Miniature Samoyed: Do Mini Samoyeds Exist? (With Pictures)

The miniature Samoyed is among the best options if you’re looking for a small dog with an amiable personality. With their majestic white coat and ever-smiling face, no one can dispute how stunning mini Samoyeds are.

However, some mini Samoyed breeders are currently facing backlash for starving healthy Samoyed pups to produce mini Samoyed. But are all mini Samoyed bred unethically, or is there another safer method to breed them?

All critical details that you need to know about the miniature Samoyed are covered in this guide. Essentially, these will help you determine whether to choose this fluffy dog as your canine buddy for life.

Is There a Miniature Samoyed? Do Mini Samoyeds Exist?

Miniature Samoyeds exist, although most are not purebred. Crossing a purebred Samoyed with other smaller dog breeds can produce a miniature Samoyed. Alternatively, some breeders offer the runt of a Samoyed’s litter as a miniature variant since they are significantly smaller than the other puppies.

The miniature Samoyed is also known as mini Sammie, teacup Samoyed, toy Samoyed, and Samoyed mini. Currently, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not acknowledge the miniature Samoyed as an official breed variant.

However, the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and the Dog Registry of America (DRA) may recognize the mini Sammie as a breed of its own. Hence, it could compete in competitions held by these organizations.

Mini Samoyed Size and Weight 

Typically, mini Samoyeds stand between 11 and 16 inches. Meanwhile, their weight may vary from 25 to 35 pounds, which is significantly less than the average weight of a standard Samoyed.

But similar to standard Samoyeds, mini Samoyeds are sexually dimorphic, with males being larger than females. In addition, male mini Samoyeds grow to adult size earlier than females.

On average, mini Samoyeds reach their adult size between 9 and 18 months of age. Other factors, like their food and the innate size of their parents, can also influence the size of miniature Samoyeds.

Mini Samoyed Appearance

Like black Samoyeds, mini Samoyeds that resulted from crossbreeding have no standard physical appearance. However, most of them exhibit the coat quality and color of a purebred Samoyed.

Miniature Samoyeds have a medium to long double coat that primarily comes in shades of white, cream, and biscuit.

Due to their spitz origin, they usually have erect ears, almond-shaped eyes, pointed muzzles, and furry tails.

But some mini Samoyeds do not exhibit these spitz-associated traits. To avoid this, some breeders cross their purebred Samoyeds with other small Spitz breeds, including teacup Pomeranians and Japanese Spitzes.

Meanwhile, mini Sammies from the Samoyed’s runts have perfectly preserved the overall spitz-associated appearance of the breed.

Mini Samoyed Lifespan and Health Issues

Like the standard purebred Samoyed, the miniature Samoyed can live for around 12 to 14 years. Still, this may vary depending on the dog breed crossed with the Samoyed to produce a mini Sammie.

Meanwhile, runt mini Samoyed pups may have shorter lifespans if they’re not given intensive care during their puppyhood.

But whether your mini Samoyed is a hybrid or a runt, it may still be affected by some health issues that could significantly reduce its life expectancy. Among these health problems of mini Samoyeds are listed below:

• Luxating Patella: Mini Samoyeds and other small dog breeds are more predisposed to the luxating patella. It happens when your dog’s kneecap displaces from its normal position. If this is left untreated, it may eventually progress into arthritis.
• Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy (SHG): SHG is a sex-linked genetic disease that mostly affects male Samoyeds and their mixes, like mini Samoyeds. Affected dogs with this condition excrete urine with an unusually high protein content. Without proper medication, SHG could lead to renal failure.
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is among the most prevalent neurological disorder affecting any dog breed, including mini Samoyeds. Dogs with epilepsy experience recurrent seizures, even without brain damage.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a degenerative eye disease that causes the dog’s retina to deteriorate as it ages. Male Samoyeds and their hybrids, like mini Samoyeds, are among the dog breeds more predisposed to this condition.

It is best to immediately visit your trusted veterinarian if your mini Samoyed exhibits any symptoms of these health issues.

You can also purchase pet insurance for your dog to assist you in covering its medical expenses, particularly during a medical emergency.

Mini Samoyed Temperament and Personality

Mini Samoyeds are generally friendly, good-natured, gentle, and devoted to their families. They are highly affectionate, child-friendly, and may get along well with other animals, especially those they have grown up with.

As with other Samoyed mixes, like Samuskies, mini Samoyeds are highly active, playful, intelligent, trainable, and open to strangers. Because of this, mini Samoyeds may not be good guard dogs for households.

Nonetheless, their personality may still vary depending on the temperament of their parent breeds. For instance, toy Samoyeds with Pomeranian parents may be more protective and suspicious of strangers.

How Much Does a Mini Samoyed Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Miniature Samoyeds from reputable breeders may cost between $600 and $1,500. This price range is lower than the average selling price of a standard Samoyed, which may cost up to $3,000.

But regardless of where you’ll purchase your pup, there are other costs to consider before getting a mini Samoyed. Among these expenses are enumerated in the table below:

According to the table above, your mini Samoyed’s entire initial expenses will likely cost between $495 and $2,470. However, this can still change depending on your brand preference for some items on the list.

Furthermore, initial vaccine shots, neutering and spaying, dog license, and microchipping are not recurring expenses. Hence, you can expect to spend less on the monthly maintenance cost of your miniature Samoyed.

Places to Find Mini Samoyed Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Finding a trustworthy breeder of toy Samoyeds might be challenging due to the breed’s rarity. In addition, breeding toy Samoyeds is relatively difficult to achieve.

Unfortunately, some desperate and unethical breeders starve their purebred Samoyed puppies just to produce mini Samoyeds.

To avoid transacting with these unethical breeders, check out the possible sources of miniature Samoyeds listed below:

• Snow Angel Samoyeds – Located in Texas, the Snow Angel Samoyeds is one of the known reputable Samoyed breeders in the United States. They have been breeding high-quality Samoyeds for over 30 years already. Occasionally, their breeding stocks produce some runts, which they sell as mini Samoyeds.
• Greenfield Puppies – Since its launch in 2000, this puppy-advertising website has assisted many pet owners in finding ethical dog breeders in Pennsylvania and its bordering states. Samoyed is among the dog breeds that they advertise. Hence, finding a mini Samoyed from this website is also possible.
• Keystone Puppies – This website is an online advertising source for reputable dog breeders across the United States. In the past, they have already facilitated numerous transactions between Samoyed mix breeders and buyers. Hence, it is possible to see a mini Samoyed here.

Alternatively, you can find toy Samoyeds or small Samoyed mixes in some rescues and adoption sites. Among these are listed below:

• Petfinder – Since 1996, Petfinder has helped countless pet owners in North America find adoptable pets online. Numerous Samoyed and Samoyed mix rescues are affiliated with Petfinder. Thus, you may find a mini Samoyed on this website.
• San Francisco Samoyed Rescue (SFSR) – Located in California, this nonprofit organization has been rescuing and rehoming Samoyeds and their mixes since 1974. Most of their adoptable dogs are already adults or seniors. However, you may occasionally find some toy Samoyeds on their website.
• Samoyed Rescue of Texas (SRT) – Founded in 2011, the SRT is an all-volunteer organization that rescues Samoyed and Samoyed mixes in the United States. But they only offer adoptable dogs in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Since they rescue dogs with Samoyed lineage, finding a toy Samoyed in SRT is possible.

Regardless of where you get your mini Samoyed, it is always crucial to know the entire process involved in buying or adopting a puppy online. By doing so, you can avoid scammers who often prey on unsuspecting pet parents.

Other Dog Breeds That Look Like a Mini Samoyed

Many toy Samoyeds retain the classic, wolf-like appearance and dense, white coat of standard Samoyeds. Surprisingly, some dog breeds also exhibit these physical traits and resemble mini Samoyeds.

Like toy Samoyeds, all of these dogs are Spitz-type breeds. Nonetheless, their temperaments significantly differ from one another.

1. American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog or Eskie is a purebred dog that is frequently confused with a Samoyed due to its unmistakable resemblance. Eskies have medium-length double coats that come in white and biscuit.

Unlike the purebred Samoyed, Eskies have three AKC-recognized sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Naturally, Eskies are smaller than Sammies, making them look like miniature Samoyeds.

Also, American Eskimo Dogs have temperaments similar to mini Samoyeds. Hence, they can be a great alternative if you can’t find a mini Samoyed in your area.

To learn more about the American Eskimo Dog, check out the video below:

2. Japanese Spitz

Another dog breed that looks exactly like a mini Samoyed is the Japanese Spitz. Like Eskies, Japanese Spitzes are innately smaller than purebred Samoyeds. They also have dense, white, double coats and well-furred tails.

Japanese Spitzes stand between 12 and 15 inches and weigh around 10 to 25 pounds. Compared to mini Samoyeds, Japanese Spitzes are less active and barky. Yet, they are more trainable and amiable to other pets.

If you want a dog that will always make you laugh and can be a great travel companion, the Japanese Spitz might be the ideal breed for you!

3. German Spitz

A German Spitz is like a mini Samoyed but is more independent and reserved. Like Japanese Spitzes, German Spitzes have dense, double coats.

Most German Spitzes are smaller than purebred Samoyeds. However, unlike the mini Samoyeds, they are less affectionate and more cautious with other people and pets.

Moreover, German Spitzes are inherently vigilant, and they bark a lot, especially when there are strangers around. These make them excellent watchdogs for households.

4. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is the smallest Spitz breed that resembles a mini Samoyed. It stands between 6 and 7 inches and weighs around 3 to 7 pounds. Amid its size, the Pomeranian acts like a big dog and is bolder than a toy Samoyed.

Also, unlike the mini Samoyed, the Pomeranian’s dense, double coat comes in shades of red, white, black, lavender, brindle, beaver, and many more!

Finding a reputable Pomeranian breeder or rescue in the United States is easy due to the breed’s popularity. But before getting a Pomeranian, be sure to know the overall cost of owning it and its feeding requirements.

5. Volpino Italiano

Originating from Italy, the Volpino Italiano or Volpino is a purebred dog that is closely related to Pomeranians. Like mini Samoyeds, it has a smiling face and a well-furred tail that curls over its back.

Volpini are typically smaller than mini Samoyeds and can reach a height of 10.5 to 12 inches. Meanwhile, their weight varies from 8 to 16 pounds. These dogs have dense, double coats that come in white and red.

Behaviorally, the Volpino Italiano is less vocal and more reserved to other people and pets than mini Samoyeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Mini Samoyeds Hypoallergenic?

The hypoallergenic quality of a mini Samoyed will depend on its parent breeds. For example, a mini Samoyed with Bichon Frise parent may become hypoallergenic if it inherits the skin and coat quality of the Bichon Frise.

Meanwhile, a mini Samoyed with a Pomeranian or Japanese Spitz parent may not be hypoallergenic, as it might produce more dander.

Do Mini Samoyeds Shed a Lot?

Like purebred Samoyeds, most mini Samoyeds moderately shed their coats throughout the year. However, they do shed excessively every spring and fall to prepare for summer and winter.

Since the mini Samoyed sheds its coat daily, regular coat brushing is vital to reduce the amount of hair strewn on your furniture. Coat brushing can also keep your mini Samoyed’s fur free of matting.

Do Miniature Samoyeds Make Good Family Dogs?

Miniature Samoyeds make good family dogs due to their highly amiable and affectionate nature. They are also suitable for households with young children and other dogs, especially if they’re socialized early.

However, a mini Samoyed may not be ideal if you’re looking for a good guard dog, as it typically gets along well with strangers.

What Is the Smallest White Fluffy Dog?

The smallest white fluffy dog is the teacup Maltese. This dog is a much smaller and lighter version of a standard Maltese. It stands anywhere between 3 and 6 inches and weighs approximately 2 to 4 pounds.

Because of its size, the teacup Maltese doesn’t require much food to stay healthy or a lot of space to run around and play.

Final Thoughts

The miniature Samoyed is a fluffy white dog that is intelligent, lively, and well-disposed. Most mini Samoyeds are hybrids of purebred Samoyeds and other small dog breeds, while some are runts of a Samoyed’s litter.

Currently, mini Samoyeds are rare in the United States. Thus, finding reputable breeders who offer toy Samoyeds might be difficult.

What are your thoughts about the mini Samoyed? Do you think this is the right breed for you? Tell us what you think in the comment section!