Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Samoyed |  Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Siberia (Russia) | Germany, developed in France as a water retriever |
| Group | Pastoral | Utility |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Coat | Thick, straight, white or cream double coat with a dense soft undercoat | Dense, curly, single coat, low shedding |
| Weight | 16 to 30 kg | 20 to 32 kg |
| Height | 50 to 60 cm | 45 to 62 cm |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 yrs | 12 to 15 yrs |
| Exercise need | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Affection | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Grooming needs | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Barking | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Good with children | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Trainability | 6/10 | 10/10 |
| Prey drive | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Copes alone | 2/10 | 3/10 |
| Drool | 2/10 | 1/10 |
| Shedding | 10/10 | 1/10 |
| Flat fit | 3/10 | 5/10 |
| Running cost | €235 / month | €170 / month |
Samoyed verdict
A dazzling white working dog with a permanent smile, bred to pull sledges and herd reindeer, not to sit quietly at home.
Get one if
- · Active owners able to provide well over an hour of exercise most days
- · Households with a garden and access to cooler walking times in summer
- · Owners prepared to brush thoroughly several times a week, daily during coat blow
Think again if
- · Anyone wanting a watchful or protective dog
- · Apartment dwellers without a serious daily exercise plan
- · Owners who cannot tolerate heavy, twice yearly shedding
Poodle verdict
A brilliant, low shedding companion that comes in three sizes but one sharp mind.
Get one if
- · Owners wanting a highly trainable dog
- · Households prepared to budget for regular professional grooming
- · Active families wanting a dog for sport or fieldwork
Think again if
- · Owners wanting a wash-and-go, low maintenance coat
- · Households wanting a dog left alone for long hours
- · People unwilling to pay for regular grooming appointments