Do you know the difference between an American Eskimo Dog and Samoyed? If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, it’s important to choose a breed that will be a good fit for your lifestyle.
Even though they may look alike at first glance, the American Eskimo Dog and the Samoyed are two very different breeds.
So, what sets American Eskimo dog vs Samoyed apart?
Contents
Here’s a look at the key differences between these two popular breeds:
Brief Introduction To Samoyed

The Samoyed is a dog breed that hails from Siberia. These dogs were originally bred for hunting and taking care of reindeer herds, but they have since become devoted family pets.
Though they can be strong-willed at times, Samoyeds are generally very fond of humans and enjoy their company. This is likely because the breed was originally bred and raised by the Samoyede people of Siberia, who have a long history of living closely with these dogs.
Today, Samoyeds are still used for sledding and other work tasks in many parts of the world. They are also popular show dogs and companion animals. Thanks to their friendly dispositions and beautiful coats, Samoyeds are a breed that is loved by many.
Brief Introduction to American Eskimos

If you’re looking for a lively and intelligent breed of dog, then you can’t go wrong with the American Eskimo. Also known as the ‘Eskie’, this breed is part of the Spitz family and is one of the dogs that look like samoyed.
Although they can be wary of strangers, American Eskimos are perfect family dogs who enjoy human company. They are small but active, and their big-dog attitude means they are never short on energy or enthusiasm.
And when it comes to intelligence, the American Eskimo is up there with the best of them. They are often considered to be one of the smartest dogs similar to samoyed.
Key Differences Between Samoyed vs American Eskimo Dogs
Size
Size is the first thing to consider in a samoyed dog vs american eskimo debate. The Samoyed is a large breed of dog, while the American Eskimo dog is considered small to medium. Most Samoyeds are 21 to 23 inches tall, while American Eskimo dogs are 9 to 19 inches tall on average.
Samoyeds also weigh more than the average American Eskimo dog. The typical weight range for a Samoyed is 50 to 60 pounds, while the American Eskimo dog typically weighs 20 to 35 pounds.
So, if you’re looking for a big dog, the Samoyed is a clear choice.
Appearance

To distinguish an American Eskimo dog from a Samoyed, there are some key physical differences to look out for. For starters, Samoyeds have much thicker double coats than American Eskimo dogs. This is because they were originally bred to work in cold environments.
Another difference in appearance has to do with the shape of their faces. Samoyeds have characteristic triangular-shaped faces, while American Eskimo dogs typically have rounder, more “normal” looking faces.
Coat
The American Eskimo Dog and Samoyed breeds are both recognized for their beautiful white coats. However, these two breeds have different coat types and colors.
The American Eskimo Dog has a straight, double coat that stands off of its body. Their undercoat is dense and shorter than their longer guard hair. They come in two colors: white & and biscuit white.
The Samoyed breed also has a double coat, but their undercoat consists of thick wool that is covered by a harsh guard, outer coat. Sammies come in four colors: white, biscuit, cream, and white & biscuit.
Both Eskies and Sammies have a rough coat that needs to be brushed regularly. These breeds are also known for being friendly, energetic, and playful.
Life Span

When it comes to lifespan, the American Eskimo dog has a slight advantage over the Samoyed. On average, American Eskimo dogs live 13 to 15 years, while Samoyeds live 12 to 14 years.
However, it’s important to remember that individual dogs can vary greatly in their lifespans depending on their health and care. Make sure your American Eskimo dog and Samoyed enjoy plenty of exercise and a nutritious diet!
Grooming
The American Eskimo Dog is well-suited to colder climates, thanks to its thick coat. However, this coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and excessive shedding.
During the springtime, when the breed loses its winter coat, the amount of time needed for grooming can easily double.
While many owners believe that shaving their long-haired dog is the best option in hot weather, the Eskimo’s double coat can help protect against the heat. Instead, try to keep your dog in the air conditioning as often as possible while monitoring their water intake and time spent outside.
By doing so, you can help your dog stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
The Samoyed’s coat is one of its most striking features – thick, white, and fluffy. But that gorgeous coat requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Ideally, you should brush your Samoyed’s coat at least twice per week. However, during shedding seasons you may need to brush more frequently – up to several times per day – to prevent mats and tangles from forming.
To brush your Samoyed’s coat, you’ll need a good quality dog brush. Slicker brushes and pin brushes are both good choices for the thick, dense coats of the breed. Start by brushing the hair on your dog’s back and sides, then move to the legs and underside. Be sure to be gentle around the face and ears.
Training
Both breeds were originally bred to work with humans in some capacity or another, which makes them relatively easy to train. With proper obedience training, both Samoyeds and Eskimos can be controlled in a better way.
Samoyeds are very strong-willed and can get stubborn at times, so it is important to train them with basic obedience commands. To train a Samoyed, you will need consistency, patience, and persistence.
You may need to turn the training routine into a fun game to keep their interest.
For American Eskimos as well, vets and dog trainers recommend obedience training to help them stay well-behaved. Like Samoyeds, American Eskimos can be stubborn, so it is important to be consistent, patient, and persistent when training them.
With proper obedience training, both of these breeds can be enjoyable, loving pets.
Personality

If you’re looking for a super-friendly, intelligent and loyal dog, the Samoyed may be the perfect breed for you. They make great companions for families with children and love playing with kids. They also have a close bond with all family members. Samoyeds are very rare, so they make good guard dogs.
However, if you stay alone, a Samoyed may not be the best companion for you as they are happier in a family setting.
As they were used for hunting hundreds of years ago, they still have some traits of hunting in them. Therefore, they may chase small animals like cats or squirrels. It’s important to keep them attached to a leash to avoid any unwanted chasing.
The personality of an individual Samoyed may vary, but overall they are a friendly and loving breed. On the other hand, American Eskimo dogs may be a bit too high-energy for a situation like this. They are very intelligent and can get easily bored, so they need to be kept busy with interactive toys and activities.
Both of these dogs are also prone to separation anxiety, so it is important to make sure they have plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Health
As a pet owner, it is important to be aware of how much food your dog needs to maintain a healthy weight. Depending on the breed of your dog, their appetite will vary. For example, Samoyeds need more food than American Eskimos.
It is recommended to feed Samoyeds 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. This breed is prone to obesity, so it is important to monitor its food intake. On the other hand, American Eskimos need around 0.5 to 1.5 cups of dry food a day.
This amount can vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that you are feeding your dog the right amount of food for its individual needs.
Final Words-Which One Is Right For you?
Now that you know the difference between these two popular pup breeds, it’s time to decide which one is right for you and your family.
If you are looking for a small to medium sized dog with a thick coat, the American Eskimo Dog may be the better choice. However, if you are looking for a large breed dog with a dense double coat, the Samoyed may be the better choice.
Overall, both breeds make great pets, but it is important to choose the right breed for your individual needs.