Samoyed vs Siberian Husky
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Samoyed | Siberian Husky | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Medium | Medium |
| Adult weight | 15.9 to 29.5 kg | 15.9 to 27.2 kg |
| In pounds | 35 to 65 lb | 35 to 60 lb |
| Adult height | 48 to 60 cm | 51 to 60 cm |
| Energy | High | Very high |
| Grooming | Moderate | Moderate |
| Coat | Long double | Medium double |
| Shedding | Moderate | High |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Fine with supervision | Reliably good |
| Country of origin | Northern Russia, Siberia | United States |
The main differences
- They are about the same size: the Samoyed is 15.9 to 29.5 kg and the Siberian Husky 15.9 to 27.2 kg.
- The Siberian Husky needs more exercise: very high energy against high for the Samoyed.
- Grooming is moderate for both.
- Life expectancy is similar: 12 to 14 years for the Samoyed and 12 to 14 years for the Siberian Husky.
Temperament
Samoyed: Displays affection to all mankind, with unprovoked nervousness or aggression highly undesirable. Intelligent, alert and full of action, with the characteristic upturned mouth corners.
Siberian Husky: The Siberian Husky is friendly, fastidious and dignified, an outgoing and loyal northern breed with a mischievous streak.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Samoyed
- X-linked hereditary nephritis, also called Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy, detectable by DNA test
- X-linked progressive retinal atrophy (XL-PRA), detectable by DNA test
- Hip dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
- Elbow dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme
- Retinal dysplasia and other inherited eye disease, screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
- Uveodermatologic syndrome, an immune mediated eye and skin disorder, diagnosed by ophthalmic examination and skin biopsy
Siberian Husky
- Hip dysplasia, though the incidence in the breed is relatively low
- Inherited eye disease, though the incidence is relatively low
- Cancer, picked up on a veterinary examination with imaging and biopsy of any new lump
- Arthritis in older dogs, diagnosed on a veterinary orthopaedic exam and x-rays
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Samoyed or the Siberian Husky?
They are about the same size. Adults weigh 15.9 to 29.5 kg for the Samoyed and 15.9 to 27.2 kg for the Siberian Husky, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Samoyed or the Siberian Husky?
The published life expectancy is 12 to 14 years for the Samoyed and 12 to 14 years for the Siberian Husky. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Samoyed or the Siberian Husky better with children?
They score the same: reliably good with children. Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin