Samoyed and Siberian Huskies are often confused for the same dog but they’re two separate breeds.
Although they’re different type of dogs, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies do have some similarities.
Both are considered Spitz breeds, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies both originate from the north western region of Russia.
Unsurprisingly given both breeds had to survive in cold, harsh temperatures in Russia, they’ve got a thick double coat.
Samoyed and Siberian Huskies were both used to pull sleds by nomads, explorers and sled dog racers.
Siberian Huskies are the 14th most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. Samoyeds rank 44th.
In this article, we’re going to look at the similarities and differences between Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies.
Jump To Section
Where do Samoyeds come from?
Samoyed dogs originate from north western Russia (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Samoyeds originated in the north western region of Russia where they lived alongside and were used by nomadic people.
Samoyede tribesmen used Samoyeds to hunt and later herd reindeer.
They helped the nomads stay warm at night with their thick double coats.
The Spitz breed were a key part of the tribe.
They were later discovered by explorers and went on to be used in expeditions in the Arctic and Antartica.
The first Samoyed was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1906.
The AKC list the breed as the 44th most popular in the United States.
Where do Siberian Huskies come from?
Like Samoyeds, the history of Siberian Huskies can be traced back to nomads in north western Russia. However, it was the Chukchi people that put these versatile dogs to work.
Siberian Huskies were brought to America in the early 1900s to take part in sled racing. They were more slimline than the larger Alaskan Husky but still had incredible endurance levels.
The breed earned acclaim worldwide after they helped to prevent an epidemic in Alaska. Lead dog Balto and over 150 other Siberian Huskies helped to transport the serum 674 miles over five-and-a-half days to bring diphtheria serum to Nome.
The AKC rate these dogs as the 14th most popular breed in the USA.
How big do Samoyeds get?
Samoyeds are medium-sized but powerful dogs that range between 21-23.5 inches in height for males, while females should be between 19-21 inches (female) tall. In terms of weight, males can grow to 45-65 pounds, while females can weigh between 35-50 pounds.
The breed standard dictates that they size should be ascertained by size rather than weight.
How big do Siberian Huskies get?
Siberian Husky (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Siberian Huskies are a similar size to Samoyeds but are lighter than their northern relations. The sled dogs can grow to a height of 21-23.5 inches if they’re males, while females are slightly smaller at 20-22 inches (female). As we mentioned above, Siberian Huskies are more streamline – males should weigh between 45-60 pounds and females 35-50 pounds.
What colors are Samoyeds?
Samoyeds can be found in four different varieties, although white is by far the most common and popular coat color. Samoyeds can also be biscuit, white and biscuit and cream.
What colors are Siberian Huskies?
Siberian Huskies have a lot of more variety than Samoyeds. They can come in four main categories black and white, copper/red and white, grey and white, sage and white and all-white. However, there are different shades within each color category.
Similarities
Samoyeds have a reputation for being quite noisy dogs. They like to talk to their owners. If they’re not happy with a situation, they won’t hesitate to let you know. The noise they make is more of a woo-woo rather than a traditional barking sound.
Siberian Huskies are often called a talkative breed. They’ll have no problem answering back if they’re feeling some discontent towards their pet parents.
So be prepared! They howl rather than bark.
Both of these northern breeds have got poor recall as these dogs have a very high prey drive. So they can wander off for miles and miles if you don’t have a secure garden or yard.
It’s a good idea to walk Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies on a leash to prevent these dogs from straying too far.
Both Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies can be destructive if they’re left alone for too long. They demand attention and need to be entertained to prevent destructive or unwanted behaviours such as chewing.
Unsurprisingly given both these Spitz dogs used to pull sleds for nomads and explorers, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies require a substantial amount of daily exercise. You’ll need to take these breeds for regular jogs, runs or walks, plenty of trips to the dog park and ensure they’re entertained at home.
Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies have thick double coats so be prepared for lots of shedding. They blow out their coats once or twice a year – too.
Differences
Samoyed are often called “Sammy Smiles” because they look like they’re always grinning. In fact, this is a trait that is required by the breed standard. Samoyeds should have black lips that curl upwards.
They’re appearance matches their personalities. They tend to be happy, upbeat dogs that like to be around other people.
Samoyeds have a reputation for being great family pets and they do well around children, although you should never leave a child alone unsupervised with any dog.
Siberian Huskies are friendly dogs but they are a little more standoffish.
Rated 44th in the Intelligence of Dogs, you can count on a Samoyed bring a pretty clever canine. However, they’ll need training from a young age to get the best out of these pooches.
Siberian Huskies aren’t as intelligent as Samoyeds. Usually, they don’t have a drive to please their owner so they can be quite hard work to train. You’ll need to take a Siberian Husky to puppy training from a young age.
While both breeds have poor recall, Siberian Huskies are also known as expert escape artists. If there is a way to get out of your garden or yard, you can trust they’ll find it.
How much do Samoyeds cost?
Samoyed and her puppies (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Samoyeds are reasonably expensive dogs. You can expect to pay between $800 and $1500 for Samoyed puppy. The price will vary from breeder to breeder and could depend on whether the pup comes from a prestigious line of Samoyeds.
How much do Siberian Huskies cost?
You should expect to pay between $800 and $1000 for a Siberian Husky puppy. The price can vary depending on their eye and coat color. There are a lot of Siberian Husky rescues throughout the United States, so you may want to consider rehoming one of these beautiful dogs.
Anything else to consider?
Both Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies can be challenging breeds. They’re usually not recommended for first time owners.
Northern breeds like to push boundaries and test owners, so an experienced dog owner is usually better equipped to handle these canines.
Anything else to consider?
Samsky Lou (Photo: @samskylou / Instagram)
A Samoyed Husky mix is called a Samsky or Samusky. These hybrid dogs are quite rare. They can embody the traits of both parents.
In conclusion
Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies are two separate breeds that share quite a few similarities. They’re both northern breeds that come with their unique set of challenges.
However, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies tend to be loyal dogs that can make great pets in the right circumstances for the right owners.
