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Samoyed vs Belgian Malinois Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Sammy or Malinois?

Compare the Samoyed and Belgian Malinois breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Sammy or a Malinois? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Other names

Bjelkier, Samoyedskaya, Sammy, Samoiedskaya Sobaka, Smiley, Nenetskaya Laika
Malinois

Weight

What is the average weight of Samoyed and Belgian Malinois?
55.0 pounds ( 25 kg )
80.0 pounds ( 36 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Samoyed and Belgian Malinois
22.0 inches ( 55.9 cm )
24.5 inches ( 62.2 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Samoyed or Belgian Malinois?

Samoyed has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Belgian Malinois has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

Hypoallergenic

Are Samoyeds or Belgian Malinoiss hypoallergenic, or neither?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Samoyeds are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

No

Unfortunately, the Belgian Malinois is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Samoyed and Belgian Malinois dogs?
Alert
Friendly
Playful
Stubborn
Lively
Intelligent
Sociable

Active
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Hard working
Protective
Stubborn
Watchful

Shedding Level

Do Samoyeds shed more than Belgian Malinoiss, or which breed sheds more, Samoyeds or Belgian Malinoiss?

Samoyeds shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

Belgian Malinoiss are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Samoyed or Belgian Malinois?

Samoyeds make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Choose a Belgian Malinois if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Origin

What is the origin of Samoyed and Belgian Malinois dog breeds?
Russia

Belgium

Ancestry

What are the origins of Samoyed and Belgian Malinois breeds?
spitz

Shepherd Dog

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Samoyed and Belgian Malinois?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Samoyed and Belgian Malinois breeds first developed?
ancient times

1800s

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Samoyed and Belgian Malinois?
Working (AKC:1906)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Herding (AKC:1959)(UKC)

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Samoyed and Belgian Malinois dogs?
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Samoyed and Belgian Malinois?
Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Samoyed and Belgian Malinois breeds?
White
Cream

Brown
Fawn
Sable

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Samoyed and Belgian Malinois breeds?

Samoyeds have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Belgian Malinoiss have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Samoyed and Belgian Malinois?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Samoyed and Belgian Malinois?
Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Samoyed and Belgian Malinois?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

Samoyed and Belgian Malinois, can have a litter of 12-14 puppies each on average. Nonetheless, it's important to keep in mind that litter size can differ significantly between individual dogs. Various factors such as the mother's health, breeding history, and genetics can have an impact on litter size.

Adaptability

Samoyeds are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Belgian Malinoiss are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Samoyed and Belgian Malinois, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Samoyed and Belgian Malinois breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Samoyed and Belgian Malinois breeds?
Hip Dysplasia

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Samoyed and Belgian Malinois?
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Allergies

Epilepsy
Pannus
Skin Allergies

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Samoyed and Belgian Malinois breeds?
Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Hip
MRI
Eye Examination
Allergy Tests

Energy

How do the energy levels of Samoyeds and Belgian Malinoiss compare?

Samoyed and Belgian Malinois breeds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Samoyed vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison

Samoyed and Belgian Malinois have above average social needs compared to other breeds. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Samoyed vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison.

Samoyeds require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Belgian Malinoiss need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Samoyed or Belgian Malinois?

Samoyed and Belgian Malinois are active dogs that may not require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Samoyed or Belgian Malinois?

Samoyed has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.

Belgian Malinois minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Samoyeds or Belgian Malinoiss bark more/less frequently?

Samoyeds bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Territorial

Is the Samoyed or Belgian Malinois a better guard dog?

Samoyed dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Belgian Malinois dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Samoyed vs Belgian Malinois?

Roaming urge

Samoyed vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Samoyed or Belgian Malinois - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Samoyed and Belgian Malinois entertained?
Talking, Barking, Ear rubs, Butt scratches, Sniffing, Eating, Being talked to, Walk, Run, Play, Petting, Go on Vacation, Catch treats, Shake, Heel, Walking, Playing catch, Smiling, Chasing, Running, Eating Snacks, Hiking, Tug, Swimming, Fetch, Snuggles, Go to Beach, Go to Park, Groom, Play fetch

Explore, Run, Running, Walks, Walk, Catch treats, Play, Ball fetching, Item searching, Frisbee, Chase, Fetch, Hide & Seek, Walking, Sprints, Riding in truck, Fetching games, Bitting Bones

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Samoyeds or Belgian Malinoiss?

Medium

Samoyeds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

High

Belgian Malinoiss are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Samoyed or Belgian Malinois walk each week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Samoyed, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Belgian Malinois, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Samoyeds or Belgian Malinoiss require more exercise?

60 minutes

Both Samoyed and Belgian Malinois typically require a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise can be spread throughout the day and may involve high-energy activities like walking, running, and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Samoyeds or Belgian Malinoiss?

Samoyeds require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Belgian Malinois requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Samoyed and Belgian Malinois dogs?

Weekly

Samoyed and Belgian Malinois should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Samoyeds and Belgian Malinoiss?
Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Samoyed or Belgian Malinois in cups?

2.8 cups

For an average 45-65 pound (20 - 29 kg) Samoyed feed 2.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

3 cups

For an average 60-80 pound (27 - 36 kg) Belgian Malinois feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Samoyed or Belgian Malinois?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Samoyed is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Belgian Malinois is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Samoyed or Belgian Malinois?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Samoyed is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Belgian Malinois is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Samoyeds vs Belgian Malinoiss

The Samoyed and Belgian Malinois breeds are considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How do Samoyed and Belgian Malinois compare in sensitivity?

Samoyeds are adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for those seeking a less sensitive pet.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Samoyed vs Belgian Malinois?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Samoyed or Belgian Malinois?

Samoyeds and Belgian Malinoiss are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Do Samoyeds or Belgian Malinoiss have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Samoyeds make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Belgian Malinoiss are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Samoyed or Belgian Malinois?

Cat Friendly

Do Samoyed or Belgian Malinois breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Samoyeds and Belgian Malinoiss are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Samoyed or Belgian Malinois?

Samoyeds are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Belgian Malinoiss are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pet friendly

How do Samoyed or Belgian Malinois dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Samoyed or Belgian Malinois?

Samoyeds are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Belgian Malinoiss are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Samoyed and Belgian Malinois?

Samoyeds have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Belgian Malinoiss are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Samoyeds and Belgian Malinoiss compare?

Samoyeds are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

The Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Common match-ups