Do Samoyeds Smell? Are They “Dirty” Dogs?

Like many of the Arctic breeds, the Samoyed is clean. So no, Samoyeds do not smell. Samoyeds are some of the cleanest, nicest smelling dogs on our planet! They will attempt to take care of themselves as best they can. Sammy is one of the few dogs that don’t usually have that doggy smell.

The luxurious white coat of the Samoyed is dense and consists of two layers. Owners of such thick coat dogs always have a question: do Samoyed smell?

do samoyeds smell
Do Samoyeds Smell?

Related Reading: Can Samoyeds Live In Hot Weather?

Do Samoyed dogs smell bad?

However, if your Samoyed is dirty, it will have a musty smell. This is why hygiene is very important when it comes to Sammies. 

Do Samoyeds get dirty easily?

If you want to get a Sammy, you have to put in the effort to make them happy and healthy. Samoyeds can be considered high-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming.

Samoyeds that go outside do get dirty. However, it is so good for them physically and mentally. If your Sammy is the type of dog who likes to play around with mud, their beautiful white fur gets dirty easily. In such a case, you must bathe your fur buddy often to keep them clean.

It is essential to keep your Samoyed clean if you want to have a healthy dog. Brushing every day does remove a lot of the dirt. Don’t stop taking your samoyed outside just from the fear of getting dirty.

How often do Samoyeds need a bath? 

Samoyeds don’t need frequent baths!

Sammy needs only to be bathed a few times a year. This bathing process will help remove the unwanted fur. You should not bathe your Samoyed any more than you need to.

When it comes to bath time, only use top quality pH balanced shampoo and conditioner. Never use a shampoo that is meant for us humans. 

What to do if your Samoyed stinks?

A Samoyed can be a victim of being smelly due to multiple reasons. This breed is playful and active. This can make their coat dirty which causes a foul smell.

The main reasons a Samoyed might smell a little off include:

  • Build-up of dead skin cells within the coat
  • Excessive oils
  • Dried dirt, faeces, or urine, stuck on the coat. 
  • Yeast and bacterial infections 
  • Skin infections
  • Problems with the anal sacs
  • Poor dental health 
  • Poor diet
  • Dirty paws
  • Dirty bums
  • Rolling around in something smelly

Because of Sammy’s fur’s density, the skin becomes more susceptible to infections, giving another cause of the smell. 

There are several things that you can do to improve your Sammy’s smell. Here are a few things that do to get rid of the Samoyed odour.

  • Regular grooming and inspection of coat: If you have discovered something foul in your Sammy’s coat, you need to pick up your brush. If the Samoyed is wet, you should remove as much of it as you can with a towel. You can also proceed to dry it with a hairdryer. Have a look at the best dog dryers for Samoyeds. Once it’s dry, hopefully, you will be able to break it down and remove the bits with your brush. 
  • Keep your Samoyed’s paws clean after walks: If your Samoyed has smelly paws, it’s due to standing in something foul or there’s a yeast infection. If it’s simple mud on your Sammy’s paws then you need to clean their paws and give them a good wash. Always thoroughly dry the paws afterwards. If your Samoyed has a yeast infection, you should either see your local vet as soon as possible.  
  • Clean your Samoyed’s mouth regularly: Oral hygiene is often overlooked by many Samoyed parents. Good dental care is a big part of keeping your dog odorless and healthy. Brushing your Sammy’s teeth at least twice a week is a great way to prevent bad breath and plaque buildup. First, you’ll want to get toothpaste and toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Dental treats and dental chews are a very good way to improve your Sammy’s oral health.
  • Keep your Samoyed dry: When your Samoyed gets wet, it can cause it to become smelly and it can lead to infections. This is why you should make sure to clean its skin and ears after it gets wet. You should also check its ears periodically to check for infections.
  • Get it to stop rolling in smelly things: One reason for your Sammy’s smell is likely to be due to rolling around in smelly things. You can stop this by training it to come to you on command and giving it physical and mental stimulation.
  • Change your Samoyed’s diet: A bad diet can cause it to have bad breath. Since a bad diet can cause Sammies to smell, you should take measures to ensure that your Samoyed’s diet is how it should be. The best way to do this would be to ask your veterinarian when you see them next.
  • Ask your vet: If you’re still unsure of what is causing your Sammy’s smell then it’s best to take it to a vet. The vet will be able to examine it and tell you what they think is causing the smell.
do samoyed dogs smell
Do Samoyed Dogs Smell?

Final thoughts

Having a dog with luxurious white fluffy fur is, simply, adorable. Sammies shed a lot which would be more of an issue in a small space but doesn’t have an odour. If you can stand the fur everywhere and are looking for a gorgeous dog that does not stink, the Samoyed is a perfect choice!

Remember that owning a Samoyed is not only about good looks and playtime. Like any other dog, Sammy needs proper care and attention to maintain good health. Regular grooming, dental care, nutritious food, and exercise are mandatory tasks with your Samoyeds.

If you’d like to know more about this fantastic breed, please check out our post, Can Samoyeds Live In Hot Weather? It will explain everything you ever wanted to know!

Related Reading: Why Does My Dog Smell Like Doritos (Fritos Fee)?

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.