Comparison: Greenland Dog and Samoyed

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

Greenland Dog
Photo: Slaunger, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Samoyed
Photo: Alexander Patrikeev, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Greenland DogSamoyed
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originGreenlandRussia
Category–Medium
Height at withers–48–60 cm
Weight–16–30 kg
Life span–12–14 years
Recognition features
  • Very strong polar spitz of short rectangular build
  • Small triangular erect ears and a thick bushy tail curled over the back
  • Dense double coat in any colour except merle or albino
  • Pure white or cream dense coat
  • ´Samoyed smile´ with upturned mouth corners and slanted eyes
  • Tail curled over the back
CoatDouble coat: soft dense undercoat and dense, straight, coarse outer coat; any colour except albino and merle.Dense double coat; white, cream or biscuit.
PurposeThe sledge dog of Greenland's Inuit, also used in seal and polar-bear hunting.A herding and sled dog of the Siberian Samoyede people that also kept them warm in tents.

Breed page: Greenland Dog · Breed page: Samoyed

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

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.