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American Eskimo Dog vs Samoyed

Two white, heavy-shedding spitz breeds that bark a lot; the American Eskimo Dog comes in small sizes and trains easily, the Samoyed is larger and friendlier.

American Eskimo Dog profileSamoyed profile

Verdict

The American Eskimo Dog and the Samoyed are white spitz breeds with thick coats that shed heavily, high energy, a talkative streak and little patience for heat. Both suit active households that enjoy grooming and tolerate noise.

The Eskie is available in toy, miniature and standard sizes, so it can be as small as 6 pounds or as big as 35, and it works in apartments if barking is managed. It rates highest for trainability and enjoys tricks, but it can be wary of strangers. The Samoyed is a medium dog of 35 to 65 pounds, friendly and gentle with a heavier grooming load, and it suits a cool region and a social, outdoorsy home.

Choose the American Eskimo Dog if

  • You want a smaller size, possibly for an apartment
  • You enjoy teaching tricks to a quick learner
  • You are ready to manage barking and a watchful manner
  • You can keep up with regular brushing

Choose the Samoyed if

  • You want a friendly, gentle, playful dog of medium size
  • You live in a cool region
  • You enjoy extensive grooming
  • You are social and outdoorsy and accept a talkative dog

Side by side

American Eskimo Dog Samoyed
AKC group Non-Sporting Group Working Group
Size class Small Medium
Typical weight 6 to 35 lb 35 to 65 lb
Height 9 to 19 in at the shoulder 19 to 23.5 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 13 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
AKC popularity, 2025 124 of 202 55 of 202
Shedding Very heavy Very heavy
Grooming needs High Very high
Energy High High
Trainability Very easy Average
Barking Barks very often Barks very often
With children Very good Very good
Apartment living Moderate Fair
First-time owners Manageable Manageable
Heat tolerance Below average Poor
Cold tolerance Excellent Excellent
Temperament
  • intelligent
  • alert
  • playful
  • eager to please
  • wary of strangers
  • friendly
  • gentle
  • playful
  • talkative
Health concerns to know about
  • hip dysplasia
  • patellar luxation
  • progressive retinal atrophy
  • skin allergies
  • hip dysplasia
  • progressive retinal atrophy
  • diabetes
  • Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy
  • hypothyroidism
Suits
  • active households
  • owners who enjoy training and tricks
  • families who can manage coat care
  • active families in cool climates
  • people who enjoy grooming
  • owners who accept a vocal dog

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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