Comparison: Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed

Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Alaskan Malamute
Photo: Carina Wicke Photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Samoyed
Photo: Alexander Patrikeev, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Alaskan MalamuteSamoyed
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originUnited StatesRussia
CategoryLargeMedium
Height at withers58–71 cm48–60 cm
Weight34–45 kg16–30 kg
Life span10–14 years12–14 years
Recognition features
  • Larger and heavier than a Husky, muscular build
  • Broad head, brown eyes and erect ears
  • Plumed tail over the back, grey to black with white
  • Pure white or cream dense coat
  • ´Samoyed smile´ with upturned mouth corners and slanted eyes
  • Tail curled over the back
CoatCoarse thick double coat; grey, black, sable, red with white.Dense double coat; white, cream or biscuit.
PurposeA working dog of the Mahlemut people of Alaska bred to haul heavy sleds.A herding and sled dog of the Siberian Samoyede people that also kept them warm in tents.

Breed page: Alaskan Malamute · Breed page: Samoyed

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.