Newfoundland vs Samoyed

Which dog breed is right for you?

Newfoundland

Size
100–150 lbs, 26–28 in
Lifespan
9–10 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Sweet Patient Devoted Gentle

Samoyed

Size
35–65 lbs, 19–24 in
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Very High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Friendly Gentle Devoted Adaptable

About the Newfoundland

The Newfoundland hails from the Canadian island of the same name, where it was bred as a working dog for fishermen — hauling nets, carrying boat lines, and even rescuing drowning swimmers. Males typically weigh 130 to 150 pounds and stand 28 inches tall, while females are slightly smaller at 100 to 120 pounds. Their thick, water-resistant double coat comes in black, brown, gray, or the striking black-and-white "Landseer" pattern.

Temperament & Personality

Newfoundlands are renowned for their sweet, patient, and devoted temperament — often called "nanny dogs" for their extraordinary gentleness with children. They are calm indoors, deeply loyal, and have an almost instinctive drive to rescue people in water. Newfies generally get along beautifully with other dogs and pets, making them exceptional family dogs despite their enormous size.

Pros

  • Exceptional natural swimming ability and water rescue instincts
  • One of the gentlest giant breeds — outstanding with children
  • Calm and easygoing indoor demeanor despite massive size
  • Highly trainable and responsive to gentle, patient guidance

Cons

  • Heavy drooling — especially after eating, drinking, or exercise
  • Coat requires extensive grooming and sheds heavily year-round
  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, subvalvular aortic stenosis, and cystinuria
  • Shorter lifespan of 8 to 10 years common in giant breeds

A Newfoundland could be the most loving addition your family ever makes — find one waiting for a home on Puplister.

About the Samoyed

The Samoyed takes its name from the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia, who relied on these dogs for herding reindeer, pulling sleds, and providing warmth in temperatures reaching minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit for over 3,000 years. These striking dogs stand 19 to 23.5 inches tall and weigh 35 to 65 pounds, with a strong, graceful build beneath their profuse coat. Their thick, brilliant white double coat — sometimes with biscuit or cream shading — and characteristic upturned "Sammy smile" make them one of the most beautiful breeds in existence.

Temperament & Personality

Samoyeds are friendly, gentle, and perpetually cheerful — bred to live and work in close quarters with humans, they crave companionship and involvement in family activities. They are wonderful with children, welcoming to strangers, and generally amiable with other dogs — making them poor guard dogs but outstanding family companions. Their intelligence and independent spirit mean they need engaging training methods, as they bore quickly with repetitive exercises.

Pros

  • Perpetually happy disposition — the "Sammy smile" reflects a genuinely joyful temperament
  • Excellent with children and other pets — one of the friendliest breeds
  • Hypoallergenic-type coat produces less dander despite heavy shedding
  • Hardy and athletic — thrives in cold climates and loves outdoor winter activities

Cons

  • Extreme shedding — the voluminous coat blows out twice yearly in spectacular fashion
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy
  • Tendency to dig, chew, and bark when bored or left alone
  • Suffers significantly in hot climates and requires climate-controlled environments

That radiant Samoyed smile could light up your life — browse Samoyeds available for adoption on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

0

Newfoundlands

1

Samoyeds

Browse

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Newfoundland and a Samoyed?
The Newfoundland is 100–150 lbs, 26–28 in sized while the Samoyed is 35–65 lbs, 19–24 in sized. They differ in size (100–150 lbs, 26–28 in vs 35–65 lbs, 19–24 in), lifespan (9–10 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Newfoundland or Samoyed?
Newfoundland is generally good with kids. Samoyed is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Newfoundland or Samoyed?
The Newfoundland has a lifespan of 9–10 years while the Samoyed has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Dogs