Samoyed vs Afghan Hound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Samoyed
Working Group
Afghan Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Afghan Hound Overview
Afghan Hounds possess a regal bearing with their distinctive long, silky coat and proud head carriage. Their elegant frame combines strength and agility, featuring a deep chest, prominent hipbones, and a curved tail. These aristocratic sighthouds display a unique combination of speed, power, and grace in their movement, with their flowing coat creating a striking spectacle as they run.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Samoyeds are less energetic than Afghan Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Samoyeds require less grooming attention compared to Afghan Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Samoyeds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Afghan Hounds.
- Trainability: Afghan Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Afghan Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Afghan Hounds adapt better to apartment living, while Samoyeds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Samoyed and Afghan Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Samoyed | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Samoyed | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-24 inches 48-60 cm | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm |
| Weight | 35-65 lbs 16-29 kg | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Samoyed | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Friendly, Gentle | Dignified, Profoundly Loyal, Aristocratic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Samoyed | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Samoyed Temperament
The Samoyed is known for being adaptable, friendly, gentle, 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.
Afghan Hound Temperament
The Afghan Hound is characterized by being dignified, profoundly loyal, aristocratic, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Samoyed and Afghan Hound, 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
Samoyed
Rating: 5/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Samoyed
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Samoyed
Rating: 4/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Samoyed
Rating: 2/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Samoyed
Rating: 4/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Samoyed Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Samoyeds 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, Samoyeds require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Afghan Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Afghan Hounds 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, Afghan Hounds 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
Samoyed Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Heart Issues
- Glaucoma
Afghan Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Chylothorax
Pros & Cons
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
Afghan Hound
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Independent nature
- Low shedding coat
- Athletic ability
- Loyal to family
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Challenging to train
- Strong prey drive
- Expensive upkeep
- Requires significant exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Samoyed and Afghan Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.