Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pointer Versus Samoyed: Introduction
- Pointer versus Samoyed: Overview
- Pointer versus Samoyed: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pointer and the Samoyed
- The Similarities Between the Pointer and the Samoyed
- Size (Weight and Height) of Pointer versus Samoyed
- Lifespan of Pointer versus Samoyed
- Temperament of the Samoyed Versus the Pointer
- Price of Pointer versus Price of Samoyed
- The Intelligence of the Pointer versus the Intelligence of the Samoyed
- The Popularity of Pointer versus Popularity of Samoyed
- Health Problems of Pointer versus Health Problems of Samoyed
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pointer versus Samoyed
- Do Pointers shed more than Samoyeds?
- Which one drools more, the Pointer or the Samoyed
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pointer or the Samoyed?
- Does the Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Samoyed?
- Do Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Samoyeds?
- Can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pointer vs. Samoyed
- Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pointer or the Samoyed?
- Are Pointers good family dogs? What about Samoyeds?
- How Kid-friendly are Pointers and Samoyeds?
- Is the Pointer Easier to Train than the Samoyed?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Samoyed
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Pointer versus Samoyed. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pointer Versus Samoyed: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pointer and the Samoyed? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Pointer and the Samoyed better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Pointer and the Samoyed.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pointer and the Samoyed is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Pointer and for the Samoyed. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Pointer and the Samoyed.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Pointer or the Samoyed.
Pointer versus Samoyed: Overview
Both the Pointer and the Samoyed are similar in size. The Pointer and the Samoyed are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
On the other hand, the Samoyed belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Pointer versus Samoyed: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pointer to the Samoyed based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Pointer and the Samoyed
Factor | Pointer | Samoyed |
---|---|---|
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Height | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the | 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder |
Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
Weight | 45 to 75 pounds | 50 to 60 pounds |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
Average Price | $1080 | $2460 |
Price Range | $800 – $1300 | $1500 – $3000 |
Temperament Score | 90.0 percent | 80.3 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 115 | 61 |
Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 43 | 33 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pointer in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Samoyed. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Pointer is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Samoyed is 71 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pointer is a better pet than the Samoyed. So, you should get the Pointer!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Pointer and the Samoyed so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pointer and the Samoyed
Below is a list of where the Pointer and the Samoyed are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pointer and the Samoyed
The Pointer and the Samoyed are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pointer and the Samoyed are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Pointer versus Samoyed
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pointer and the Samoyed.
Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the when fully grown.
On the other hand, Samoyeds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Samoyeds are 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Pointer versus Samoyed
The lifespan of Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pointers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Samoyeds is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Samoyeds is 13.0 years.
Pointers live longer than Samoyeds.
Temperament of the Samoyed Versus the Pointer
The Pointer has a better temperament than the Samoyed.
This is because the temperament score for the Pointer is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the Samoyed is 80.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 90.0 percent, the Pointer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 80.3 percent, the Samoyed has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pointer and the Samoyed by measuring the temperaments of 20 Pointers and 294 Samoyeds.
Price of Pointer versus Price of Samoyed
The average price of the Pointer puppy is $1080. The price of the Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of a Pointer can be as low as $300 and as high as $1700. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 16 Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Samoyed puppy is $2460. The price of the Samoyed typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. However, the price of the Samoyed can be as low as $800 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 114 Samoyed puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Samoyed is more expensive than the Pointer.
Pointer | Samoyed | |
---|---|---|
Average Price | $1080 | $2460 |
Price Range | $800 to $1300 | $1500 to $3000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Pointer and Samoyed. For different price points, the charts show how many Pointer puppies or how many Samoyed puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Pointers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Samoyeds
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Pointer puppy or the Samoyed puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Intelligence of the Pointer versus the Intelligence of the Samoyed
Pointer | Samoyed | |
---|---|---|
Intelligence Rank | 43 out of 130 dog breeds | 33 out of 130 dog breeds |
Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Pointer has an obedience intelligence rank of 43 out of 130 dog breeds. The Pointer belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Pointers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Samoyed has an obedience intelligence rank of 33 out of 130 dog breeds. The Samoyed belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Samoyeds tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Samoyed is more intelligent than the Pointer.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Pointer versus Popularity of Samoyed
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Pointer and the Samoyed over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Samoyed is more popular with dog owners than the Pointer. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Samoyed is 61 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Pointer is 115 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Pointer
Popularity of Samoyed
Year | Pointer Popularity Rank | Samoyed Popularity Rank |
---|---|---|
2013 | 114 | 67 |
2014 | 119 | 68 |
2015 | 114 | 61 |
2016 | 117 | 65 |
2017 | 113 | 57 |
2018 | 114 | 59 |
2019 | 115 | 58 |
2020 | 116 | 56 |
Health Problems of Pointer versus Health Problems of Samoyed
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Pointer and the Samoyed are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Samoyed is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Pointer.
5 health tests are recommended for Pointer while 5 tests are recommended for the Samoyed.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pointers and in Samoyeds.
Pointer Health Problems
Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pointer puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pointer breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pointers here.
Samoyed Health Problems
Samoyeds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Samoyed puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Samoyed puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Samoyed breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Samoyeds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Samoyeds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Pointers and Samoyeds
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pointer Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Pointer ranks 17 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 78 Pointers, 1 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pointers, and how common these diseases are in Pointers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Samoyed Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Samoyed ranks 46 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 486 Samoyeds, 1 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Samoyeds, and how common these diseases are in Samoyeds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Pointer and in Samoyed and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pointer and the Samoyed:
Disease | Pointer Rank | Samoyed Rank |
---|---|---|
Congenital Cardiac problems | 17 out of 159 dog breeds | 50 out of 159 dog breeds |
Thyroid problems | 44 out of 115 dog breeds | 103 out of 115 dog breeds |
Elbow problems | 66 out of 144 dog breeds | 100 out of 144 dog breeds |
Hips problems | 137 out of 198 dog breeds | 110 out of 198 dog breeds |
Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 46 out of 71 dog breeds |
Patella problems | Not Common | 98 out of 145 dog breeds |
Eyes problems | Not Common | 123 out of 182 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Pointer versus Samoyed
Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Samoyeds do not like to be left alone.
Do Pointers shed more than Samoyeds?
Pointers shed moderately.
Samoyeds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Pointer or the Samoyed
Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Samoyeds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pointer or the Samoyed?
Pointers are very easy to groom.
Samoyeds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Samoyed?
Pointers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Samoyeds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Samoyeds?
Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Samoyeds bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Samoyeds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Pointer vs. Samoyed
Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Samoyeds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Samoyeds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pointer or the Samoyed?
Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Samoyeds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pointers good family dogs? What about Samoyeds?
Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Samoyeds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Pointers and Samoyeds?
Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Samoyeds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Pointer Easier to Train than the Samoyed?
Pointers are very easy to train.
Samoyeds are fairly easy to train.
Is the Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Samoyed?
Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Samoyeds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pointer or the Samoyed?
Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Samoyeds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pointer that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Pointer:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Samoyed
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Samoyed that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Samoyed:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Pointer and how the Samoyed compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Pointer and of the Samoyed to other breeds:
Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pointer versus Chi-Poo Pointer versus Tibetan Spaniel Pointer versus American Bulldog Pointer versus Australian Cattle Dog Pointer versus English Setter Pointer versus Shiba Inu Pointer versus Shichon Pointer versus Akbash Pointer versus Rottweiler Pointer versus Kooikerhondje Pointer versus Puggle Pointer versus Biewer Terrier Pointer versus Basenji Pointer versus Kuvasz Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Pointer versus Chinook Pointer versus Skye Terrier Pointer versus Pomchi Pointer versus Greyhound Pointer versus Pomeranian Pointer versus Affenpinscher Pointer versus Samoyed Pointer versus Westiepoo Pointer versus American Foxhound Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier
Samoyed Versus Other Dog Breeds
Samoyed versus Doberman Pinscher Samoyed versus Shiba Inu Samoyed versus Rottweiler Samoyed versus Maltese Samoyed versus Affenhuahua Samoyed versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Samoyed versus Miniature Poodle Samoyed versus Harrier Samoyed versus Braque du Bourbonnais Samoyed versus Irish Wolfhound Samoyed versus Beaglier Samoyed versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Samoyed versus Belgian Malinois Samoyed versus Bluetick Coonhound Samoyed versus Giant Schnauzer Samoyed versus Cane Corso Samoyed versus Scottish Deerhound Samoyed versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Samoyed versus Chihuahua Samoyed versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Samoyed versus Field Spaniel Samoyed versus Cocker Spaniel Samoyed versus Estrela Mountain Dog Samoyed versus King Shepherd Samoyed versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Conclusion: Pointer versus Samoyed. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Pointer and the Samoyed better suits you and your family.