Samoyed vs Treeing Walker Coonhound

Which dog breed is right for you?

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

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Size
50–70 lbs, 20–27 in
Lifespan
12–13 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Friendly Smart Energetic

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.

About the Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed in the United States from Walker Foxhounds in the mid-20th century, selectively bred for their exceptional ability to trail game and "tree" raccoons by chasing them up a tree and baying until the hunter arrives. These elegant, athletic hounds stand 20 to 27 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a lean, muscular build and the classic tricolor pattern — white, black, and tan — reminiscent of their foxhound ancestry. Their short, smooth coat is dense and protective, well-suited for long hours working through brush and rough terrain.

Temperament & Personality

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are confident, intelligent, and affable — possessing a friendly, sociable nature that makes them enjoyable companions both in the field and at home. They are gentle with children, typically welcoming to strangers, and usually get along well with other dogs, especially those they've been raised with. Their hunting instincts run deep, however, and they can switch from couch potato to tireless tracker the moment an interesting scent crosses their path.

Pros

  • Friendly, easygoing temperament — excellent with families and other dogs
  • Low-maintenance coat needing only weekly brushing
  • Superb endurance for hiking, running, and outdoor adventures
  • Generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 13 years

Cons

  • Extremely vocal — loud baying and howling are a defining breed trait
  • Powerful scent drive makes off-leash reliability very challenging
  • Requires substantial daily exercise — bored Walkers can be destructive
  • Prone to ear infections and hip dysplasia

Treeing Walker Coonhounds bring athletic grace and a sweet disposition to any home — explore available listings on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Samoyed and a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
The Samoyed is 35–65 lbs, 19–24 in sized while the Treeing Walker Coonhound is 50–70 lbs, 20–27 in sized. They differ in size (35–65 lbs, 19–24 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–27 in), lifespan (12–14 years vs 12–13 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Samoyed or Treeing Walker Coonhound?
Samoyed is generally good with kids. Treeing Walker Coonhound is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Samoyed or Treeing Walker Coonhound?
The Samoyed has a lifespan of 12–14 years while the Treeing Walker Coonhound has a lifespan of 12–13 years.

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