Dog breed comparison
Samoyed vs American Eskimo Dog
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Samoyed is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Samoyed | American Eskimo Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Height | 19 inches to 24 inches tall at the shoulder | 15 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 50 to 60 pounds | Starts at 30 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 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.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Apartment living
The American Eskimo Dog copes better in an apartment than the Samoyed.
Easy to train
The American Eskimo Dog is easier to train than the Samoyed.
Easy to groom
The American Eskimo Dog is easier to groom than the Samoyed.
First-time owners
The American Eskimo Dog suits first-time owners better than the Samoyed.
General health
The American Eskimo Dog tends to have fewer health problems than the Samoyed.
Exercise needs
The Samoyed needs more exercise than the American Eskimo Dog.
Which to choose
Samoyed or American Eskimo Dog?
Choose the Samoyed if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that barks less
Choose the American Eskimo Dog if…
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
Questions.
Is the Samoyed or the American Eskimo Dog bigger, and which lives longer?
The Samoyed is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Samoyed or the American Eskimo Dog?
The American Eskimo Dog is generally easier to train than the Samoyed. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Samoyed or the American Eskimo Dog?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. 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.
