Is the Old English Sheepdog or the Samoyed better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Old English Sheepdog or the Samoyed?

The Samoyed sheds more than the Old English Sheepdog. If shedding is a concern, the Old English Sheepdog is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Old English Sheepdog or the Samoyed?

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

Is Old English Sheepdog or Samoyed bigger?

Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed; Samoyed is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Old English Sheepdog or Samoyed?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Old English Sheepdog or Samoyed?

For apartment or apartment living, Old English Sheepdog and Samoyed are an even match — either can work well.

Old English Sheepdog vs Samoyed: Which Sheds Less?

Old English Sheepdog vs Samoyed: full comparison

Trait	Old English Sheepdog	Samoyed
Size	Large	Medium
Energy level	Medium	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	High	Very High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Old English Sheepdog is a larger dog than the Samoyed, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Old English Sheepdog is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Samoyed is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Old English Sheepdog needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Samoyed needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Old English Sheepdog is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Samoyed is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits 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 Old English Sheepdog is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Samoyed is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Old English Sheepdog is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Samoyed is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Old English Sheepdog and Samoyed are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Old English Sheepdog and Samoyed are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Old English Sheepdog and Samoyed are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Samoyed has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Old English Sheepdog has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Old English Sheepdog if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Samoyed if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Old English Sheepdog or the Samoyed better for families with children?: Both the Old English Sheepdog and the Samoyed are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Old English Sheepdog or the Samoyed?: The Samoyed sheds more than the Old English Sheepdog. If shedding is a concern, the Old English Sheepdog is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Old English Sheepdog or the Samoyed?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Old English Sheepdog or Samoyed bigger?: Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed; Samoyed is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Old English Sheepdog or Samoyed?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Old English Sheepdog or Samoyed?: For apartment or apartment living, Old English Sheepdog and Samoyed are an even match — either can work well.

Old English Sheepdog vs Samoyed