Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Samoyeds Live. Samoyed Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Samoyed Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Samoyed, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Samoyeds
- How Old is Your Samoyed in Human Years
- How Long Do Samoyeds Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Samoyed Live Long
- Conclusion on Samoyed Life Expectancy
How Long Samoyeds Live. Samoyed Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Samoyed is from 12 to 14 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Samoyed. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 223 pet Samoyeds lived.
From the study, it was found that Samoyeds have a average lifespan of 12.5 years. Furthermore, the study found that Samoyeds can live for as long as 17 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Samoyeds.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Samoyeds are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Musculoskeletal Disease: Refers to any problems with bones or muscles
- Cardiovascular Disease: Encompasses heart problems, blood pressure issues, and bleeding/clotting problems. CV issues may also be related to lung and/or breathing problems.
- Urogenital Disease: Problems with the kidneys, urinary tract, and/or reproductive organs
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Samoyed to make your Samoyed live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Samoyed have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Samoyed is in human years? Then, check out our Samoyed age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Samoyed Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Samoyed compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Tibetan Spaniel Lifespan | 14.40 |
| Miniature Poodle Lifespan | 13.90 |
| West Highland White Terrier Lifespan | 13.00 |
| Dachshund Lifespan | 12.60 |
| Samoyed Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Shetland Sheepdog Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Labrador Retriever Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Maltese Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Keeshond Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Tibetan Terrier Lifespan | 12.10 |
| English Springer Spaniel Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Old English Sheepdog Lifespan | 10.70 |
| Chow Chow Lifespan | 9.38 |
| Finnish Lapphund Lifespan | 7.33 |
| Leonberger Lifespan | 7.08 |
| Miniature Bull Terrier Lifespan | 6.08 |
| Grand Bleu de Gascogne Lifespan | 4.54 |
Common Causes of Death in Samoyed, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Samoyed, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Samoyed.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Samoyeds
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 26.1 percent of all deaths in Samoyeds.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Samoyed
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Samoyeds
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Samoyeds (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Samoyeds is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Samoyeds is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Samoyeds is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Samoyeds with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Samoyed. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Samoyed`s gums look pale.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Samoyeds
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 13.4 percent of all deaths in Samoyeds.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Samoyed
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Samoyed eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Samoyed stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Samoyed is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Samoyed has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Samoyeds
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Samoyed`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
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Musculoskeletal Disease in Samoyeds
Musculoskeletal diseases are the common problems associated with bones and muscles. These include arthritis, vertebral issues, loss of skeletal muscle mass, hip dysplasia, trauma and breakages, and more.
Musculoskeletal Disease is responsible for 11.6 percent of all deaths in Samoyeds.
Causes of Musculoskeletal Disease in Samoyed
The causes of many musculoskeletal issues have to do with age, breed, and weight. Older Samoyeds are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, as are large breed dogs, and overweight dogs. Just like people, Samoyeds can get arthritis and other joint-related issues as they get older. Large-breed dogs tend to be prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, which essentially means that their hip joints degrade and get very painful. Overweight dogs tend to put more pressure on their joints, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as serious damage to tendons and ligaments.
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disease in Samoyeds
One way that you can help improve your Samoyed`s musculoskeletal health (especially if they are old is by giving your Samoyed joint supplements like this one. You can also help prevent hip dysplasia and slipped discs by not allowing your Samoyed to jump too much, even if they are a puppy. Consider buying young Samoyeds a box or stool like this to help them get on the couch or bed, instead of letting them jump all the way from the ground. The most important way that you can keep your Samoyed`s muscles and bones healthy is by not letting them get overweight. You should avoid letting your Samoyed eat table scraps and make sure that they get plenty of exercise. If your Samoyed is overweight and you know that you are strict with their diet and exercise, you should talk to your vet; they might have hypothyroidism, which is very common. If your Samoyed is overweight and you think you should try managing their diet a little more closely, you can start your Samoyed on a weight-management diet like this to help them get back to a healthier body condition.
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Cardiovascular Disease in Samoyeds
Cardiac problems may include valvular and vascular disorders, which ultimately lead to the heart`s inability to pump oxygen-rich blood to tissues. Cardiac issues can be acute or chronic, and can lead to progressive heart failure or sudden death.
Cardiovascular Disease is responsible for 8.8 percent of all deaths in Samoyeds.
Causes of Cardiovascular Disease in Samoyed
Heart disease in Samoyeds may be caused by genetic (inherited) factors, lack of exercise, and poor diet. Heart disease can also be caused by infections such as bacteria (endocarditis, myocarditis, and more) as well as viruses, fungi, and parasites (heartworm).
How to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Samoyeds
You can prevent heart problems in your Samoyed by exercising your Samoyed regularly and feeding your Samoyed a good diet. Heartworm, which causes heart problems, is also very easily avoided by using preventatives. Giving your dog the following supplements can help prevent heart diseases. Here is a good supplement that can prevent heart problems in your Samoyed. The supplement is not only good for your Samoyed`s heart, but it is also good for your Samoyed`s overall health.
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Urogenital Disease in Samoyeds
Urogenital problems most often involve infections and blockages, which various degrees of seriousness.
Urogenital Disease is responsible for 8.6 percent of all deaths in Samoyeds.
Causes of Urogenital Disease in Samoyed
Probably, the most important urogenital issue seen in intact female Samoyeds is the pyometra. A pyometra is an enlarged, pus-filled uterus caused by a severe bacterial infection. A pyometra is several times larger than a regular uterus and is a life-threatening condition. To treat a pyometra, the Samoyed`s uterus must be removed, which is a difficult and expensive surgery. Another urogenital infection seen in both female and male dogs is urinary tract infections, which are very similar to human UTIs. If left untreated, UTIs can ascend up the urinary tract and infect the kidneys, which can also be life-threatening. If you notice that your Samoyed is urinating much more or less frequently than usual, or if the color or smell of the urine seems different from normal, you should talk to your veterinarian. Another common urogenital issue in male Samoyeds is urinary blockages, which (as the name suggests) is when there is something stuck in the urinary tract which prevents the Samoyed from urinating. If you see your Samoyed lifting its leg and trying to urinate but nothing is coming out, you should call your veterinarian. Cancer is also a major urogenital issue in Samoyeds, just like it is in humans. Urinary incontinence can also be an issue in both male and female Samoyeds, just like in humans.
How to Prevent Urogenital Disease in Samoyeds
The only way to completely prevent a pyometra is by getting your female Samoyed spayed. Another major benefit to spaying your Samoyed is that it dramatically reduces her risk of breast cancer. A spay is a major surgery and does tend to be a bit more expensive than a neuter, but a pyometra surgery is probably 3-4 times more expensive and dangerous than a regular, routine spay. Neutering your male Samoyed will also dramatically reduce his risk of prostate cancer and urinary blockages, especially as he gets older. If the spay and neuter estimates from your regular veterinarian are a little out of your price range, low-cost high-volume (LCHV) spay and neuter clinics are also an excellent option. If you find that your Samoyed is prone to blockages even though they are sterilized, there are many diets and supplements like this that can help. There are also diets like this and supplements that can help with urinary incontinence, but if these don`t work, your veterinarian can also prescribe prescription medications.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Samoyeds
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Samoyed is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Samoyed`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Samoyed`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Samoyed offsprings by only breeding Samoyed that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Samoyed puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Samoyed breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Samoyed has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Samoyed for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Samoyed a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Samoyeds for:
How Old is Your Samoyed in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Samoyed. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Samoyed is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Samoyed is 12.5 years.
Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs. Samoyeds weigh 50 to 60 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Samoyed in converting Samoyed age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Samoyed`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Samoyed`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Samoyed`s human age. If you do not know your Samoyed`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Samoyed is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Samoyed`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Samoyed`s up-to-date human age.
Samoyed Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Samoyed age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Samoyed`s human age based on your Samoyed`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Samoyed`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Samoyed Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 14 |
| 2 | 21 |
| 3 | 26 |
| 4 | 32 |
| 5 | 37 |
| 6 | 42 |
| 7 | 46 |
| 8 | 50 |
| 9 | 54 |
| 10 | 58 |
| 11 | 62 |
| 12 | 66 |
| 13 | 71 |
| 14 | 75 |
| 15 | 80 |
| 16 | 85 |
How Long Do Samoyeds Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Samoyed is 12.5 years. In human years, the Samoyed lives for 68 years.
How Old is 3-year-old Samoyed in Human Years?
A 3-year old Samoyed is 26 years old in human years.
How Old is 5-year-old Samoyed in Human Years?
A 5-year old Samoyed is 37 years old in human years.
How Old is 7-year-old Samoyed in Human Years?
A 7-year old Samoyed is 46 years old in human years.
How Old is 10-year-old Samoyed in Human Years?
A 10-year old Samoyed is 58 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Samoyed Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Samoyed live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Samoyed fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Samoyed does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Samoyed will have a shorter lifespan than a Samoyed that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Samoyed high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Samoyed. Check out our Samoyed feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Samoyed from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Samoyed existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Samoyed has access to clean water whenever your Samoyed needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Samoyed. See our Samoyed water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Samoyed.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Samoyed might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Samoyed.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Samoyed is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Samoyed’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Samoyed teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Samoyed Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Samoyed`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.