Why Are Samoyeds Called Shoobs? [ANSWERED]

Samoyed is a friendly and gentle white dog who is known for its graceful stand. Due to their interesting history that sings of legends and great adventure, there are lots of names that can represent the beautiful white dogs of the North.

Other names for Samoyeds include

  • Bjelkier Samoiedskaya Sobaka
  • Shoob
  • Smiling Sammy

A “shoob” is an internet slang term for a Samoyed. The Samoyed, also known fondly as the “shoob”, is a breed that absolutely embraces the idea of all things lovely. From their gentle and affectionate personality to their long, magnificent white fur, the Shoob is quite a popular breed.

Shoob nickname embraces the loving nature and elegant appearance of the Samoyed.

The beautiful white Shoobs were bred to hunt, haul sleds, and herd reindeer. The working dog originated from the coldest areas of Siberia and had a close association with the Samoyed people. These working dogs serve as a testament to their intelligence, loyalty, and friendliness. Shoobs are also very sociable and demand attention.

Shoobs are pack dogs and are very friendly. These good-natured dogs have a jolly sense of humour and form close bonds with their people. They are famous for their permanent smile and friendly personality. They thrive on human companionship and loves being part of household activity.

Samoyed, or a "shoob", sitting on icy tundra

Related Reading: Are Samoyeds Actually Hypoallergenic?

Why are Shoobs always smiling?

Sammy’s smile is something that has intrigued dog lovers for quite some time. In fact, the Shoob’s “smile” is one of the most cherished traits of this stunning breed. That smile along with the glamorous white coat is the essence of this breed.

The smiling trait of this breed is even mentioned in the AKC breed standard. “Samoyed lips should be black for preference and slightly curved up at the corners of the mouth, giving the Samoyed smile.” 

Also, “The expression, referred to as Samoyed expression, is very important and is indicated by sparkle of the eyes, animation and lighting up of the face when alert or intent on anything. Expression is made up of a combination of eyes, ears and mouth. The ears should be erect when alert; the mouth should be slightly curved up at the corners to form the Samoyed smile.”

The Samoyed perpetual smile has a very important function. Those upturned corners keep these gorgeous dogs from drooling. Drooling is something that would be impractical for a dog living in Siberia. Drool would quickly freeze, perhaps even form small icicles.

It’s not unusual to see Shoobs working as therapy dogs bringing a smile to children and senior citizens.

Why is Samoyed so expensive?

Samoyed puppies are heartwarming, adorable, and hard to resist. The price of Sammy pups can fluctuate widely depending on the breeder. 

The Samoyed puppy price can range between $700 and $1550. You can extend to upwards of $3000 for a purebred.

The reputable and high-quality breeders tend to be on the upper end of the price spectrum. You may get a Samoyed at a lower price from unethical breeders but it is never recommended.

Other factors that can influence Samoyed puppy price include

  • Gender
  • Coat colour
  • Overall appearance
  • Breeder reputation 
  • Demand for puppies 
  • Kennel club registered or not
  • Champion bloodline 
  • Breeder’s years of breeding 
  • Purpose of buying (pet, show, or breeding)

What is included in the price also depends on country laws and the breeder himself. Annual costs for caring for your Samoyed will add an additional $1300.

Samoyeds have a life expectancy of around 12 – 14 years. This can only be so if proper care and nutrition are given to them. These fluffy dogs should be given regular exercise to avoid health problems.

If you can afford the initial Samoyed price along with the ongoing expenses, you must go for it! After all, Shoobs are worth every penny and more!

Is Samoyed a spitz?

Yes, the Samoyed belongs to the spitz or northern dog group.

The word “spitz” in the German language means pointed. A Spitz dog isn’t a breed but a classification of many dog breeds with similar features. Spitz is a dog type describing several breeds that share loosely common ancestry and traits. They descend from ancient breeds that came from Arctic regions.

Physically, most spitz breeds have a wolf-like appearance and have pointy, pricked ears, almond-shaped eyes, a dense double coat, and a feathery tail. All of these features help keep them warm in cold weather.

Spitz breeds are often loyal, intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. However, most of them can also be independent and bold. There are between 50 and 70 distinct spitz dog breeds, but some aren’t easily categorized because there is no exact definition. This makes the exact number of spitz breeds impossible to nail down.

Is a Samoyed related to a wolf?

All dogs have descended from wolves or other wild canids. Many of them still maintain their primitive wolf looks. The Samoyed is a spitz breed that is part of group of dogs that have a wolf-like appearance.

Shoobs are among the most ancient of dogs. They are probably the best indication of what wild dogs used to look like, they have no wolf or fox lineage.

The Samoyed is one of the 14 ancient breeds most genetically similar to the wolf and has not been dramatically changed by human selective breeding.

Final thoughts

Before you own a Shoob, ask yourself the following question: “Can you afford to own a Samoyed in terms of food, grooming, vet fees, and pet insurance?”

Shoobs, though expensive, are highly sought after. Their perky personality, luxurious coat, friendly smile, and engaging charm lure pet parents in and with good reason.

Owning a Shoob brings great joy despite the cost of looking after your pet throughout its lifetime. This dog makes an excellent family pet.

Hope you enjoyed reading this article! Did you find this article helpful? Feel free to share your thoughts and questions

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.