Samoyed vs Siberian Husky
Samoyed or Siberian Husky? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Samoyed | Siberian Husky | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working | Working |
| Size | Medium-large · 35–65 lb | Medium · 35–60 lb |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years | 12–14 years |
| Coat | Thick white double coat | Thick double coat, sheds |
| Temperament | Friendly, gentle, social | Friendly, independent, playful |
| Best fit | Active families, cool climates | Active owners, cooler climates |
| Energy | ●●●●● 1 hr exercise daily | ●●●●● 2 hrs exercise daily |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Smart, independent | ●●●●● Independent, poor recall |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Brush several times a week | ●●●●● Weekly, huge seasonal shed |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Friendly, coat is work | ●●●●● Escapes, digs, howls |
| Observed price | $1,500 median (38 prices) | $650 median (91 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: the Siberian Husky rates higher than the Samoyed (5 of 5 vs 4).
- Trainability: the Samoyed rates higher than the Siberian Husky (3 of 5 vs 2).
- Grooming load: the Samoyed rates higher than the Siberian Husky (5 of 5 vs 3).
- Beginner fit: the Samoyed rates higher than the Siberian Husky (3 of 5 vs 2).
The Samoyed
Bred by the Samoyedic people of Siberia to herd reindeer, pull sleds and sleep beside their families, the Samoyed is friendly, gentle and famously smiling. That white coat is its biggest demand: it sheds heavily and needs frequent brushing.
Samoyeds shed a snowdrift of hair and bark or howl when bored or left alone. They need company, exercise and serious grooming, and they do not tolerate heat well.
The Siberian Husky
Bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull light sleds over long distances, the Husky is built for endurance and independence. Friendly with almost everyone and beautiful, it is also an escape artist that needs a lot of running.
Huskies dig, howl, chase small animals and escape any weak fence, and most cannot be trusted off leash. They blow their coat twice a year and struggle in hot climates without care.
Questions
Is a Samoyed or a Siberian Husky better for a beginner?
The Samoyed rates higher for beginners (3 of 5 vs 2). Samoyed: Friendly, coat is work. Siberian Husky: Escapes, digs, howls.
What is the main difference between a Samoyed and a Siberian Husky?
Samoyeds shed a snowdrift of hair and bark or howl when bored or left alone. They need company, exercise and serious grooming, and they do not tolerate heat well. By contrast, huskies dig, howl, chase small animals and escape any weak fence, and most cannot be trusted off leash. They blow their coat twice a year and struggle in hot climates without care.
Which costs more, a Samoyed or a Siberian Husky?
On the prices we observed, the Samoyed median is $1,500 (38 prices) and the Siberian Husky median is $650 (91 prices).