Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies are commonly mistaken as the same dog breed because they have so many characteristics in common.
While it’s true that the two breeds share several similarities, they have different traits that make them uniquely beautiful from each other.
In this Samoyed vs. Husky comparison article, we cover everything you need to know about the differences between both breeds, so stick around.
Samoyed vs. Husky: An Overview
Here’s an overview of the difference between the Samoyed and the Husky breeds.
Overview of the Siberian Samoyed
The Samoyed is an ancient breed originating from the Samoyedic people of Siberia.
These dogs were bred to guard and herd reindeer and pull sleds. There were several colors of Samoyeds before, but the white dog won over everyone.
Presently, there are still Samoyeds that are put to work, but most people prefer to adopt these dogs as their family companions.
Overview of the Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky, one of the oldest breeds in the world, is a working dog originating from the Chukchi people of Siberia.
These dogs were bred to work in packs, pulling sleds with light to medium loads at moderate speed in frozen areas.
Today, the Siberian Husky is considered a great family dog. It often provides comfort to its owners, and even to children.
Size and Appearance
Both Samoyed and Husky are medium-sized dogs, but you can easily distinguish them based on their appearances.
Siberian Samoyed
The Samoyeds can grow larger than the Siberian Husky in terms of height and weight. These dogs can weigh from 50 to 65 pounds (23 to 29 kilograms) and can stand between 19 to 23 ½ inches (48 to 60 cm).
These dogs have erect ears, dark almond-shaped eyes, and lips that curl up showing their characteristic smiles.
The Samoyeds also have a long and heavy coat that comes in different colors:
- White
- Cream
- Biscuit (Grayish Yellow)
- White and Biscuit
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky’s weight ranges from 35 to 60 pounds (16 to 27 kilograms) and they can grow between 20 to 23 ½ inches (51 to 60 cm).
These dogs also have almond-shaped eyes that can either be brown or blue.
Just like the Samoyeds, the Siberian Huskies have thick coats that come in black, white, and in different combinations of colors including:
- Agouti (Black and Tan) and White
- Black and White
- Brown and White
- Gray and White
- Red and White
- Sable and White
Personality and Temperament
People are undeniably drawn to these two adorable breeds because of their personalities and temperaments.
Siberian Samoyed
Because of its characteristic smile, the Samoyed becomes the family’s mood booster. He has a friendly personality, which doesn’t make the breed an ideal guard dog. The Samoyed can also be a bit demanding and it nips when it wants something.
These dogs aren’t usually aggressive, but they won’t hesitate to whine and bark to get your attention. The Samoyeds don’t like when they’re left alone. They prefer to stay at home but they want to be surrounded by their families.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a smart, friendly, and high-energetic dog that loves the presence of people and other pets around it. Since this breed is used to working in packs, it needs to have an owner who will serve as its “leader of the pack.”
The good thing about Siberian Huskies is they don’t bark. However, they love howling, which can be very annoying for your neighbors.
People also adore Siberian Husky for being so friendly and gentle that they tend to be nice to everyone—even to strangers.
However, just like Samoyed, the Siberian Husky isn’t a good candidate for guard dogs.
Grooming the Siberian Samoyed
Samoyeds have thick coats, which makes them ideal pets for those who live in areas with cold climates. However, thick coats mean a lot of grooming, including nail cutting and teeth brushing.
Coat
Grooming a Samoyed several times is essential to keep its coat healthy and in place. It’s recommended to brush the thick coats at least every other day to prevent matting.
To brush your pet’s coat properly, use a large pin brush and start brushing the base of the coat all the way to the end. This way, you’ll be able to get rid of the dense tangles and knots in your Samoyed’s thick coat.
The Siberian Samoyed sheds one to two times a year. When they’re shedding, brush its coat daily to remove dead hair. This also helps you to get rid of hair scattered around your house.
You should also bathe the Samoyed once every 3 months and trim their coat around the ears, face, feet, and behind to make them comfortable.
It’s not a good idea to trim their whole body because it’s what keeps them warm during cold weather.
Nails
Don’t forget to trim your Samoyed’s nails, as long nails can cause pain when walking and running.
You can give treats to your pet when cutting nails to help it calm down and associate the activity with a positive experience.
Teeth
Many pet owners don’t realize the importance of maintaining their pet’s dental health.
Samoyeds are susceptible to dental problems so it’s essential to brush their teeth on a weekly basis.
This prevents the need to have a veterinarian visit just for dental cleaning, which is usually done under sedation.
Grooming the Siberian Husky
Just like the Samoyed, the Siberian Husky is also an ideal pet for those who live in cold climates. However, this breed needs less grooming compared to the Siberian Samoyed.
Coat
The Siberian Husky has a double coat that needs brushing for at least once a week. It’s recommended to use a wide-toothed comb first to loosen tangles and mats, and then use a paddle brush after to remove dead loose hairs and smoothen the coat.
When brushing the coat, begin with the undercoat and brush thoroughly away from the skin. After that, brush the overcoat firmly in the direction of the hair growth. Doing so will encourage shine and smoothness of hair.
The Siberian Husky sheds twice a year and usually occurs when the weather begins to warm up. You can speed up the shedding process by brushing the coat more frequently.
Unlike the Samoyed, there’s no need for fur clipping for the Siberian Husky. This dog’s coat will naturally shed, regrow, and fall out before it gets too long. Bathing your dog once a month or less is also recommended.
Nails
Clipping the toenails of your Siberian Husky is also a vital part of its grooming.
When clipping its nails, avoid cutting closer than 2 millimeters from the quick. If you’re not comfortable doing this, it’s better to visit the vet and let them cut your dog’s nails.
Teeth
Some Siberian Huskies maintain their pearly white teeth without brushing, whereas others need professional brushing to get rid of tartar buildup.
Failure to remove this buildup can lead to bad breath and even periodontal disease. This can cause tooth loss and infection.
Training Needs
Although consistency is the key to every successful grounding, the Samoyed and the Husky have different approaches when it comes to training.
Siberian Samoyed
The Samoyeds are definitely intelligent and good communicators. When training them, there’s no need for a harsh approach. A firm command is enough for them to understand and follow you. In fact, the Samoyeds love to please their owners so they’re easy to train.
Crate training is effective for this breed. This can help reduce the tendency for separation anxiety and provide your dog with a safe space where it can go anytime it feels uncomfortable.
The Samoyeds can also get bored easily, so it’s recommended to change their training routines once in a while.
In addition, these dogs tend to nip especially when they want to play with their humans. This may be normal because of their herding background, however, you need to break such bad habits while they’re still young.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Huskies aren’t as intelligent as the Samoyeds. They’re independent dogs and don’t have the character to please their owners. These personalities make them hard to train.
Since it’s entrenched in them to follow their leader in the pack, it’s essential that you establish yourself as their leader while they’re still young. However, being aggressive doesn’t work for them.
When you give commands, be firm but don’t shout. Speak to your dog calmly and make sure to use positive reinforcements. Praise them and give them treats when they obey your command.
The Siberian Huskies are also known to be great escape artists. You can use a martingale collar to prevent them from escaping and running everywhere.
Don’t forget to remove the collar after training, as it’s a choking hazard to your pet.
Exercise Needs
Both the Samoyed and the Siberian Husky are highly energetic dogs that need to be stimulated every single day.
Siberian Samoyed
To prevent the Samoyeds from getting bored, it’s recommended to give them plenty of exercise throughout the day.
A minimum of 2 hours with long walks, weighted pulls, and playtime can keep them happy and healthy.
If you have a young Samoyed that’s between 0-6 months old, it’s not advisable to give your pet too much exercise.
Instead, you can give toys and a rope to tug on to keep the dog active. During this age, it’s also important to socialize them with other pets.
Siberian Husky
Just like the Samoyeds, the Siberian Huskies also need at least 2 hours of extreme exercise a day. Without this, the Huskies can show a sudden outburst of energy and develop destructive behaviors.
There are various exercises you can do with your Siberian Husky. This includes walking, running, and hiking. These activities aren’t only for their physical stimulation, but for their mental exercise as well.
This breed also loves agility training to exercise their ability and attentiveness to follow certain directions. You can purchase a set for your dog and let it enjoy the obstacles.
Diet Needs
Both the Samoyed and the Husky are highly energetic dogs, so it’s essential that you provide them with the nutrients they need. Failing to do so can cause weight loss and even sickness to your pet.
Siberian Samoyed
The good thing about Samoyeds is they aren’t picky eaters. However, they need foods that are rich in protein and fat to support their development.
Below are the recommended diet for the Samoyeds:
- Raw diet
- Eggs
- Fish
- Fresh Vegetables
- High-quality dry food
- Grains such as oats and barley
Siberian Husky
Huskies were bred as working dogs, so they need an excellent diet to maintain their energy. You must ensure that your Husky’s food has the right balance of fats, vitamins, protein, minerals, and fiber.
The recommended husky diet consists of:
- Fish
- Raw diet (Lamb, beef, chicken)
- Eggs
- Grains
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy
- Commercial dog food (either wet or dry)
Price and Expenses
Samoyeds and Huskies are one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. Their popularity is a great factor that affects the price of these dogs.
Siberian Samoyed
Samoyed costs between $600 to $1500, but top bloodlines can cost as much as $4000.
Here’s a breakdown of your possible expenses when owning a Samoyed:
- Food – $20 to $60 a month (15-30 lbs of food)
- Veterinary visit – $100 or more (includes regular check-ups and vaccine shots)
- Professional Grooming – $40 to $100
Siberian Husky
A Siberian Husky can range between $800 to $1500. However, Huskies that come from a royal bloodline can cost $6000.
Here’s what you should expect to spend when bringing home a Husky:
- Food – $40 to $50 a month
- Professional Grooming – $100
- Veterinary Visit – $100 to $250 per year
The Bottom Line
The Samoyed and Husky, both originating from Siberia, are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They have a little difference in terms of size, but you can definitely tell them apart by their appearances.
When it comes to their personalities, both breeds are family-friendly, but the Samoyed is more intelligent and has the longing to please their owners with their obedience. This personality makes them easier to train compared to Husky.
Comparing the Samoyed vs. Husky is a bit hard since they don’t differ much. Both breeds are great family companions and will surely love you their whole lives.