Great Pyrenees vs Samoyed
Compare Great Pyrenees and Samoyed side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Great Pyrenees
Samoyed
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
65 – 80 cm
52 – 57 cm
Weight
34 – 60 kg
16 – 25 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 12 years
11 – 15 years
Child friendly
5/5
5/5
Energy level
3/5
5/5
Intelligence
4/5
4/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
2/5
3/5
Grooming needs
4/5
5/5
Shedding
5/5
4/5
Barking level
3/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
2/5
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Characteristics
Great Pyrenees
Great with kids
Super smart
Giant
Samoyed
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Medium
Summary
About Great Pyrenees
Large, calm livestock guardian from the Pyrenees, the Great Pyrenees is a powerful white, heavy‑shedding dog with a thick coat and double dewclaws. Gentle yet strongly protective, it needs secure fencing, steady socialization, mental stimulation, and experienced, patient handling.
About Samoyed
Medium, strong Arctic spitz bred by the Samoyede people to herd reindeer, pull sleds, and share family tents. Noted for its “Samoyed smile” and heavy, low‑odor double coat. Social, energetic, vocal, and intelligent, it needs close companionship, firm positive training, and ample exercise.
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