Snow was purchased off Craigslist from his owner who was moving and couldn’t keep the dog. The very same day Snow was brought to his new owner’s home, the new owner called the police to request that they remove Snow because he was “going crazy” and biting him. The responding officer happened to be a Husky Education and Rescue Team (HEART) volunteer and recognized that Snow wasn’t aggressive, he was stressed, and he managed to calm Snow down, leash him, and ask him to lie down without incident. 

Snow was removed from his new home and brought to Animal Control—as per protocol—where staff spoke with both the original and new owners. According to his original owner, Snow had lived harmoniously with young children and was never aggressive but could be mouthy. Sadly, Snow’s new owner wasn’t prepared to deal with a stressed-out dog, particularly not a working breed and this led to escalated behavior. 

Snow’s new owner was unharmed and required no medical attention after the “bite” but Snow is now stuck with a bite record. Snow was quarantined at Animal Control to evaluate for bite risk, and could only be handled by staff, not volunteers. The Husky Education and Rescue Team became involved thanks to their connection with the responding officer, and shelter staff spoke with Animal Control, fearing Snow could be euthanized because of his past. 

A Network of Volunteers Works Quickly To Save Snow 

“The shelter staff listened to our Volunteer’s initial observations, and quickly became invested in his well-being, too,” says staff from HEART. “After his quarantine, the shelter evaluated him and determined he was only able to leave with a rescue partner. That means he’s not able to be adopted by the general public due to his bite label.” 

Acting quickly, HEART contacted their insurance to explain the special circumstances surrounding Snow’s bite record, since their policy does not typically allow them to take in bite cases. Thankfully, they were given the go-ahead, and Snow was taken from the shelter into HEART’s care where he can be adopted by a member of the general public. 

Now, Snow needs a home, and HEART is dedicated to finding the perfect person who can understand his need for exercise and mental stimulation.

Get To Know Snow the Siberian Husky x Samoyed Mix

Snow is a one-year-old male Siberian Husky x Samoyed mix, also called a Samsky. Because of his complicated history, Snow needs an experienced owner who can dedicate plenty of time to this young boy. “Snow is a young, energetic dog who needs lots of exercise and stimulation. If an outlet is not provided, it’s natural he could become frustrated,” says HEART’s description of Snow. 

A large and strong dog, Snow will need someone up to the task of managing him on a leash, during play, at the vet, etc. Snow loves people, and gets along well with other dogs—in fact, Snow prefers a home with other dogs since he learns well by example and enjoys following a group dynamic. Snow is affectionate and cuddly, and loves to sleep in bed with his humans or snuggle up on the couch, but he’s no couch potato. Snow is high-energy and pulls on leash. Like many Husky mixes he needs a fenced-in yard and occasionally likes to vocalize to share his feelings with the world. 

Snow is good with kids but would do best in a home with kids over the age of 12 since he is a large dog with lots of physical power. HEART also says that Snow’s future owner should have experience with working breeds. 

Snow is currently with a foster family in Maryland and can be transported to neighboring states, or is available to anyone willing to come to Maryland for him. You can apply to adopt Snow online through Husky Education and Rescue Team. 

What is a Samsky?

A Samsky (or a Samusky) is a mixed-breed dog with Siberian Husky and Samoyed parentage. Samskies typically stand 20–24 inches tall and weigh between 35–60 pounds. Samkies are often accidental crosses of working dogs, but some are intentionally bred. Relatively uncommon, Samskies are often very high-energy and require experienced and patient ownership.  

What Happens Legally When a Dog Is Labeled a Bite Risk? 

Laws regarding dogs with bite history vary from state to state, but having your dog reported for a bite is never positive. Some states/cities/municipalities require dogs with a bite history to wear a muzzle in public or may impose additional liability on owners of dogs with a bite history. States with a “one bite rule” only hold dog owners liable for bites if they are being negligent or have knowledge that could predict the likelihood of an attack (like bite history). “Strict liability” states hold dog owners liable regardless of the owner’s behavior or the dog’s bite history.  

Learn more about dog bite laws in your region in this state-by-state guide published by Forbes. 

Understanding Hypoallergenic Breeds

Before we address the hypoallergenic nature of Samoyeds, it’s essential to grasp the concept of hypoallergenic breeds. While no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, some breeds are considered more allergy-friendly than others. These breeds typically produce fewer allergens, such as dander and hair, which are the primary triggers for allergies in susceptible individuals. Hypoallergenic breeds often have hair instead of fur and may shed less, mitigating the spread of allergenic particles in the environment.

Is Hypoallergenic Really Even a Thing?

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a renowned veterinarian specializing in allergies, shares her expertise on hypoallergenic dogs:

“No dog breed is entirely allergen-free”

Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinarian

“Hypoallergenic is a term often associated with certain dog breeds, but it’s important to understand that no dog breed is entirely allergen-free. While some breeds may produce fewer allergens or cause milder reactions in allergic individuals, it ultimately depends on the person’s specific allergies and sensitivities. It’s crucial for potential dog owners with allergies to spend time with the breed they are considering and gauge their personal response before making a decision.”

Several popular dog breeds are called hypoallergenic, including poodles, bichon frises, Yorkshire terriers, and schnauzers. Do these popular dogs actually reduce allergic reactions? Unfortunately, no dog breed causes zero allergic responses. 

According to one study, there is a lack of data showing that so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds actually reduce allergic reactions. Every dog produces proteins in saliva and dead skin cells that cause allergies, so even hairless breeds can cause allergies. 

What Can Trigger Dog Allergies in Humans?

People with allergies to dogs are actually allergic to proteins made by the dog. There are several different dog proteins. Sometimes a person can be allergic to one kind of protein, but not others. 

One example is the dog protein Can f 5. There is research showing that this protein is only made by male dogs. If you are allergic to this protein, you can avoid it by adopting female dogs only. However, it isn’t always that simple.

Sometimes it is difficult to know what proteins you are allergic to. It can be saliva, or dander. There are a few things dog allergy sufferers should try to avoid. Saliva and urine, fur, dead skin flakes, and carpets and furniture covered with dog hair should all be avoided if possible. High dander levels and fur in your home is a common trigger.

The hypoallergenic nature of these dogs varies depending on your specific allergies and the severity of your reactions. If you have a strong allergy to dander, it’s possible that you may still experience a reaction to a Samoyed. On the other hand, if you have a mild allergy, you might not experience any symptoms at all. However, if you’re sensitive to dog saliva, that aspect is unlikely to change.

Top Tips for Dog Owners With Allergies

What can you do if you are allergic to your Samoyed? There are several things you can do so that you can keep your canine companion even though you have allergies. Try some of the following things to reduce your allergic responses:

• Use a high quality air filter in your home

• Conduct regular house cleaning sessions
• Vacuum regularly to get rid of pet hair
• Keep over-the-counter allergy medication on hand for allergic reactions
• Consider choosing a dog breed that sheds less
• Ask your doctor about getting allergy shots to reduce attacks
• Wash your dog frequently. Not sure how often, here’s a quick quiz you can take to determine how often you should wash your dog.

Are Samoyed Dogs Hypoallergenic?

Regrettably, Samoyeds do not fall into the hypoallergenic breed category despite rumors on the internet that they are.

They have a thick double coat that consists of a dense, soft undercoat and a longer, harsher outer coat. This double coat helps them withstand the extreme cold of their Arctic origins but also results in regular shedding throughout the year.

“Samoyeds produce allergens from fur and saliva, but not dander”

Reddit user Sapphire the fuzzbutt

“So I’ve seen from multiple sources that Samoyeds are actually hypoallergenic. Seeing how fluffy these dogs are, I was rather surprised to read about that,” said a reddit user.

“I’m a huge samoyed fan but unfortunately am quite allergic to dogs in general. I’d love to own a samoyed in the distant future, but was trying to gather information on just how good or bad they realistically are for people with dog allergies.”

The responses from Samoyed owners varied:

“Samoyeds do not produce the dander allergens common to most dog breeds, which is also the most common source of dog allergies, but they do produce the allergens from fur and saliva,” commented Reddit user Sapphire the fuzzbutt.

“I’m terribly allergic to the proteins in oily coated dogs, but I’ve had 2 samoyeds and without the oily coat, I can hug these fluff balls all day long without trouble. Any dog that’s coat can be described as ‘shiny’ will knock me for a loop just by standing nearby… Retrievers, labs, rotts… Any oily-coated dog… but sammies? No trouble at all,” said Samoyed owner Vincent Takeda.

If you really want a samoyed but think you have allergies:

An anecdote serves as a cautionary tale: I personally know someone who unknowingly developed a severe dog allergy. They acquired a Samoyed puppy, but unfortunately, the puppy’s presence caused them to break out in hives and nearly required a hospital visit.

If you have a genuine interest in Samoyeds, your best course of action is to seek out a reputable breeder or an individual in your local area who exclusively owns Samoyeds.

It is crucial to ensure that they do not have a cat as well, as this could skew the test results. Spend several hours with them, allowing the dog to lick you, bury your face in its fur, and observe the outcome if the dog accidentally scratches you.

If everything proceeds favorably, consider discussing the possibility of borrowing one of the breeder’s dogs for an afternoon or even overnight to gauge your reaction in a more extended timeframe.

Do Samoyeds Shed?

When it comes to shedding, Samoyeds are known for being quite the furry companions. Their double coat, consisting of a dense undercoat and longer outer coat, means that shedding is a regular occurrence. So, do Samoyeds shed a lot? The answer is yes. Samoyeds are considered heavy shedders, especially during seasonal blows when they shed their undercoat more heavily. These major shedding periods typically happen twice a year, usually in spring and autumn. During these times, you can expect a significant amount of loose fur to be floating around your home.

Outside of the seasonal blows, Samoyeds still shed to some extent throughout the year. Routine brushing is crucial to manage their shedding and keep their coat healthy. Brushing them at least a few times a week helps remove loose hair, preventing it from accumulating and forming mats.

It’s worth noting that intact female Samoyeds may experience additional shedding due to hormonal changes during their heat cycles. While Samoyeds do shed a lot, many owners find that their affectionate nature and captivating beauty make up for the extra fur maintenance required. With proper care and grooming, you can keep your Samoyed’s shedding under control and enjoy the company of these wonderful dogs.

How can I Reduce my Allergy Triggers to a Samoyed?

Just because you have dog allergies, doesn’t mean you can’t have a Samoyed. There are a few ways you can help reduce your allergies and still have one as a pet. Follow this advice if you are allergic to Samoyeds:

1. Make sure you bath the dog regularly

Bathing helps get rid of dead skin cells 

2. Keep him groomed and brushed regularly

3. Do your grooming outside, and use gloves if needed

4. Stay on top of pests; more scratching means more dander flying everywhere

5. Vacuum your carpet and furniture often

What Dog Breeds are the Most Hypoallergenic?

These dog breeds are considered to be the most hypoallergenic, according to the AKC.

• Poodle
• Maltese
• Chinese crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Schnauzer
• Irish water spaniel
• American hairless terrier
• Barbado da Terceira
• Barbet
• Bedlington terrier
• Affenpinscher
• Afghan hound

What Dog Breeds are the Least Hypoallergenic?

Some dog breeds are not recommended for allergy sufferers. Most of these breeds shed or drool a lot. Breeds to avoid if you have dog allergies include:

• Basset hound
• Boston Terrier
• Bulldog
• Doberman Pinscher
• German Shepherd
• Labrador Retriever
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Saint Bernard
• Siberian Husky

FAQ

What’s the best food for my Samoyed?

While Samoyeds are undoubtedly captivating and charismatic companions, their hypoallergenic status remains a myth. As a breed with a thick double coat that sheds heavily, they are not suitable for individuals with allergies seeking a hypoallergenic dog. It’s crucial for prospective dog owners to research and spend time with specific breeds or individual dogs to assess their tolerance level before making a decision. Consulting with healthcare professionals or allergists can provide valuable insights into individual allergies and guide the selection process toward a breed that will be compatible with an individual’s specific needs and health concerns.

Related Articles:

• The Best Dog Supplements for Skin & Coat Available on Amazon
• Finding the Perfect Hypoallergenic Dog for Your Family: Tips for Adopting a Dog That Won’t Trigger Allergies
• 55 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds You Might Be Able To Live With If You Have Allergies
• Expertly Curated: The Definitive Guide to the Best Dog Food for Every Life Stage and Dietary Need