Just like all humans are different, all dogs are too. And just like humans, their differences make them unique and special. All dogs have distinct personalities and stand-out quirks, but some personalities have perfect compatibility.
To find the dog you’re most compatible with, you need to first know everything about their breeds. If you’re considering Shiba Inu or Samoyed as a pet, this is the guide for you.
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What are the main differences and similarities?
For two dogs who originate from such different places, these two sure do have a lot in common. The Japanese Shiba Inu and the Russian Samoyed have many differences and similarities.
Characteristics
Both the dogs are very different based on looks. Shiba Inu comes in various colors ranging from tan, brown, sesame, and black. It also has red highlights in its fur which makes it stand out. Samoyed usually comes in colors like white, cream, and off-white. But even though their fur comes in different colors, they both have a very dense fur coat.
Personality
While both the dogs are playful, stubborn, and loyal, they have drastically different personalities. Samoyed is a lively, friendly, and outgoing dog. This breed likes to socialize and also adores attention. On the other hand, Shibas are extremely shy, especially in front of strangers. They are quiet and composed, and that’s why it takes a lot of effort to make a special bond with them.
See also: Shiba Inu vs Golden Retriever
Both the dogs are very sharp and alert, but when it comes to intelligence, Samoyed has an upper hand. Samoyed is an extremely bright dog with a lot of thinking and contemplating capability. Both the dogs are very affectionate as well, but Samoyed takes a lead in this one too.
Even though Shibas are very loving and caring, they are very shy and lack the ability to express their emotions, when compared to Samoyed. This, of course, doesn’t mean that a Shiba is not loving, but both their ways of expressing love are quite different.
Due to their shy personalities, Shibas don’t bark a lot. They stay quiet. Samoyeds do bark a lot, because of their expressive personalities. People usually use both these dogs as watchdogs because of a few things they have in common. Number one is their loyalty, and the second one is how protective both these dogs are of their owners.
Size
Out of both the dogs, Samoyed is bigger in size, but overall, they are both considered to be medium-sized dogs. Shiba Inu can grow up to 14 to 16 inches tall, in the case of a male and 13 to 15 inches tall, in the case of a female. Samoyed is only slightly taller with their average height for males being 22.5 inches and for females being 20 inches.
The Samoyed is also a bulkier dog compared to Shiba. With an average weight of 55 pounds for a male dog and 42.5 pounds for a female dog, they are heavier than the Shiba who averagely weighs 21.5 pounds for males and 17.5 pounds for a female dog.
Trainability
Due to differences in the personalities of both these dogs, their training methodology is also very different. Samoyed is considered to be a very easy dog to train. It is an affectionate dog that seeks the approval of its owner, and because of that, it listens to the trainer. Positive reinforcement is a good way to train these dogs, as they thrive on affection and approval.
Shiba Inus are considered to be hard dogs to train. It is because their nature is self-dependent and stubborn, Shibas like to stand on their own feet and make their own choices. That is why it is hard to train them, as they might refuse to listen.
The best way to tackle this situation is to make Shiba feel like he is making his own choices. That will make it more self-confident, and less out-of-control. The key to training a Shiba is to gain its trust and form a bond. Once a Shiba is loyal to you and views you as a friend, it will put your well-being and happiness over his own.
Lifespan
Both the dogs have very similar lifespans. Samoyeds may live up to 12 to 14 years and Shibas live up to 12 to 15 years. Both dogs tend to live a healthy and fulfilled life, but regular vet check-ups are highly recommended to any dog. According to Dogell, Shiba Inu is at risk of many diseases like glaucoma, epilepsy, and cancer and Samoyed is at risk of diseases like bloat, diabetes, and hip dysplasia.
Which one is best for you?
Both these dogs are exceptional in their own unique ways. Which dog suits you the most ultimately depends on your life choices and preferences. Some things to keep under consideration are where you will keep the dog, how much space do you have, how much time do you have, your financial resources, and much more.
For example, if you live in a flat or apartment, Samoyed isn’t the choice as they are dogs who like to walk and have some space for themselves. Shiba Inus, on the other hand, are apartment-friendly dogs.
For first-time owners, Samoyeds are perfect. They are easy to manage and have easy-going personalities. Shiba Inu are difficult to bond with initially and they are intimidated by strangers, which makes them harder to train.
Do Shiba Inus get along with Samoyed?
Samoyed is a friendly dog. They get along with anyone easily, even if that is another pet. Their playful personality and fluffy nature make them form solid relationships with people around them.
A Shiba on the other hand is quite stubborn and highly protective of its owner. They don’t get along easily with anyone. But Samoyed is one dog a Shiba might get along with, as they complement each other well.
Shibas tend to assume the role of the bossy friend in their friendship, despite being smaller in size. Even though they both can have a stubborn streak, they are highly compatible.
