Dog breed comparison
Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Alaskan Malamute is the bigger breed, about 15 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Alaskan Malamute | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 23 to 25 inches | 19 inches to 24 inches |
| Weight | 75 to 100 pounds | 50 to 60 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Alaskan Malamute
One of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, bred by the Mahlemut Inuit of north-western Alaska to haul heavy loads over long distances. It was built for strength and stamina rather than racing speed.
Malamutes rarely bark but are known for howling and "talking".
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Chondrodysplasia
- Inherited polyneuropathy
- Hypothyroidism
- Cataracts
The Samoyed
Bred by the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia to herd reindeer, pull sleds and keep people warm at night. Samoyeds joined several polar expeditions, including Amundsen's to the South Pole.
Its upturned mouth is called the Sammy smile.
Health to watch
- Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with other dogs
The Samoyed gets on better with other dogs than the Alaskan Malamute.
Good with children
The Samoyed is better with children than the Alaskan Malamute.
Barking
The Alaskan Malamute barks more than the Samoyed.
Easy to train
The Alaskan Malamute is easier to train than the Samoyed.
Intelligence
The Alaskan Malamute is quicker to learn than the Samoyed.
Apartment living
The Samoyed copes better in an apartment than the Alaskan Malamute.
Which to choose
Alaskan Malamute or Samoyed?
Choose the Alaskan Malamute if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Choose the Samoyed if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
Questions.
Is the Alaskan Malamute or the Samoyed bigger, and which lives longer?
The Alaskan Malamute is the bigger breed, about 15 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Alaskan Malamute or the Samoyed?
The Alaskan Malamute is generally easier to train than the Samoyed. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Alaskan Malamute or the Samoyed?
The Samoyed is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Alaskan Malamute can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed have?
The Alaskan Malamute is prone to hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, inherited polyneuropathy. The Samoyed is prone to Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy. Both share a risk of hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
