Comparison: Great Pyrenees and Samoyed

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

Great Pyrenees
Photo: HeartSpoon, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Samoyed
Photo: Alexander Patrikeev, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Great PyreneesSamoyed
FCI group2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originFranceRussia
CategoryGiantMedium
Height at withers65–80 cm48–60 cm
Weight40–60 kg16–30 kg
Life span10–12 years12–14 years
Recognition features
  • Thick white coat, sometimes with cream marks
  • Massive build with calm expression
  • Double hind dewclaws
  • Pure white or cream dense coat
  • ´Samoyed smile´ with upturned mouth corners and slanted eyes
  • Tail curled over the back
CoatLong dense white coat with undercoat.Dense double coat; white, cream or biscuit.
PurposeA livestock guardian from the Pyrenees that protected flocks from bears and wolves.A herding and sled dog of the Siberian Samoyede people that also kept them warm in tents.

Breed page: Great Pyrenees · 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.