In most cases, white is the only common Samoyed color. However, there are a few other options, and you may be able to select other colors if you can find a breeder that specializes in them.
Below, we’ll go over all of the potential Samoyed colors (including white). The AKC only recognizes three different colors in this breed, though you may still find dogs with even more colors. However, often, these dogs are mixed breeds—not purebred Samoyeds.
The 3 Recognized Samoyed Colors
1. White
The traditional and most common color in Samoyeds is pure white. The coat is typically a bright, snow-white color, and it gives these dogs their iconic appearance.
The white coat serves not only as a distinguishing feature of the breed but also helps them blend into snowy environments, which was important for their historical role as working dogs in cold climates. Plus, many people simply prefer the white coat.
Therefore, this coloration is easily the most popular. You’ll find the vast number of Samoyeds in this pure white color.
2. Cream
Cream-colored Samoyeds are slightly off-white. They’re still white, though, so they’re hard to distinguish from pure white Samoyeds. Often, they have just a hint of warmth in their color, which sets them apart slightly.
Cream ranges from very pale to a more noticeable cream hue. These dogs are also pretty common, and you’ll find them produced by breeders throughout the world. However, they aren’t quite as common as white dogs.
3. Biscuit
Biscuit-colored Samoyeds have a creamy coat with subtle reddish or beige tints. This color variation is rarer than white or cream. The term “biscuit” is used to describe the presence of these warmer tones in the coat. It’s similar to cream but with more warmth.
The biscuit coloration is most commonly seen on the tips of the guard hairs, which are the outermost hairs of the double coat. Often, the undercoat is white or cream. Despite being very rare, this coloration is still recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Are There Black Samoyeds?
While Samoyed dogs are renowned for their white, cream, and biscuit-colored coats, black is not a recognized hue according to the breed’s standards. Therefore, it is not considered a typical or natural color for this breed.
Although some individual Samoyeds may exhibit black markings or patches due to various influences, these occurrences are not in line with the recognized breed standard and are generally not desirable in terms of breed confirmation. If you encounter a dog advertised as a “black Samoyed,” it is critical to exercise caution and conduct extensive research.
The dog may not be a purebred Samoyed or may have undergone dyeing or other treatments to modify its coat color. It is advisable to exclusively work with trustworthy breeders who comply with breed standards and prioritize their dogs’ health and well-being. Most responsible breeders are not producing black Samoyeds.
Final Thoughts
Samoyeds come in three main colors: white, cream, and biscuit. However, white is by far the most popular option and the vast majority of Samoyeds are white. Cream is somewhat common, while biscuit is extremely rare.
If you’re interested in one of these dogs, make sure to research the breeder well. While the color of the dog does matter aesthetically, the health and behavior of the dog are much more important.
Featured Image Credit: Evgeniia Shikhaleeva, Shutterstock
