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Samoyed vs Poodle

Discover the differences between Samoyed and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.

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Samoyed
Russia

Samoyed

Working Group
Large

Always smiling and brimming with energy, this affectionate dog loves being part of an active family. A thick, plush coat and gentle spirit make the Samoyed a devoted companion.

Poodle
Germany/France

Poodle

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

20–30 kg

Coat:

Double coat, dense undercoat

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Female:

16–20.5 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Medium

Male:

20–32 kg

Coat:

Curly, dense

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

18–27 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Samoyed

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate and sociable with people and dogs

Intelligence
4/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
5/5

Very active, needs regular vigorous exercise

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive play sessions

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to new situations and routines

Poodle

Friendliness
5/5

Warm and sociable with family and guests

Intelligence
5/5

Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive playtime

Adaptability
5/5

Easily adjusts to new environments and routines

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Samoyed

Grooming:
High grooming needs (several times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy

Poodle

Grooming:
High grooming needs (at least weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Samoyed

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for novices

Their grooming and exercise needs can overwhelm inexperienced owners

Apartment Living
2/5

Needs more space

Samoyeds require room to move and can be noisy in small apartments

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Excellent match

They thrive with active families who enjoy outdoor activities and frequent exercise

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Gentle, playful, and patient with children, making them a good family companion

Multiple Pets
4/5

Generally compatible

Usually sociable with other pets if socialized early and consistently

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

They dislike being alone and may develop destructive behaviors or separation anxiety

Poodle

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.

Apartment Living
4/5

Highly suitable

Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Gets along well

Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Samoyed

  • Friendly with people and other dogs
  • High tolerance for cold weather
  • Intelligent and eager to learn
  • Loyal and affectionate with family
  • Generally healthy and hardy breed

Poodle

  • Highly intelligent and easy to train
  • Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
  • Strong bond with family members
  • Adaptable to various living environments
  • Excellent performance in canine sports

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Samoyed

  • Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
  • Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
  • Can be stubborn during training sessions
  • High exercise needs for physical health
  • Strong prey drive may chase small animals

Poodle

  • Requires regular professional grooming
  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
  • Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
  • Susceptible to certain genetic health issues

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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