Samoyed vs Chinese Crested
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
Chinese Crested
Toy 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.
Chinese Crested Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the hairless with silky hair on head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff with a full soft coat. Their fine-boned, slender body carries them with a light, flowing gait. Distinguished by their alert expression and vivacious personality, these dogs combine exotic looks with a warm, affectionate nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Samoyeds are more energetic than Chinese Cresteds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Samoyeds require more grooming attention compared to Chinese Cresteds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Samoyeds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Chinese Cresteds.
- Trainability: Chinese Cresteds may be slightly easier to train due to their Chinese Crested's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Samoyed | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 13-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Samoyed | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-24 inches 48-60 cm | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm |
| Weight | 35-65 lbs 16-29 kg | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Samoyed | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Friendly, Gentle | Affectionate, Alert, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Samoyed | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Chinese Crested Temperament
The Chinese Crested is characterized by being affectionate, alert, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Samoyed and Chinese Crested, 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
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Samoyed
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Samoyed
Rating: 4/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Samoyed
Rating: 2/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Samoyed
Rating: 4/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
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.
Chinese Crested Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chinese Cresteds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chinese Cresteds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Samoyed Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Heart Issues
- Glaucoma
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
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
Chinese Crested
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Minimal shedding
- Good for apartment living
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- Requires skin care (hairless variety)
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
- Can be yappy
- May be difficult to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Samoyed and Chinese Crested, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.