Active people that like dogs will love Samoyeds. These beautiful white-coated furballs are very likely to be awesome training or running partners. However, not all dogs are very interesting to exercise with. Fortunately, high-energy dogs like Huskies, Weimaraners, or Samoyeds are usually interesting for intense physical activity!
That’s why dog sports such as running with your dog are so awesome. Every Samoyed owner should consider getting more active with their companion. Jogging has several benefits that could be very interesting for both of you. Nonetheless, are Samoyeds good running partners?
Samoyeds have impressive stamina and speed perfect for any type of runner. They are excellent running partners especially for long runs in cold climates. Your companion will probably love to jog with you regularly. However, he won’t tolerate the heat very well. Overall, Samoyeds are very interesting if you’re looking for a jogging buddy!
Exercise Needs of Samoyeds!
Originally used as working dogs, Samoyeds will love to have tasks to complete. Don’t forget that these furry pets were bred to hunt, track, herd, or pull sleds. This information can give you an idea of how much exercise or work they will need every day!
These wonderful animals aren’t only super energetic, they are also very smart dogs. This means that your Samoyed will need both physical and mental activity for his well-being!
When pets can have enough playtime or brain stimulation, they can be destructive. However, there are simple and fun things you can try to improve their behavior, health, and happiness. For example, dog sports, interactive games, or brain toys can be very interesting to stimulate your buddy mentally and spend his energy!
Generally, dogs need a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. Samoyeds will require around 1 or 2 hours of relatively intense physical activity a day. Therefore, canine sports could help you to provide your companion with the exercise he needs. Daily walks could also be a good way to let your dog go out every day. Walking with him is the easiest way to exercise together without too much preparation!
Besides, fun things such as playing tag, frisbee, or other games in your backyard can be very interesting to enjoy physical activity with your Samoyed. When you’re ready to invest some time in your dog’s well-being, running could become your favorite activity!
Are Samoyeds Good Running Partners?
Jogging with your dog could change your life by making you both more healthy and happy. After some practice, you could work out together with regular runs. This activity will make you benefit from a better mental and physical health, a good bond with your buddy, and many other advantages of this dog sport!
Luckily for you, Samoyeds are normally awesome running partners. With their good speed, stamina, and other interesting athletic qualities, they were bred to jog long distances. Moreover, these natural runners are well-suited to enjoy other canine sports with you!
The MMN [Link Open In a New Tab] website even includes Samoyeds among the best dogs for running!
What Makes Your Dog Suitable to Run?
Unfortunately, not all Samoyeds are suitable to jog. Even if this breed is active, resilient, and well suited for running, it could be bad for some of them. Here’s what could restrict your dog to start this intense activity!
Health Issues.
It’s always important to look at your dog’s conditions before starting new sports with him. His safety should be your number one priority when you change something in his routine. Some Samoyeds could suffer from hip dysplasia, heart problems, or have other serious complications!
Therefore, running is only safe for dogs with perfect health and good shape. High-impact sports for buddies with structural issues or other health issues could hurt or injure them. Visiting your vet is the best way to make sure your companion is healthy enough to run alongside you!
Overweight.
You might think that running with your dog is an excellent solution to help him lose weight. However, he’s probably not suitable to jog if he’s overweight. Lower intense physical activity such as walking, fetch, or swimming combine with better nutrition could be the best way to regulate your buddy’s weight
How to know if your Samoyed is overweight? It will depend on many factors. In general, if your dog weighs over 25 kg [55 pounds] (Female) or 35 kg [77 pounds] (Male) he or she might be a little bit overweight. Luckily, it’s not very difficult to improve your dog’s health with proper exercise and nutrition!
Injuries.
If your buddy has any kind of injury in the process of healing, don’t run with him. Go see a vet to know when it’s ok to start low-intense physical activity. Jogging too soon or without proper rehabilitation your dog could re-injure or hurt himself seriously!
It’s really important to know your Samoyed to make sure he’s suitable for running with you. His breed will tell you if he has potential in this sport, and your vet will tell you if it’s safe for your dog to enjoy it!
How Fast Can Samoyeds Run?
Generally, dogs have a running speed of around 15 to 20 miles per hour (24-32 km/h). I already told you that this breed is a natural runner that can be very fast. In fact, Samoyeds can reach running speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). With their medium size, solid structure, and their athletic shape, they are amazing jogging partners!
This is a very impressive speed for this cute furry animal. That could be very interesting for competitive runners or more advanced canine sports. Canicross or dog sledding could be very interesting to let your Samoyed run as long as he wants to!
However, the speed isn’t so important to start jogging with your dog. Depending on your goals and your running abilities a slow companion with good stamina could be way better than a fast sprinter. Good for you, Samoyeds are not only fast, but they are also amazing endurance runners!
Are Samoyeds Suitable For Long-Distance Running?
Even if they can run fast, they are better endurance running partners than sprinters. These buddies will love to go on long walks or runs to spend their energy. Have you ever thought to finish a marathon or start a more serious running type such as canicross? Samoyeds could be awesome to turn this awesome physical activity into an advanced sport or passion!
How Long Samoyeds Can Run? (Miles + Km)
Normally most healthy dogs should be able to run at least 1 or 2 miles (1.5 to 3 km). As good jogging partners, Samoyeds are suitable to run around 5 miles (or 8 km) rather easily. That should be way enough to keep you both in good shape and health. For long-distance runners, you should be able to train your companion to jog around 10-15 miles (16-24 km). However, it will take some patience, practice, and perseverance to enjoy this kind of intense activity with him!
Make sure to not over-exercise your furball with too intense or frequent runs. Not every Samoyed will be suitable to finish a demi-marathon or jog very long distances. That’s why you always need to respect your dog’s conditions and limits for his safety!
Generally, this type of active dog will enjoy daily running, regular hiking, and a lot of playtimes. In other words, you will need to exercise with him every day. Running could be the perfect activity to work out with your beautiful Samoyed!
5 Tips to Run With Your Samoyed!
Now that you understand your buddy is a good running partner, you need more information about this sport. There are some rules or things to know before introducing him to any new physical activity. Let me share what I know about running with your dog to help you get started!
Going on the trails without any knowledge and preparation could be bad or dangerous for both of you. Even if your dog is a natural runner, this intense sport isn’t 100% safe. Thus, here’s some advice to start running safely with your Samoyed!
Watch the Weather Before Running!
If you don’t pay attention to the temperature, you could hurt your companion. Dogs have more difficulty than humans to regulate their temperature. That’s why you need to be careful and look at the weather before running!
Over 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21°C) Samoyeds won’t be able to do intense physical activity safely. As you might have guessed, this breed can tolerate better the cold than the heat. Normally, Samoyeds can withstand cold temperatures as low as -30°F (-34.5°C)!
These types of dogs originated from Siberia are made to run in the cold. Therefore, assure you that your Samoyed can tolerate the weather before taking him on trails with you!
Don’t Start Too Young! (Samoyed Puppies Can’t Run!)
Be aware that puppies aren’t suitable for intense dog sports. Thus, you need to wait for your buddy’s bones to be fully grown and solid before running with him!
Samoyeds are considered full-grown between 8 to 18 months of age. The sooner that you could run with your companion is after one year, but a consultation from your vet is always the best option!
I also have another article about when can your dog start running with you. You should probably read it if your Samoyed is still a puppy!
Stop at the right time: Some old dogs will also need to stop running before to hurt themselves. Senior buddies could suffer from intense dog sports because it’s rough on their joints and bones. That’s why you need to pay attention to your companion while running especially when they are near to their golden age!
Where & When Should You Run With Your Samoyed?
The best place to jog with your furry animal is in wild spaces. Dogs aren’t made to run on pavement or in the street, but they can do it when there’s no other option!
Street runners should be careful with their companion’s paws and safety. Rough surfaces such as asphalt could hurt his paw pads. Moreover, the pavement can become too hot and burn the paws of your dog on sunny days. That’s why surfaces like dirt, grass or other softer wild grounds could be more safe and fun!
The best time to run with your Samoyed is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These periods are more likely to be at an ideal temperature for jogging. Besides, it’s perfect for an exercise routine especially for people that are working during the day!
Running Preparation For Your Samoyed’s Safety!
Vet Check.
Even if you think your Samoyed can run, you can’t be 100% sure that’s safe for him. It’s highly recommended to ask your veterinarian for a quick analysis of your dog’s physical conditions.
Normally, everything should be OK, and you will be able to enjoy this activity with him. Sometimes, this « Vet Check » will save a lot of problems or unnecessary pain to your dog!
Running Gear.
What type of equipment do you need to run with your Samoyed? At the start, you will be OK with a leash, a collar, plenty of water, basic sports clothes, good running shoes, and waste bags.
For more advanced runners that would like to hike, try canicross or enjoy longer runs, you need more quality gear and other accessories. Equipment such as a harness, travel bowl, paw wax, boots, or other things could be very useful to enjoy this dog sport!
Training.
Don’t start too fast or with too long distances, it’s not a good idea. Like any other activity, it will take some time for both of you to become good jogging partners. Be patient; it’s not a race. This sport can be a fun hobby that will allow you to slowly improve your running skills together!
There are many ways to start enjoying this physical activity with your buddy. The most efficient and simple method I’ve found is with a 3 simple steps process to run with your dog!
- Master Loose-Leash Walking!
- Alternate Walking With Jogging!
- Start To Run!
Have Fun!
My last piece of advice is to simply enjoy this activity. Too many dog owners think that running is only a way to provide their companion with proper physical activity. Most runners I know have a lot of fun while jogging with their dog!
Yes, Samoyeds need a lot of daily exercise, but you should find physical activities that you really like to do. If running isn’t something you enjoy, there are plenty of other sports or hobbies you can try with your dog!
The most important thing in your life is to be happy. If you enjoy jogging with your Samoyed, it could help you to improve your lifestyle!
Besides, gratitude is something really important for dog owners to enjoy everything moment you spend with your companion. That’s why my Labrador and I always have fun during our exercise time. I hope that running will make you and your Samoyed more happy and healthy!
I highly suggest you to read the 21 dos & dont’s about how to run with your dog!
Bonus Tip: Other Sports Than Running For Samoyeds!
Even if you run with your dog regularly, trying new activities is always fun. Moreover, Samoyeds are high-energy companions that will enjoy various sports and plenty of mental stimulation. To thank you for your time and attention, here are more fun things to try with your beautiful furball!
Last Thoughts About Running With Samoyeds!
To conclude, exercising your dog is essential for his well-being. Thus, running or other canine sports are very interesting for Samoyeds. In general, this breed will make an amazing jogging partner, especially for long distances!
The perfect distance to run with healthy companions is anywhere from 2 to 5 miles. However, it will depend on many factors. Besides, there many other sports or activities interesting to spend your dog’s energy. Don’t forget that the most important is to find an activity that you both enjoy!
My personal experience with dogs shows me how much these animals enjoy running. That kind of physical activity could seriously change your life forever. I hope this article helps you understand the opportunity that you have to run with your Samoyed. I would be very happy to meet you on trails with your dog enjoying that sport like my dog and I do!
Doggie Sport Challenge: Your challenge for this article is to start running (or any other physical activity) with your dog!
Have fun!