Is the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Samoyed better for families with children?

Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Samoyed are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Samoyed?

The Icelandic Sheepdog and Samoyed shed a similar amount (very high).

Which is easier to train, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Samoyed?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Icelandic Sheepdog or Samoyed bigger?

Icelandic Sheepdog and Samoyed are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Icelandic Sheepdog or Samoyed?

Icelandic Sheepdog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Samoyed is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog or Samoyed?

For apartment or apartment living, Samoyed has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Samoyed: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Samoyed: full comparison

Trait	Icelandic Sheepdog	Samoyed
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	High	Very High
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Barking	High	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Samoyed is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Icelandic Sheepdog needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Samoyed needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Icelandic Sheepdog needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The Samoyed is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Icelandic Sheepdog picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Samoyed picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Icelandic Sheepdog will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Samoyed is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Samoyed has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Icelandic Sheepdog and Samoyed are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Samoyed has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Samoyed has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Icelandic Sheepdog and Samoyed are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Icelandic Sheepdog if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Choose the Samoyed if you prefer a quieter dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Samoyed better for families with children?: Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Samoyed are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Samoyed?: The Icelandic Sheepdog and Samoyed shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Samoyed?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Icelandic Sheepdog or Samoyed bigger?: Icelandic Sheepdog and Samoyed are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Icelandic Sheepdog or Samoyed?: Icelandic Sheepdog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Samoyed is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog or Samoyed?: For apartment or apartment living, Samoyed has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Samoyed