Samoyeds and Golden retrievers are excellent family pets and companions, and either breed can be a better match for you depending on your lifestyle.
Samoyed and Golden Retrievers are amazing with children and friendly with people and animals, in general. Both breeds need plenty of exercise and attention. Golden retrievers are easier to train, and they do better with swimming and warm weather. Samoyeds are hardy in cold weather and could be a better option for people with allergies, although they are not considered hypoallergenic.
It is good to be aware of the differences between the breeds but keep an open mind because every dog is an individual and could deviate from a typical pup of his or her breed.
The Basics: Breed Overview
| Parameter | Golden Retriever | Samoyed |
| Size | up to 24 in (61 cm) | up to 24 in (61 cm) |
| Weight | 60 -75 lbs (28 – 34 kg) | 40 – 65 lbs (18 – 30 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10 -12 years | 12 -14 years |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate-high | High |
Personality | People-oriented, friendly, intelligent, calm, sweet | Independent, energetic, friendly, smart, stubborn |
| Good With Kids? | Yes! | Yes! |
| Trainability | Excellent | Above Average |
| Hypoallergenic? Personality | No | No, but less likely to trigger a severe reaction and allergies in general |
Samoyeds Could Be Better for You if:
- You live in a country with a cold climate – Samoyeds are intolerant of heat but do very well with harsh winters
- Your pet needs to stay home alone for long periods (standard workday)
- You or your family members are prone to allergies
Golden Retrievers Could Be Better for You if:
- You would like to train your dog to know many skills and commands
- You live in a warm climate, as Goldens tolerate heat better than Samoyeds
- Swimming and outdoor aquatic activities are important for you and your family
COMPARISON OF IMPORTANT BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Intelligence And Response To Training
We reference Stanley Coren, a well-known dog psychologist, in our discussion of the intelligence of the two breeds.
Each breed has its own strengths but it is safe to say that Golden retrievers, in general, are superior in their intelligence and capacity to learn new skills and commands.
Interestingly, Samoyeds are among the breeds with the strongest ability to problem-solve (above Goldens, in fact), but their overall score in adaptive intelligence is lower than that of Goldens. Golden retrievers are in the group that scores the highest grades in adaptive intelligence, which includes memory and problem-solving.
The dog’s working intelligence is the capacity to learn commands and skills, and it is the type of intelligence that usually matters the most for a dog as a pet.
– Goldens Are Among the Smartest Dogs
When it comes to their working intelligence, Golden retrievers are in the top 5 brightest dogs.
- These dogs learn basic commands within five repetitions and retain the commands well, even without regular price
- They obey and respond to commands very promptly because they process information quickly
- Dogs as smart as Goldens learn well even with a novice trainer, so professional training is not necessary to achieve good results.
Golden retrievers are finely attuned to the owner and people in general, which further increases their training potential.
– Samoyeds Are Bright but Stubborn And Independent
Samoyeds are above average in working intelligence, so they are not far below Goldens.
- Dogs with such high learning potential can learn from even inexperienced trainers.
- They learn commands and skills quickly but benefit from repetition and practicing in different settings
- Samoyeds can get distracted outside or when the owner is at a distance, so they do not respond to commands as consistently as at home.
A major source of difficulties with training is the Samoyed’s strong instincts. For example, a typical dog of this breed loves to bark and chase small animals, thanks to its hunting background. Such instinctive behaviors can be very hard to give up even with excellent training routines.
Personality And Temperament
Both are among the friendliest and sweetest breeds, both are lovely family pets for households with pretty much any composition.
Samoyeds are especially known for being friendly and non-aggressive. They do bark and chase squirrels in parks but that is the extent of their behavioral transgressions. Other than that, Samoyeds are eager to befriend strangers – other dogs and people alike.
Goldens are, in fact, quite similar in this respect. They are also very amiable to people and other animals. Usually, Goldens are calmer, and more even-tempered, while Samoyeds are bubbly and enthusiastic.
Any differences between the two breeds in this respect are insignificant and upbringing is the factor that could change these dogs’ friendly natures, regardless of the breed.
Other Pets in the House
Golden retrievers and Samoyed are excellent pets for households that already have other animals or plan to welcome more pets.
Both breeds get along very well with other friendly dogs and cats. However, when it comes to small pets, such as rodents, Samoyeds and Goldens alike might not be entirely trustworthy around them. Dogs of these breeds are hunters and may view small swift pets as prey.
Chasing cats (harmlessly) could be more of a Samoyed’s problem than a Golden’s.
Separation Anxiety
The fact that both Goldens and Samoyeds are highly intelligent contributes to these breeds’ susceptibility to separation anxiety. A dog of either breed can be affected severely but Golden retrievers, as owner-oriented as they are, are especially at risk.
If your dog is going to stay home alone for periods of time, be prepared to do some planning and troubleshooting as needed with either breed.
Golden retrievers are exceptionally sociable and extroverted and their highly social personalities are the source of separation anxiety many of these pups suffer. As for Samoyeds, they are busy and somewhat restless dogs due to their working dog background. They like to stay engaged in some task or activity and dislike being idle.
Solutions to separation anxiety include desensitization, the company of other pets at home, availability of toys, and dog puzzles.
Many dogs really benefit from exercising right before the owner leaves the house and some specific interventions, such as closing the blinds, for example, if the dog reacts to noises and activity outside.
Typical Behavioral Problems
In general, both breeds are well-behaved and very social. Neither is prone to aggression, although nipping and biting in a certain set of unfortunate circumstances is a possibility with any dog.
Samoyeds can be restless and destructive if left alone for long stretches of time regularly. They are vocal, especially when home alone or if a squirrel is running by.
Goldens are also very eager to bark at many stimuli. They are calmer than Samoyeds but are also often anxious when left alone at home, given their strong bond with the owner.
Dogs of both breeds rarely cause trouble. However, if there is an issue, such as barking, for instance, a Golden Retriever is more likely to give up the bad habit with some training.
Heath And Life Span
Both breeds are quite healthy and hardy and live long lives. As with any breed, if you are getting a dog from a breeder, make sure the breeder is reputable and responsible. Mixed-breed dogs are less likely to have genetically inherited health issues.
Golden retrievers can live up to thirteen years. Samoyeds’ lifespan is longer, they live up to fourteen years.
Some of the relatively common hereditary health problems for Samoyeds include hip dysplasia, cataracts, and epilepsy.
Many Goldens also have hip and joint problems, including dysplasia. Certain types of cancer, hypoactive thyroid, epilepsy, and some congenital heart disorders are possible.
Energy Level, Activity Requirements
A Golden retriever could be calmer in general, although both breeds are active and enthusiastic animals!
Samoyeds and Goldens like to interact, play, and have company and tasks to do.
Samoyeds are especially dependent on staying busy because they are dogs of a working breed. Their predisposition for anxiety, for example, is related to these dogs’ poor tolerance of boredom and idleness. Be prepared to take your pet on walks, hikes, games, and other activities, in order to keep him happy and healthy.
Golden retrievers, however, are also very active animals. Goldens are primarily interested in staying close to the owner and the entire family and are happy to engage in any exercise and activities. Although their needs might be a little different in nature than those of Samoyeds, Goldens also require plenty of exercise and interaction.
In other words, if you are considering either of these breeds, you need to commit to an active lifestyle and spend a lot of time with your furry friend.
Grooming Needs, Shedding
Both breeds shed a lot, both breeds also need regular brushing and occasional baths.
Samoyeds’ coats are especially thick and long – these dogs need thorough brushing pretty much daily. Brushing every other day could suffice, depending on the dog. Samoyeds are prone to matting, which is a problem that is easier to prevent than address. These dogs also need baths every few weeks or as needed.
If you are concerned about shedding, Samoyeds are heavier shedders, especially in fall and spring, but both breeds are heavy shedders. Both Samoyeds and Golden retrievers are dogs for owners (or dog parents) who are fine with spending some time and energy on their pet’s needs, grooming needs in particular.
When it comes to brushing and bathing, Goldens also need to be brushed at least a couple of times a week. They are not as fluffy as Samoyeds, so daily brushing is not necessary. Goldens also need bathing every couple of months.
To Conclude
Indeed, a dog of either breed, as a matter of fact of any breed at all, could be an ideal match for your situation.
Golden Retrievers are among the most popular breeds in general, for many reasons, but Samoyeds are also an amazing choice for active people and families with kids or other pets. Training is easier with Goldens, and that is an important factor, especially if you have very young kids in the house or you live in a condo or an apartment.
Goldens do tolerate living in a compact space much better than Samoyed do, provided that they have opportunities to exercise.
