If you want a fluffy and adorable dog, you will come across the American Eskimo dog Vs. Samoyed argument. 

These are two of the sweetest and most loving dog species in the US, and you need to know everything you can about them to understand their differences. 

Both dogs are Northern species, so they come with that lustrous fur coat and share many qualities, but what sets them apart? 

What differences are there in grooming, care, and temperament? Let us get to the details and find out;

A Comparison Between American Eskimo Dog and Samoyed Standards

The American Eskimo and Samoyed are two of the most popular Northern dog breeds in the US and many outstanding traits led to this popularity. 

Let us review each of these aspects and see where their qualities interconnect and how you can get the best choice; 

1. Size and Weight

American Eskimo dog. This is a small to medium-sized dog, depending on the specific lineage. They have a height averaging 9 to 19 inches and can weigh about 35 pounds when fully grown. 

Samoyed. The Samoyed is a medium-sized or large dog breed, depending on breeding practices and lineage. They weigh about 55 pounds when fully grown and have an approximate height of 30 inches. 

2. Appearance

American Eskimo Dog. American Eskimos are a Northern dog breed, and their appearance resembles this. 

They have a fluffy thick white coat for their cold environs. Their ears are erect, and they have curved tails. They have a wedge-shaped head and dark brown, almond-shaped eyes.

Samoyed. They have a thick white or black coat with erect ears and a curved tail, just like the American Eskimo. The two breeds are almost indistinguishable in appearance, save for their size.

3. Temperament

American Eskimo dog. Eskimos are an intelligent, alert, and friendly dog breed that makes terrific pets. They have a strong pack mentality that makes them loyal to their owners; hence they are fantastic watchdogs.

Samoyed. The Samoyed is an intelligent, energetic, playful, and affectionate dog breed. Their friendliness is their best-known quality, ideal for families with children or many friends.

4. Exercise and Training Requirements

American Eskimo dog. The American Eskimo is a highly energetic and intelligent dog that needs daily stimulation and exercise. They are easy to train and are an amazing choice for obedience and agility competitions.

Samoyed. Samoyeds are energetic and need regular high-intensity exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy. They are brilliant and independent, making training more challenging, especially at an advanced age.

4. Health and Lifespan

American Eskimo dog. This breed is generally healthy and, with a proper diet, can have a life span of between 12 and 15 years. As they age, they get prone to hip dysplasia, dental issues, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Samoyed. Well-treated Samoyeds have a 12-14 years lifespan and lead healthy lives with minimal medical concerns. Older Samoyeds might be prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism.

Grooming and Maintenance Needs

American Eskimo dog. This breed has a double coat that requires regular brushing and occasional bathing to limit scents and shedding. They shed moderately, and this can be reduced further through proper grooming.

Samoyed. The Samoyed’s thick double coat requires daily brushing and regular baths. They shed heavily twice a year and moderately for the rest of the time, depending on the grooming.

Comparing Cost and Ownership Expenses For American Eskimos And Samoyeds 

Owning a dog is an investment that will pay out in cuddles, fun walks, and the best friend you will ever have. 

There are a lot of expenses you will incur while owning any dog breed, so here is a financial comparison between the Samoyed and the American Eskimo;

Cost of buying a puppy

American Eskimo dog. An American Eskimo’s puppy can go for anything between $600 to $2000, depending on the lineage and breeder’s reputation and location.

Samoyed. Based on the breeder’s location and reputation, a Samoyed puppy can range from $1,500 to $4,000.

Medical expenses

American Eskimo dog. American Eskimo Dogs are generally healthy but may be prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Depending on their health and age, you can spend about $600 annually on your American Eskimo.

Samoyed. Hip dysplasia, eye problems, and hypothyroidism are common in Samoyeds, especially in old age. Annual medical expenses for a Samoyed can range from $400 to $800.

Food and grooming expenses

American Eskimo Dog. American Eskimo dogs need high-quality dog food to stay healthy. Additionally, you must regularly groom and wash them. This will bring the total for food and grooming to between $500 and $1000 annually. 

Samoyed. Samoyeds are delicate and need a good diet to stay healthy and maintain their temperament. Adding this to their grooming requirements, you might spend roughly $1000 annually to keep your Samoyed healthy and neat.

Training expenses

American Eskimo dog. American Eskimo Dogs are highly trainable and may benefit from obedience and agility training classes. The cost of training classes can range from $100 to $500.

Their nature means they will not need too many lessons or a high-end professional to train them; thus, the cost is lower than that of the Samoyed.

Samoyed. While Samoyeds are intelligent and trainable, their independence makes them more challenging. This means you will need more time and high-end professionals, which will be a bit more expensive.

The cost of training classes can range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the duration and location.

Living Arrangements and How Suitable Each Breed is As A Pet

Providing a safe and nurturing environment is the most important thing for a dog owner to consider. This is especially important for Northern breeds since they are sensitive to climate changes and extreme heat. 

Here are some critical living arrangement considerations you should have for your American Eskimo and Samoyed;

Living Arrangements

American Eskimo dog. American Eskimos are relatively small, making them adaptable to various living arrangements. They can thrive in apartments, high-rise buildings, urban and rural environments, and any house.

If you live in a place without adequate space, make sure you take the little guy on walks, runs, or to the park to play and get enough exercise. 

Samoyed. The best place for a Samoyed is a house with a large yard since they have high energy levels. They will not do well in small living spaces, and the lack of exercise will lead to destructive behavior.

Energy Level

American Eskimo dog. American Eskimo dogs have high intelligence and energy levels, which demands a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They are very playful and fond of outdoor activities; you should indulge them as an owner.

Samoyed. Samoyeds also have a high energy level and need daily exercise and mental stimulation. They are playful and enjoy outdoor activities like running and playing fetch.

Suitability as Pets

American Eskimo dog. American Eskimos are a pack dog breed with exceptional bonding capabilities. This makes them an ideal choice for a pet. They are loyal to their owners and good with children; hence they are good choices for playmates.

Samoyed. Samoyeds are playful, affectionate, and loyal; they make good family pets, even for families with kids. They are large and energetic therefore you shouldn’t leave them alone with small children as they may cause accidents. 

Grooming Needs

American Eskimo dog. American Eskimo Dogs have thick white coats that require regular brushing and occasional bathing. They shed moderately, but you can reduce the shedding by brushing their fur regularly. 

Samoyed. Samoyeds have intense grooming needs since they are very playful. You need constant grooming and brushing to maintain a healthy white coat. They have two shedding seasons annually, but it’s moderate the rest of the year.

Training and Socialization

American Eskimo dog. American Eskimo Dogs are easy to train, and they are highly sociable. They can easily get along with other dogs and new people, making them good pets. They also require socialization from a young age to prevent any aggressive behavior.

Samoyed. Samoyeds are trainable, but their intelligence and independence can make them stubborn. Start training early to form a bond with the Samoyed and make them more trusting and obedient.

Samoyeds have a high prey drive, which might make them aggressive toward other dogs or smaller animals. Early socialization is the best way to avoid such aggressive behavior. 

Conclusion

With all this information, you can easily choose which dog breed you want for a fluffy best friend. American Eskimo dogs and Samoyeds have a lot of similarities in care, management, and grooming, but a few significant differences set them apart.

A good dog owner must know all these factors and have all the information on their dog to understand how to keep them happy. Proper training, binding, and socialization are crucial for both breeds, so take the time to play and connect with your dog.