Which is Better between the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed? A Very Detailed Review.

Dogo Argentino versus Samoyed

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Dogo Argentino Versus Samoyed: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Samoyed

Dogo Argentino versus Samoyed

Dogo Argentino versus Samoyed: Overview

A very important difference between the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog while the Samoyed is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino 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.

Dogo Argentino versus Samoyed: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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.

Factor Dogo Argentino Samoyed
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 50 to 60 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2510 $2460
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1500 – $3000
Temperament Score 89.5 percent 80.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 1 year
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (X-L PRA) DNA Test
  • RD/OSD
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 93 61

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dogo Argentino 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 a Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Samoyed is 71 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Samoyed is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. So, you should get the Samoyed!

    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 Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Dogo Argentino versus Samoyed

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed

    Below is a list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed are most different:

  • Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Samoyeds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Samoyeds can tolerate cold weather.
  • Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Samoyeds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs. However, Samoyeds get along well with other dogs.
  • Dogo Argentinos are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Samoyeds are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather. However, Samoyeds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom. However, Samoyeds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed

    The Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed are most similar:

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Samoyed

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed.

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches 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.

    Temperament of the Samoyed Versus the Dogo Argentino

    The Dogo Argentino has a better temperament than the Samoyed.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 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 they 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 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed by measuring the temperaments of 19 Dogo Argentinos and 294 Samoyeds.

    Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Samoyed

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino 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 a 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 Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Samoyed.

    Dogo Argentino Samoyed
    Average Price $2510 $2460
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1500 to $3000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Dogo Argentino and Samoyed. For different price points, the charts show how many Dogo Argentino puppies or how many Samoyed puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Samoyeds

    A breakdown of the prices of Samoyeds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dogo Argentino 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Dogo Argentino versus Samoyed
    Dogo Argentino versus Samoyed

    The Popularity of Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Samoyed

    Popularity of Samoyed

    Year Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank Samoyed Popularity Rank
    2020 93.0 56
    2013 no data 67
    2014 no data 68
    2015 no data 61
    2016 no data 65
    2017 no data 57
    2018 no data 59
    2019 no data 58

    Health Problems of Dogo Argentino versus Health Problems of Samoyed

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Dogo Argentino 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 more genetic health problems than the Dogo Argentino.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Samoyed than for the Dogo Argentino.

    3 health tests are recommended for Dogo Argentino while 5 tests are recommended for the Samoyed.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dogo Argentinos and in Samoyeds.

    Dogo Argentino Health Problems

    Dogo Argentinos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentinos for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos 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:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 1 year
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (X-L PRA) DNA Test
  • RD/OSD
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Samoyeds here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentino Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.

    This is because the Dogo Argentino ranks 3 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 105 Dogo Argentinos, 3 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dogo Argentinos, and how common these diseases are in Dogo Argentinos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 3 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 16 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 85 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 46 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 50 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 98 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 100 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 103 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 110 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 123 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Dogo Argentino and in Samoyed and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed:

    Disease Dogo Argentino Rank Samoyed Rank
    Baer Hearing Test problems 3 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 16 out of 198 dog breeds 110 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 85 out of 144 dog breeds 100 out of 144 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 46 out of 71 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 50 out of 159 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 98 out of 145 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 103 out of 115 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.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Samoyed?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Samoyeds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dogo Argentino or the Samoyed?

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Samoyeds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Samoyeds?

    Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Samoyeds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Samoyed

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Samoyeds do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Samoyeds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Samoyeds?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Samoyeds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Samoyed?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Samoyeds get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Samoyed?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Samoyeds are fairly easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Samoyeds?

    Dogo Argentinos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Samoyeds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Samoyed

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Samoyeds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

    Samoyeds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Samoyeds?

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Samoyeds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Samoyed?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Samoyeds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Samoyed

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Samoyed?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino:

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Samoyed vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Samoyed vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • 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:

  • English Setter (75 percent match with Samoyed). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs English Setter.
  • Siberian Husky (75 percent match with Samoyed). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Siberian Husky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dogo Argentino and how the Samoyed compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dogo Argentino and of the Samoyed to other breeds:

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Saint Berdoodle     Dogo Argentino versus Greyhound     Dogo Argentino versus Portuguese Water Dog     Dogo Argentino versus Papillon     Dogo Argentino versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Dogo Argentino versus Afador     Dogo Argentino versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Dogo Argentino versus Bichon Frise     Dogo Argentino versus Beagle     Dogo Argentino versus Beagle     

    Samoyed Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Samoyed versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Samoyed versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Samoyed versus Black Mouth Cur     Samoyed versus Hovawart     Samoyed versus Shetland Sheepdog     Samoyed versus Patterdale Terrier     Samoyed versus Boxerdoodle     Samoyed versus American Hairless Terrier     Samoyed versus Barbet     Samoyed versus Portuguese Pointer     

    Conclusion: Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Samoyed better suits you and your family.