Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Samoyed
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Working Group
Samoyed
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Overview
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs possess a robust, muscular build with distinctive tri-colored markings. Standing tall with a broad chest and powerful shoulders, these gentle giants combine strength with remarkable agility. Their dense double coat features a black base with rich rust and white markings, while their confident bearing and alert expression reflect their heritage as working dogs.
Samoyed Overview
Majestic and snow-white, Samoyeds captivate with their distinctive upturned mouth corners forming their famous 'Sammy smile'. Their thick double coat features a soft, woolly undercoat and straight outer coat that stands off the body, creating an impressive ruff around the neck and shoulders. Gentle yet spirited, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility, reflecting their heritage as working dogs of the Arctic.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are less energetic than Samoyeds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Samoyeds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Samoyeds.
- Trainability: Samoyeds may be slightly easier to train due to their Samoyed's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Samoyeds adapt better to apartment living, while Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Samoyed, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-29 inches 60-72 cm | 19-24 inches 48-60 cm |
| Weight | 85-140 lbs 39-64 kg | 35-65 lbs 16-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Faithful, Family-Oriented, Dependable | Adaptable, Friendly, Gentle |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Temperament
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is known for being faithful, family-oriented, dependable, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Samoyed Temperament
The Samoyed is characterized by being adaptable, friendly, gentle, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Samoyed, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Samoyed
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Samoyed
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Samoyed
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Samoyed
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Samoyed
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Samoyed Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Samoyeds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Samoyeds require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Elbow Dysplasia
Samoyed Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Heart Issues
- Glaucoma
Pros & Cons
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Excellent watchdog capabilities
- Good with children
- Strong and athletic
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Heavy shedding seasonally
- Not apartment-friendly
- Can be stubborn
- Expensive to feed
- Short lifespan
Samoyed
Pros
- Friendly and gentle temperament
- Great with children
- Low aggression levels
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Not suitable for hot climates
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Samoyed, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.