Breed Comparison: Lowchen Versus Samoyed

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Lowchen Versus Samoyed: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Samoyed.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen or the Samoyed.

Lowchen versus Samoyed

Lowchen versus Samoyed: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Lowchen belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Lowchen versus Samoyed: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Samoyed

Factor Lowchen Samoyed
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
Life Span 13 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 9 to 18 pounds 50 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2870 $2460
Price Range $1642 – $4500 $1500 – $3000
Temperament Score 75.0 percent 80.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 163 61

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lowchen 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Samoyed is 71 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lowchen and the Samoyed

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

  • Lowchens adapt well to apartment living. However, Samoyeds do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Samoyed

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

  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Samoyed are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Samoyed

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

    Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Lowchen versus Samoyed

    The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Samoyeds is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Samoyeds is 13.0 years.

    Lowchens live longer than Samoyeds.

    Temperament of the Samoyed Versus the Lowchen

    The Samoyed has a better temperament than the Lowchen.

    This is because the temperament score for the Samoyed is 80.3 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-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 Lowchen and the Samoyed by measuring the temperaments of 12 Lowchens and 294 Samoyeds.

    Price of Lowchen versus Price of Samoyed

    The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of a Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen 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 Lowchen is more expensive than the Samoyed.

    Lowchen Samoyed
    Average Price $2870 $2460
    Price Range $1642 to $4500 $1500 to $3000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens. 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 Lowchen 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 Popularity of Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Popularity of Samoyed

    Popularity of Samoyed

    Year Lowchen Popularity Rank Samoyed Popularity Rank
    2013 154 67
    2014 165 68
    2015 161 61
    2016 171 65
    2017 169 57
    2018 168 59
    2019 158 58
    2020 161 56

    Health Problems of Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen.

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Lowchen while 5 tests are recommended for the Samoyed.

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

    Lowchen Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens 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 Lowchens 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 Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.

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

  • Patella problems: Rank 19 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 42 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 163 out of 198 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 Lowchen and in Samoyed and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Lowchen and the Samoyed:

    Disease Lowchen Rank Samoyed Rank
    Patella problems 19 out of 145 dog breeds 98 out of 145 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 42 out of 182 dog breeds 123 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 163 out of 198 dog breeds 110 out of 198 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 46 out of 71 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 50 out of 159 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 100 out of 144 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 103 out of 115 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: Lowchen versus Samoyed

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Samoyeds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lowchens shed more than Samoyeds?

    Lowchens shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Samoyed

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Samoyeds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Samoyed?

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Samoyed?

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Samoyeds?

    Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Samoyeds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Samoyeds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Samoyed

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

    Samoyeds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Samoyeds?

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens and Samoyeds?

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

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

    Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Samoyed?

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

    Samoyeds are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Lowchen Better for Apartment Owners than the Samoyed?

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Samoyeds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.

    Samoyeds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen

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

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Samoyed vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Samoyed vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • 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 Lowchen vs English Setter.
  • Siberian Husky (75 percent match with Samoyed). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Siberian Husky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Chihuahua     Lowchen versus Maremma Sheepdog     Lowchen versus Catahoula Bulldog     Lowchen versus Briard     Lowchen versus Labradoodle     Lowchen versus Standard Poodle     Lowchen versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Lowchen versus Mudi     Lowchen versus Shichon     Lowchen versus Chow Chow     Lowchen versus Toy Fox Terrier     Lowchen versus English Cocker Spaniel     Lowchen versus Keeshond     Lowchen versus Whoodle     Lowchen versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Lowchen versus West Highland White Terrier     Lowchen versus Lancashire Heeler     Lowchen versus Yorkshire Terrier     Lowchen versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Lowchen versus English Springer Spaniel     Lowchen versus Fila Brasileiro     Lowchen versus Goldendoodle     Lowchen versus Ibizan Hound     Lowchen versus Bracco Italiano     Lowchen versus Neapolitan Mastiff     

    Samoyed Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Samoyed versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Samoyed versus Berger Picard     Samoyed versus Xoloitzcuintli     Samoyed versus Cesky Terrier     Samoyed versus Akita Chow     Samoyed versus Field Spaniel     Samoyed versus Schipperke     Samoyed versus Korean Jindo Dog     Samoyed versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Samoyed versus Brittany     Samoyed versus Afghan Hound     Samoyed versus Field Spaniel     Samoyed versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Samoyed versus Catahoula Bulldog     Samoyed versus Fila Brasileiro     Samoyed versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Samoyed versus Bull Terrier     Samoyed versus Whippet     Samoyed versus Australian Terrier     Samoyed versus Scottish Terrier     Samoyed versus Briard     Samoyed versus Goldendoodle     Samoyed versus Kai Ken     Samoyed versus Welsh Terrier     Samoyed versus American Bulldog     

    Conclusion: Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Samoyed better suits you and your family.