have learned to live well with humans. As a result, dogs respect and love their owners. Nevertheless, some dog breeds are less respectful to their owners than some other dog breeds.
Owner-aggressive dog breeds show threatening or hostile responses to their owner or other members of the household when challenged, manhandled, stared at, stepped over, or when approached while in possession of food, objects, or toys.
A dog that is owner-aggressive shows its aggression by barking, growling, and baring of teeth. In extreme cases, these dogs can snap, lunge, bite, or attempt to bite their owners.
Samoyeds are quite a bit aggressive towards their owners.
This is because the Samoyed ranks high for aggression towards its owner.
The Samoyed ranks number 45 out of 124 dog breeds for aggression towards their owners.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has an owner-directed-aggression score of 20.9 %.
Other dog breeds that are quite a bit owner-aggressive just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Owner-Directed-Aggression Rank | Breed | Owner-Directed-Aggression Score |
|---|---|---|
| 42 | Chinese Crested | 22.1 % |
| 43 | English Springer Spaniel | 21.9 % |
| 44 | Newfoundland | 21.2 % |
| 45 | Samoyed | 20.9 % |
| 46 | Papillon | 20.5 % |
| 47 | Miniature Schnauzer | 20.1 % |
| 48 | Parson Russell Terrier | 19.8 % |
The dog breeds that show the most aggression towards their owners are the:
The dog breeds that are least aggressive towards their owners are the:
Usually, small dog breeds display aggression not because they are mean but because they are afraid and feel insecure due to their small size.
Are Samoyeds Aggressive Towards other Dogs?
Dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs will direct aggressive threats or actions toward unknown or unfamiliar dogs.
A dog-aggressive dog will threaten or show hostile responses when approached by unfamiliar dogs
A dog that is dog-aggressive shows its aggression by barking, growling, and baring of teeth. In extreme cases, these dogs can snap, lunge, bite, or attempt to bite other dogs.
Samoyeds are a little bit aggressive towards other dogs.
This is because the Samoyed ranks low for aggression towards other dogs.
The Samoyed ranks number 90 out of 124 dog breeds for aggression towards other dogs.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has a dog-directed aggression score of 30.4 %.
Other dog breeds that are a little bit dog-aggressive just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Dog-Directed-Aggression Rank | Breed | Dog-Directed-Aggression Score |
|---|---|---|
| 87 | Poodle (Toy) | 34.5 % |
| 88 | Rhodesian Ridgeback | 32.7 % |
| 89 | Siberian Husky | 31.8 % |
| 90 | Samoyed | 30.4 % |
| 91 | Mastiff (English) | 29.9 % |
| 92 | Ibizan Hound | 29.4 % |
| 93 | Scottish Terrier | 29.3 % |
The dog breeds that show the most aggression towards other dogs are the:
The dog breeds that are least aggressive towards other dogs are the:
Usually, small dog breeds display aggression not because they are mean but because they are afraid and feel insecure due to their small size.
Are Samoyeds Afraid of Strangers?
Some dogs breeds tend to be fearful of strangers.
Dogs that are fearful of strangers will avoid strangers. These dogs will crouch, cringe, or tremble when approached by strangers.
Extreme fear in dogs is characterized by serious attempts to escape or hide from the feared stranger.
Samoyeds are not fearful of strangers.
This is because the Samoyed ranks very low for fear of strangers.
The Samoyed ranks number 98 out of 124 dog breeds for fear of strangers.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has a stranger-directed-fear score of 13.6 %.
Other dog breeds that are not stranger-fearful just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Stranger-Directed-Fear Rank | Breed | Stranger-Directed-Fear Score |
|---|---|---|
| 95 | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 14.9 % |
| 96 | Kuvasz | 14.5 % |
| 97 | Bull Terrier | 14.0 % |
| 98 | Samoyed | 13.6 % |
| 99 | Collie | 13.0 % |
| 100 | Labrador Retriever | 12.8 % |
| 101 | Irish Setter | 11.7 % |
The dog breeds that show the most fear of strangers are the:
The dog breeds that are least fearful of strangers are the:
Are Samoyeds Afraid of Other Dogs?
Some dogs breeds tend to show fear when an unfamiliar dog approaches them.
A dog that is fearful of other dogs will try to avoid meeting other dogs.
Samoyeds are somewhat fearful of other dogs.
This is because the Samoyed ranks average for fear of other dogs.
The Samoyed ranks number 51 out of 124 dog breeds for fear of other dogs.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has a dog-directed-fear score of 41.6 %.
Other dog breeds that are somewhat other-dog-fearful just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Dog-Directed-Fear Rank | Breed | Dog-Directed-Fear Score |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | Havanese | 42.5 % |
| 49 | Bulldog | 42.0 % |
| 50 | American Bulldog | 41.9 % |
| 51 | Samoyed | 41.6 % |
| 52 | Shetland Sheepdog | 40.8 % |
| 53 | American Pit Bull Terrier | 40.2 % |
| 54 | Belgian Tervuren | 40.1 % |
The dog breeds that are most fearful of other dogs are the:
The dog breeds that are least fearful of other dogs are the:
Do Samoyeds Have Non-Social Fears?
Dogs that are fearful of sudden or loud noises, traffic, and unfamiliar objects and situations are said to exhibit nonsocial fear.
Samoyeds are somewhat fearful of unfamiliar sounds, situations, and objects.
This is because the Samoyed ranks average for non-social fear.
The Samoyed ranks number 55 out of 124 dog breeds for being fearful of unfamiliar things and situations.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has a nonsocial-fear score of 34.9 %.
Other dog breeds that are somewhat nonsocial-fearful just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Nonsocial-Fear Rank | Breed | Nonsocial-Fear Score |
|---|---|---|
| 52 | Poodle (Miniature) | 35.6 % |
| 53 | Miniature Schnauzer | 35.5 % |
| 54 | Newfoundland | 35.3 % |
| 55 | Samoyed | 34.9 % |
| 56 | Boxer | 34.5 % |
| 57 | Bullmastiff | 33.2 % |
| 58 | Alaskan Malamute | 32.8 % |
The dog breeds that are most fearful of unfamiliar situations and objects are the:
The dog breeds that are least fearful of unfamiliar situations and objects are the:
Do Samoyeds Get Along Well With Other Dogs?
Some dog breeds display high dog rivalry. These dog breeds will threaten or act hostile to other familiar dogs in the same household.
These dog breeds will compete with other dogs. Also, these dog breeds do not get along well with other dogs.
Samoyeds are quite a bit competitive when dealing with other dogs.
This is because the Samoyed ranks high on dog rivalry.
The Samoyed ranks number 35 out of 124 dog breeds for displaying dog rivalry when dealing with familiar dogs.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has a dog-rivalry score of 53.1 %.
Other dog breeds that are quite a bit competition-driven just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Dog-Rivalry Rank | Breed | Dog-Rivalry Score |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | Pointer | 54.3 % |
| 33 | Belgian Malinois | 54.2 % |
| 34 | Australian Cattle Dog | 53.1 % |
| 35 | Samoyed | 53.1 % |
| 36 | Gordon Setter | 52.9 % |
| 37 | Fox Terrier (Toy) | 52.9 % |
| 38 | Dalmatian | 51.9 % |
The dog breeds that do not get along well with other dogs are the:
The dog breeds that get along well with other dogs are the:
See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on how well they get along with other dog breeds.
Are Samoyeds Easy to Train?
Dogs have high trainability have the willingness to listen to their owner. These dogs are not stubborn. These dogs obey simple commands, and they learn very quickly.
Highly trainable dogs excel at fetching objects. They also respond positively to correction and ignore distraction.
Samoyeds are a little bit easy to train.
This is because the Samoyed ranks low for trainability.
The Samoyed ranks number 77 out of 124 dog breeds for easiness to train.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the trainability of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has a trainability score of 60.4 %.
Other dog breeds that are a little bit easy to train just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Trainability Rank | Breed | Trainability Score |
|---|---|---|
| 74 | Jack Russell Terrier | 60.9 % |
| 75 | Alaskan Malamute | 60.6 % |
| 76 | Italian Greyhound | 60.6 % |
| 77 | Samoyed | 60.4 % |
| 78 | Redbone Coonhound | 60.0 % |
| 79 | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | 59.8 % |
| 80 | Bullmastiff | 59.2 % |
The dog breeds that are most easy to train are the:
The dog breeds that are difficult to train are the:
Learn more about how intelligent the Samoyed is and how the intelligence of the Samoyed affects its trainability in this article on how smart the Samoyed is.
Do Samoyeds Get Along Well with Cats? Do They Get Along Well with Other Pets?
Dog breeds that have high chase-drive will run after (chase) cats, birds, and/or other small animals, given the opportunity.
Samoyeds are not into chasing after other smaller pets like cats, squirrels, chickens, and birds.
This is because the Samoyed ranks very low for small-pet-chasing.
The Samoyed ranks number 115 out of 124 dog breeds for chasing after smaller pets.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has a chasing score of 19.8 %.
Other dog breeds that are not into chasing after smaller pets just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Chasing Rank | Breed | Chasing Score |
|---|---|---|
| 112 | French Bulldog | 25.1 % |
| 113 | English Bulldog | 24.0 % |
| 114 | Collie | 23.9 % |
| 115 | Samoyed | 19.8 % |
| 116 | Anatolian Shepherd | 19.8 % |
| 117 | Black and Tan Coonhound | 19.2 % |
| 118 | Keeshond | 18.5 % |
The dog breeds that like chasing after cats and other smaller pets are the:
The dog breeds that will not chase after cats and other smaller pets are the:
See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their prey drive.
Do Samoyeds Like Attention? Are they Clingy or Aloof?
Some dog breeds like to stay close to their owners all the time. These dogs like attention, and they like to receive the affection of their owners.
These dogs get jealous when their owners give attention to other dogs or other people instead of them.
Dogs with these traits are described as attachment/attention-seeking.
Samoyeds are not attachment/attention-seeking.
This is because the Samoyed ranks very low for attachment/attention-seeking behavior.
The Samoyed ranks number 110 out of 124 dog breeds for attachment/attention-seeking behavior.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has an attachment/attention-seeking score of 24.7 %.
Other dog breeds that are not attachment/attention-seeking just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Attachment-Attention-Seeking Rank | Breed | Attachment-Attention-Seeking Score |
|---|---|---|
| 107 | Black and Tan Coonhound | 27.9 % |
| 108 | Akita | 27.8 % |
| 109 | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | 26.2 % |
| 110 | Samoyed | 24.7 % |
| 111 | Bull Terrier | 23.3 % |
| 112 | Great Pyrenees | 21.6 % |
| 113 | Irish Wolfhound | 21.1 % |
The dog breeds that are always seeking the attention of their owners are the:
The dog breeds that are aloof are the:
See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their clinginess.
Do Samoyeds have Separation Anxiety? Do They Like to be Left Alone?
Dog breeds that have separation anxiety do not like to be left alone.
These dog breeds tend to bark and destroy things when separated from their owners.
They become restless or lose their appetite when left alone.
Samoyeds are quite a bit prone to developing separation anxiety.
This is because the Samoyed ranks high for separation anxiety relative to other dog breeds.
The Samoyed ranks number 40 out of 124 dog breeds for separation anxiety.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has a separation anxiety score of 48.0 %.
Other dog breeds that are quite a bit prone to develop separation anxiety just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Separation-Related-Behavior Rank | Breed | Separation-Related-Behavior Score |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | Belgian Malinois | 49.1 % |
| 38 | Miniature Schnauzer | 49.1 % |
| 39 | Whippet | 49.0 % |
| 40 | Samoyed | 48.0 % |
| 41 | Pug | 47.8 % |
| 42 | French Bulldog | 47.7 % |
| 43 | Shih Tzu | 47.5 % |
The dog breeds that are most prone to develop separation anxiety are listed below. These dog breeds do not like to be left alone. These dog breeds are the:
- Treeing Walker Coonhound
- Fox Terrier (Smooth)
- Chinese Crested
- Miniature Pinscher
- Australian Silky Terrier
The dog breeds that are least prone to develop separation anxiety are the:
See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their tendency to develop separation anxiety.
Are Samoyeds Touch Sensitive? Do They Like to be Groomed?
Dogs that are touch-sensitive are fearful of `painful` procedures such as bathing, grooming, nail clipping, and veterinary examinations.
These dogs do not like going through these `painful` procedures, and they will react to show they do not like the procedure.
Samoyeds are somewhat touch-sensitive.
This is because the Samoyed ranks average for touch sensitivity.
The Samoyed ranks number 62 out of 124 dog breeds for touch sensitivity.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has a touch-sensitivity score of 27.4 %.
Other dog breeds that are somewhat touch-sensitive just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Touch-Sensitivity Rank | Breed | Touch-Sensitivity Score |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | Miniature Schnauzer | 28.5 % |
| 60 | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 28.4 % |
| 61 | German Shorthaired Pointer | 28.2 % |
| 62 | Samoyed | 27.4 % |
| 63 | Fox Terrier (Wire/Wire-haired) | 27.3 % |
| 64 | Black and Tan Coonhound | 27.2 % |
| 65 | Bearded Collie | 27.0 % |
The dog breeds that are most touch-sensitive are the:
The dog breeds that are least touch-sensitive are the:
See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on their sensitivity to touch.
Are Samoyeds Hyper? Are they Highly Excitable?
Excitable dog or hyper dog breeds display strong reactions to potentially exciting or arousing events, such as:
- going for walks
- car trips
- sound of the doorbell
- arrival of visitors, and
- the owner arriving home
Highly excitable dog breeds have difficulty settling down after arousal.
Samoyeds are not hyper (excitable).
This is because the Samoyed ranks very low for excitability.
The Samoyed ranks number 123 out of 124 dog breeds for excitability.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has an excitability score of 5.9 %.
Other dog breeds that are not excitable just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Excitability Rank | Breed | Excitability Score |
|---|---|---|
| 120 | Anatolian Shepherd | 11.7 % |
| 121 | Italian Greyhound | 9.1 % |
| 122 | Great Pyrenees | 6.2 % |
| 123 | Samoyed | 5.9 % |
| 124 | Borzoi | 0.0 % |
The dog breeds that are most hyper (excitable) are the:
- Australian Silky Terrier
- Fox Terrier (Smooth)
- American Eskimo Dog
- Parson Russell Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
The dog breeds that are least hyper (excitable) are the:
See our complete ranking of dog breeds based on how hyper they are.
Are Samoyeds Playful? What is the Energy Level of Samoyeds
Energetic dog breeds are very playful dog breeds. These are the dog breeds that do not get tired easily.
Samoyeds are a little bit energetic.
This is because the Samoyed ranks low for energy level.
The Samoyed ranks number 80 out of 124 dog breeds for energy level.
This information is based on what 18 Samoyed owners reported on the temperament of their Samoyed in a research survey.
Based on our further analysis of the survey, we found that the Samoyed has an energy-level score of 51.0 %.
Other dog breeds that are a little bit energetic just like the Samoyed are listed in the table below
| Energy-Level Rank | Breed | Energy-Level Score |
|---|---|---|
| 77 | Border Terrier | 52.0 % |
| 78 | Bichon Frise | 51.9 % |
| 79 | Golden Retriever | 51.5 % |
| 80 | Samoyed | 51.0 % |
| 81 | Chihuahua | 50.3 % |
| 82 | Chinese Shar-Pei | 48.3 % |
| 83 | Shih Tzu | 48.3 % |
The dog breeds that are most playful and most energetic are the:
The dog breeds that are laziest are the:
See our complete ranking of dog breeds from the most energetic to the least energetic.
Conclusion on Samoyed Temperament
The temperament of your Samoyed comes from a combination of its genetics and what environment your Samoyed is exposed to.
You cannot change your Samoyed`s gene but you can change the things you expose your Samoyed to.
Exposing your Samoyed to dog training sessions early in its life can help you mold the temperament of your Samoyed to what you desire.
Again, with proper training, you can better your Samoyed`s temperament. To learn how to properly train a dog, I highly recommend Dr. Ian Dunbar`s online dog training classes, which you can find here.
I learned most of the things I know about training dogs by reading Dr. Dunbar`s books and watching his training videos. Dr. Dunbar`s dog training methods are for people expecting to own a puppy soon, new dog owners, and experienced dog owners.
Another helpful online dog training class that I recommend is this one. The class will teach you how to properly train your Samoyed.
If you think the Samoyed is the right dog breed for you, see our article on how much Samoyeds cost and Samoyed puppy buying guide.
Also, see our list of reputable Samoyed breeders in the United States and the prices of their Samoyed puppies.