Samoyed
VS
Alaskan Malamute
Samoyed vs Alaskan Malamute
Compare Samoyed and Alaskan Malamute 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
Samoyed
Alaskan Malamute
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
52 – 57 cm
58 – 64 cm
Weight
16 – 25 kg
33 – 39 kg
Life expectancy
11 – 15 years
10 – 12 years
Child friendly
5/5
3/5
Energy level
5/5
3/5
Intelligence
4/5
4/5
Trainability
4/5
3/5
Health
3/5
3/5
Grooming needs
5/5
3/5
Shedding
4/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
4/5
Characteristics
Samoyed
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Medium
Alaskan Malamute
Super smart
Protective
Large
Summary
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.
About Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large, powerful Arctic sled dog bred by the Mahlemut Inuit to pull heavy loads. It has a dense double coat that sheds heavily, a friendly, social nature, strong prey and working drive, high exercise needs, and can be independent and challenging to train.
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