Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Samoyed: Introduction
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed: Overview
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed
- The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed
- Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed
- Lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed
- Temperament of the Samoyed Versus the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd versus Adopting the Samoyed
- The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Popularity of Samoyed
- Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Health Problems of Samoyed
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Samoyeds?
- Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Samoyed
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Samoyed?
- Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Samoyed?
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Samoyeds?
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Samoyed
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Samoyed?
- Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Samoyeds?
- How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Shepherds and Samoyeds?
- Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Samoyed?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Samoyed
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Samoyed: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd or the Samoyed.
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed: Overview
A very important difference between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog while the Samoyed is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Pyrenean Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed
| Factor | Pyrenean Shepherd | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 15 to 17 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 30 pounds | 50 to 60 pounds |
| 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 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 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 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 16.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1500 – $3000 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2460 |
| Temperament Score | 75.0 percent | 80.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 178 | 61 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Samoyed is 71 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pyrenean Shepherd is a better pet than the Samoyed. So, you should get the Pyrenean Shepherd!
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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed
Below is a list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed
The Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed.
Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 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 Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed
The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.
The lifespan of Samoyeds is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Samoyeds is 13.0 years.
Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Samoyeds.
Temperament of the Samoyed Versus the Pyrenean Shepherd
The Samoyed has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Samoyed is 80.3 percent while the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed by measuring the temperaments of 4 Pyrenean Shepherds and 294 Samoyeds.
Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd versus Adopting the Samoyed
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Pyrenean Shepherds and many Samoyeds are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Pyrenean Shepherd named Boone that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Pyrenean Shepherds like Boone on pefinder.com.
Also, like Pyrenean Shepherds, Samoyeds are also available for adoption. For example, We Have No Dogs Available At This Time. is a Male Samoyed that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Samoyeds like We Have No Dogs Available At This Time. that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
You can find more Pyrenean Shepherds and Samoyeds that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 178 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
Popularity of Samoyed
| Year | Pyrenean Shepherd Popularity Rank | Samoyed Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 169 | 67 |
| 2014 | 178 | 68 |
| 2015 | 176 | 61 |
| 2016 | 176 | 65 |
| 2017 | 180 | 57 |
| 2018 | 181 | 59 |
| 2019 | 182 | 58 |
| 2020 | 182 | 56 |
Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
5 health tests are recommended for Pyrenean Shepherd while 5 tests are recommended for the Samoyed.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pyrenean Shepherds and in Samoyeds.
Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems
Pyrenean Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Pyrenean Shepherd ranks 24 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 79 Pyrenean Shepherds, 4 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pyrenean Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and in Samoyed and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed:
| Disease | Pyrenean Shepherd Rank | Samoyed Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Dentition Database problems | 24 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 27 out of 159 dog breeds | 50 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 44 out of 182 dog breeds | 123 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 71 out of 198 dog breeds | 110 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 72 out of 145 dog breeds | 98 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 46 out of 71 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: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Samoyeds do not like to be left alone.
Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Samoyeds?
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Samoyeds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Samoyed
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Samoyeds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Samoyed?
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Samoyeds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Samoyed?
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Samoyeds?
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Samoyeds bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Samoyeds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Samoyed
Pyrenean Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Samoyeds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd or the Samoyed?
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Samoyeds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Samoyeds?
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds and Samoyeds?
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Samoyeds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Samoyed?
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Samoyeds are fairly easy to train.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Samoyed?
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Samoyeds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Samoyed?
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd:
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 Pyrenean Shepherd and how the Samoyed compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd and of the Samoyed to other breeds:
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Manchester Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Pyrenean Shepherd versus Clumber Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Toy Poodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shiloh Shepherd Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cavapoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bolognese Pyrenean Shepherd versus Weimaraner Pyrenean Shepherd versus Saluki Pyrenean Shepherd versus Border Collie Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pomapoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute Pyrenean Shepherd versus Tibetan Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler Pyrenean Shepherd versus Valley Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kai Ken Pyrenean Shepherd versus Keeshond Pyrenean Shepherd versus Briard Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sloughi Pyrenean Shepherd versus Australian Kelpie Pyrenean Shepherd versus Beaglier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shiloh Shepherd
Samoyed Versus Other Dog Breeds
Samoyed versus Japanese Spitz Samoyed versus Schnoodle Samoyed versus Norwich Terrier Samoyed versus German Shepherd Dog Samoyed versus Curly-Coated Retriever Samoyed versus Pharaoh Hound Samoyed versus English Cocker Spaniel Samoyed versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Samoyed versus Sheepadoodle Samoyed versus Flat-Coated Retriever Samoyed versus American Hairless Terrier Samoyed versus Coton de Tulear Samoyed versus Valley Bulldog Samoyed versus Border Collie Samoyed versus Cavachon Samoyed versus Affenpinscher Samoyed versus Curly-Coated Retriever Samoyed versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Samoyed versus Golden Retriever Samoyed versus Gordon Setter Samoyed versus Kuvasz Samoyed versus German Pinscher Samoyed versus Lakeland Terrier Samoyed versus Xoloitzcuintli Samoyed versus Bearded Collie
Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd and the Samoyed better suits you and your family.