STOP SCROLLING: Alaskan Malamute vs Samoyed—Which Fluffy Arctic Pup Is YOUR Match?

Is the loyal Alaskan Malamute or the loving Samoyed the breed for you? Find your perfect breed match!

Written by Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP

Affectionate, Loyal, and Playful

Do you spot early warning signs in your own dog? Maybe your puppy chases the kids in the yard and, now that he’s bigger, occasionally bowls them over. Maybe he’s started growling when you near his food bowl. Or maybe it’s just annoying, like him jumping on the couch on top of you while you sip coffee.

Born up north, the Alaskan Malamute was shaped into the ultimate arctic sled dog. His heavy-boned, deep-chested, 75-to-85-pound powerhouse build and thick, waterproof double coat make him insanely strong and cold-proof. But though bred as a dignified worker, the Mal is also deeply devoted, loyal, and playful. He's all about his pack—though if you don't step up as leader, he absolutely will! A well-raised Mal is gentle and a fantastic family dog, great with kids. One note on that glorious coat: the Mal's impressive double layer needs serious upkeep. Daily pin-comb brushing is a must, and during the twice-yearly shed, you'll need to rake the undercoat. As for exercise, his working roots make this an energetic breed. Built for stamina and hauling heavy loads, this athletic dog needs daily runs, hikes, romps, or swims, and would also love agility, backpacking, and skijoring.

Friendly, Gentle, and Versatile

Consequence of Waiting: A dog who always jumps on people. If you don’t mind him jumping on you, that’s fine—but is there anyone else it would bother? Friends who visit with little kids? Elderly parents or grandparents? If you don’t want him jumping on them, you need to train no-jump. (If no such person will be around him, you may not mind the jumping.)

The best fix is to pet him only while he sits. Not sitting? No petting—for anyone. Push him off, yell, or even make eye contact and you’re still rewarding the jump with attention. Teach sit, then make it the best thing in his life. Treat for sitting. Ask for sit before clipping and unclipping the leash, before his food, before you throw the ball. Bake sit into his routine until it replaces jumping as the habit.

As the AKC puts it, these are 'smart, social, mischievous dogs who demand love and attention. Sammies need a very firm but loving hand in training.' That said, he's no guard dog. The Samoyed is trusting by nature, with an easygoing streak, loyal temper, and a sense of humour. An energetic breed with a fun, bubbly personality, he's got ample steam (they'll run for miles if you let them) and a mind of his own, yet still aims to please. Like most Nordic breeds, the Samoyed is quite the chatterbox, and brushing (and de-shedding!) are non-negotiable.

Independent-minded yet loyal to his family, the well-mannered (read: cared-for and trained) Samoyed is an absolute dream.

Is the Samoyed right for you? Find out more at: moderndogmagazine.com/samoyed

If you want couch-jumping only by permission, cue him to sit beside it. Then pat the cushion, inviting him up. When he jumps up, praise and treat. If he jumps without sitting and getting your pat signal first, gently lift him off.

Personality Differences Between These Two Arctic Breeds

Consequence of Waiting: A dog who chews a trail of destruction through your home. Dogs will put just about anything in their mouths—and yours could swallow something that hurts or kills him. Teach which items are fair game and which are off-limits.

This needs supervision. When he chews the wrong thing, say “No” and redirect to a proper toy. If you can’t trust him with the right toys while you’re busy, crate him. When he picks up an appropriate toy, praise the good choice.

Alaskan Malamutes, while also affectionate, are generally more independent and reserved.

Exercise and Care Differences Between the Alaskan Malamute and the Samoyed

If he loves to run, give it a healthy outlet. Play fetch. Play recall games across the yard, family members taking turns calling him for treats. Try a flirt pole—a long pole with a cord and toy on the end. Teach him to chase the toy, not the kids. If he does chase a child, “No!” and remove him from the yard at once. Don’t wait for a kid to get hurt. Be consistent—out at the first offence.

5) Growling Over the Food Bowl

The Alaskan Malamute's bigger frame and heavy-duty sledding history mean they need harder exercise.

Conclusion: The Differences Between the Samoyed and Alaskan Malamute in Summary