Weeks after their $20 million wedding in Madison Square Garden, the details of which have remained under wraps in one of Hollywood's best-kept secrets, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce confirmed they have expanded their family.
The 'Love Story' singer is known for her love of cats, but she was spotted travelling on her private jet with her new Samoyed, whom she reportedly got around Christmas 2024. Largely known as "velcro dogs", the breed loves human companionship, but has a "high prey drive" which can make them tricky to introduce to other pets.
We turned to accredited dog trainer and behaviourist Carolyn Menteith to break down why Taylor and Travis chose a Samoyed, and how the "high maintenance" canine could be a step towards parenting responsibilities.
Why a newly married couple would choose a Samoyed
Samoyeds can make an ideal first dog for a newly married couple such as Travis and Taylor if they fit the couple's lifestyle, Carolyn explained.
"For an active newly married couple who are looking for a devoted dog to follow them everywhere and look fabulous while they’re doing so, a Samoyed could be perfect. But for a busy couple, they are probably far too high maintenance," she said.
While Taylor has completed the Eras tour, Travis' calendar will be filled with Kansas City Chiefs events from August to January, so the couple could easily fall into the "busy" category.
© Getty ImagesBut this could be a good trial run if they're looking to prove their strengthening commitment and potential future parenting responsibilities.
"Parenthood is not a part-time job - and neither is looking after a Samoyed!" quipped the dog expert.
"Caring for a dog can be a way for a couple to learn that there is someone else relying on them 100%. No matter what you do, or where you go, or any plans you make, you have to take them into account. Every minute, of every hour, of every day."
So far the pet has been seen joining them on their private jet, and it has been reported they have a team of people on standby for animal care, so the couple are ensuring their "velcro dog" has the attention it craves.
Taylor needs to keep her Samoyed close to prevent 'separation-related behavioural problems'
© Getty ImagesAside from their instincts to herd and protect reindeer, haul sledges and hunt, Samoyeds are known to crave human companionship.
"They bond very closely to their families and are highly social," Carolyn said, pointing out this is why they got their nickname as "velcro dogs." But the downside to this warmth is that their behaviour can turn destructive if their needs are not met.
"They hate to be left alone and can suffer seriously from separation-related behavioural problems which can lead them to become destructive, escapologists or extremely vocal in their distress. This is a dog who really needs someone to be home with them all day."
Described as "high maintenance dogs", Taylor's pup will reportedly require two hours of exercise a day, daily grooming, and a lot of training.
What is Samoyeds' temperament around cats?
© InstagramOn the subject of training, Carolyn said they are "gentle" companions but need time to learn to live with cats – something that is essential in Taylor's household with Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button.
"With time and patience, a Samoyed can learn to live happily with their own cats but may always chase other ones.
"Finding a puppy from a breeder who has reared the puppies in their home with resident cats can be the best way to start teaching a young dog that cats are family and not for chasing," she concluded.
