Leonberger vs Samoyed
Compare Leonberger 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
Leonberger
Samoyed
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
65 – 80 cm
52 – 57 cm
Weight
40 – 77 kg
16 – 25 kg
Life expectancy
9 – 10 years
11 – 15 years
Child friendly
5/5
5/5
Energy level
3/5
5/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
2/5
3/5
Grooming needs
3/5
5/5
Shedding
4/5
4/5
Barking level
3/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
Sponsored Ad
Characteristics
Leonberger
Great with kids
Easy to train
Giant
Samoyed
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Medium
Summary
About Leonberger
Large, strongly built “gentle giant” with lion‑coloured, water‑resistant double coat and black mask. Typically calm, devoted, and very good with children and other pets when well socialised. Needs regular exercise, kind training, thorough grooming, and careful health management.
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.
Similar breeds
View more











