Papillon vs Samoyed
Compare Papillon 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
Papillon
Samoyed
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 28 cm
52 – 57 cm
Weight
3 – 5 kg
16 – 25 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 15 years
11 – 15 years
Child friendly
4/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
5/5
Intelligence
5/5
4/5
Trainability
5/5
4/5
Health
5/5
3/5
Grooming needs
4/5
5/5
Shedding
3/5
4/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
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Characteristics
Papillon
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Tiny
Samoyed
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Medium
Summary
About Papillon
The Papillon is a small, elegant toy dog with large butterfly-like ears, a fine, silky parti-coloured coat and a plumed tail. Lively, intelligent and highly trainable, it enjoys activity and mental stimulation, makes an alert watchdog, needs regular brushing, and often lives into the mid–late teens.
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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