If you’re considering getting a Samoyed, one of the first factors to think about is whether you want a male or female Samoyed. While it’s not a competition between genders, there are several reasons why you may lean towards one over the other.
Male Samoyeds are often considered better looking. Moreover, they are generally more social, playful, and eager to bond with all members of the family. Female Samoyeds, on the other hand, are considered not as attractive. However, they are known for their loyalty and gentleness with children.
Did that help you grasp the differences between male and female Samoyeds? If yes, then be ready to become a pet parent. If you need more information, then the rest of this article will go in further depth to help you out.
Physical Differences
Male Samoyeds
Male and female Samoyeds have a lot in common because they belong to the same breed. However, in terms of physical appearance, one prominent feature that distinguishes them from one another is their reproductive organs.
Another difference between male and female Samoyeds is their body structure. Usually, fully developed male Samoyeds are larger and heavier than females.
Typically, male Samoyeds stand between 21 and 23.5 inches tall and weigh between 45 and 65 pounds.
Also, male and female Samoyeds have distinct appearances. Males have a thicker ruff around their necks, which provides additional protection. They also have blockier heads and erect ears that make them look more masculine.
Other than that, the breed standard of Samoyed applies to both males and females. Moreover, both male and female Samoyed also share the same variations of white.
Female Samoyeds
Aside from genitals, females differ from males in terms of body structure. Female Samoyeds have smaller and lighter builds than males, giving them the appearance of being weaker. This size difference between genders is true even for miniature Samoyeds.
They range in height from 19 to 21 inches and weigh around 35 to 50 pounds.
With these measurements, females might be more capable of running faster than males as they have slimmer builds. However, they must always get a healthy diet and frequent exercise to improve their overall physique.
On the other hand, females typically have less prominent neck ruffs, which can make their fur appear less thick and lush than that of males.
Additionally, they often have smaller heads and more delicate, refined features, which can give them a more feminine appearance.
Temperamental Differences
Male Samoyeds
Generally, male Samoyeds are known for being friendly, gentle, and adaptable. However, experts claim that dog temperaments are a reflection of their pet parents.
For instance, male Samoyeds have fewer emotional swings and are more steady than females. This is probably because they don’t go through the same discharge cycle that females do twice a year.
Despite their less moody personality, they tend to bark more than females. They do bark for many reasons, but mostly to welcome visitors, but that’s the extent of their protective instincts.
In addition, as they get bigger, male Samoyeds become more loving towards every member of the family. As it happens, they can be more playful and a bit clumsy than females, especially toward children.
Female Samoyeds
Unlike male Samoyeds, females undergo hormonal changes during their heat cycle. Aside from bloody discharge, they pay more attention to male dogs, especially during the peak of their estrous period. They become more flirty and would usually raise their rears and move their tails to the side.
Further, they would show unusual signs of aggression during this time. Outside of the cycle, they are quite wary when it comes to visitors. They may bark simply to alert you to the presence of another individual.
When female Samoyeds begin to mature, they tend to become more independent than males. Though they are still affectionate, they will be content in their own company and won’t require constant attention from you.
To illustrate this further, a breeder colleague of mine has imported a male and a female Samoyed for her breeding. She has noticed a remarkable difference in the temperament of the male and the female one-year-old Samoyeds.
Her female Samoyed is more reserved in nature and does not mind staying in a certain area of the house most of the day. Meanwhile, her male Samoyed constantly follows her three children around the house and never gets tired of playing with them.
Behavior and Training
Male Samoyeds
The behavior of a Samoyed will depend on how it is raised and trained as a puppy. However, a dog’s ability to learn from training might be influenced by gender.
During training, male Samoyeds have a more prominent stubborn streak than females. Although they are equally trainable, males can be harder to train, especially unfixed males with a habit of marking.
Thus, introducing male Samoyeds to your instructions requires a greater deal of patience and understanding.
Also, keep in mind that male Samoyed is stronger than females, so leash training is important. They may not be large dogs, but they are quite strong and can easily pull an adult if they’re not paying attention.
Positive reinforcement training is a good start for training male Samoyeds, but they also need plenty of exercises to prevent boredom-based behavior.
Female Samoyeds
In general, female Samoyeds appear to be simpler to train than males. During training, they show more focus and interest in learning new things.
Although they are not as stubborn as males, they do have their moments of independence wherein they refuse to obey, and then they will turn away and ignore you. When this happens, it’s important that you figure out why.
Furthermore, female Samoyeds tend to reach maturity at a faster rate than males. This can be advantageous when it comes to training, as a female Samoyed of the same age may be easier to train and more manageable than a male.
Similar to male Samoyeds, positive reinforcement approaches work effectively for female Samoyeds when it comes to training. They may also need exercise to keep their mind healthy as well as their body.
Health Differences
Male Samoyeds
Male and female Samoyeds are both generally healthy canines. They share the same lifespan of 12 to 14 years and have many similar health conditions, such as glaucoma, hip dysplasia, and diabetes.
If male Samoyeds are not neutered, they may also have a higher risk of having testicular cancer or prostate issues, making urination difficult and frequent.
Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy is also more common in male Samoyeds than in females. Samoyeds with this condition will appear healthy and normal during their puppy years but may become unwell and develop kidney failure.
If you do not intend to breed your male Samoyed, you should have him neutered while he is still young. This will be beneficial for both his health and behavior.
Female Samoyeds
Like male Samoyeds, females are generally healthy. However, as previously said, females are also susceptible to health problems associated with the breed.
They may also encounter glaucoma, hip dysplasia, and diabetes, just like males.
The biggest difference between male and female Samoyeds in terms of health is females go through a heat cycle twice a year. This is due to the fact that they have different genitals.
Fortunately, this cycle could last anywhere from two to three weeks. During this period, the female dog releases a bloody vaginal discharge that acts as a lure for male dogs.
Spaying Samoyeds will minimize the chances of developing health issues. Spayed dogs, on the other hand, are ineligible to participate in dog shows.
So if you don’t plan on competing with your female dog, it’s better to have her spayed as early as possible.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Samoyeds
Both male and female Samoyeds will do their best being the only pet in the household. Even if it’s not in their nature, they can be slightly aggressive to other dogs, particularly those of the same gender.
Because male Samoyeds are more dominant than females, they are more inclined to fight other dogs to assert their superiority. This is especially apparent if there is another male dog in the house.
Fortunately, neutering your male Samoyeds reduces the likelihood of them attacking another male dog. If you don’t do this, you can expect fights around your house.
Further, you should focus on socializing them while they are still young, which will help them form a deep attachment between other dogs and pets.
Female Samoyeds
Similarly, female Samoyeds can be slightly aggressive. This often happens within the same breed as other dog breeds. When this happens, they become hostile toward other Samoyed and only calm after injuring them.
But when it comes to other dog breeds or other pets, females are more cautious than males. They are more likely to consider all the facts before fighting but do not seem inclined just to show their superiority.
Although they are friendly in nature, female Samoyeds need early socialization to help them become comfortable among other animals.
With Children
Male Samoyeds
Samoyeds are noted for being extremely close to their families, including children. If children are taught how to treat the dog with care and respect, a well-socialized Sammy will love their attention and company.
However, male Samoyeds are more careless and clumsy around children than female Samoyeds. Because of their height and strength, male Samoyeds can easily knock over a young child without even realizing it.
Therefore, all encounters between children and male Samoyed should be supervised by an adult. Fortunately, male Samoyeds are naturally willing to learn new things, so you can train them how to behave and tolerate children.
Once this happens, male Samoyeds will not only be as gentle as females but can also be very loyal, tolerant, and playful. They can make wonderful family pets and will do everything they can to defend them.
Female Samoyeds
Female Samoyeds are typically calmer and more well-behaved than males. They have a high level of tolerance and patience during playtime, making them more suitable companions for children.
However, when they are unexpectedly scared by kids, they can be slightly more anxious and can be just as dangerous as males if you haven’t properly taught them.
Further, female Samoyeds are more likely to form a strong attachment with one family member, which is commonly a child. If this occurs, a female Samoyed will fiercely be protective of your child.
Keep in mind that female Samoyeds still need their own space sometimes. They can be moody and won’t be as playful all the time, so they should be kept in a safe place away from your child. Otherwise, they might snap at them.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Samoyeds
Male Samoyeds
Male Samoyeds typically have a thicker ruff of fur around their necks, making them look more beautiful and luscious.
Despite this, most breeders charge less for male Samoyed puppies than for female puppies because dams often cost more.
If you are a loving pet parent, this will enable you to set money aside and invest it in pet insurance for future requirements in the event of unforeseen circumstances or spoil them with a variety of treats and toys.
They also don’t go through any heat cycles. This means they are less prone to mood swings and are more likely to be playful all year round. Another advantage is that you will not have to clean up after them.
As for the negative aspects, on top of the list is their tendency to be aggressive. Males Samoyeds would most like to start fights with other dogs and animals to show their dominance among them.
Also, when they’re sexually unsatisfied, this might become even worse. When your male puppy detects a female puppy in heat, it will attempt to approach her. If it’s not possible, they will try to upset you by barking excessively.
To summarize what we’ve talked about, here’s a table highlighting the pros and cons of a male Samoyed:
| Pros | Cons |
| More appealing looks | Can be aggressive |
| Less expensive | More dominant |
| Emotionally stable | Prone to fight |
| More playful | Barks excessively at times |
Female Samoyeds
If you’re thinking about breeding more puppies, whether for commercial or personal purposes, a female Samoyed puppy is the best and most reasonable choice.
But if this does not matter to you, then check out the following pros and cons of getting a female Samoyed.
Female Samoyeds are relatively calm. They are friendly with everyone and don’t display aggression as much. That said, they can be good for families with young children and other household pets.
Also, females tend to mature faster, which makes them easier to train. If you want to avoid undesirable behaviors, you should start giving them proper training right away or put them in a dog kindergarten for early socialization.
As for the cons, they have a higher price tag due to their breeding potential. Whether you decide to buy a puppy online or from a reputable breeder, you will likely pay more for a female pup.
When you bring a female Samoyed home, you will find that it is less affectionate. This is due to their nervousness and fear of socializing. But then, this will likely improve as they gain confidence in their surroundings.
Also, female Samoyeds undergo a heat cycle, which causes them to have a bloody discharge that might be difficult to clean up. This can also be the cause of their sudden behavioral changes.
To summarize what we’ve talked about, here’s a table highlighting the pros and cons of a female Samoyed:
| Pros | Cons |
| Relatively calm | More expensive |
| More friendly | Less affectionate |
| Less aggressive | More cleaning requirements |
| Easier to train | Susceptible to mood swings |
Should You Get a Male or Female Samoyed?
Both male and female Samoyeds are visually attractive canines and appreciate being in the company of their owners. Therefore, whichever you choose can make a wonderful family pet.
But if you already have a female or a male dog, it’s best to go with a Samoyed of the opposite sex. This will help them to become acquainted with other dogs easier. It will also prevent same-sex aggression.
But if this will be your first pooch, you may pick a male Samoyed if you are looking for a very active companion dog that’s also playful, more likely to bond with all family members equally, and more eager to please their owners.
On the other hand, the female Samoyed may be better if you value easier training and a more modest personality. However, they are more difficult to care for because of their heat cycles as well, unless you get them spayed.
The decision of whether to get a male or female Samoyed is still up to you and your lifespan. Remember that there is no such thing as a bad decision because only you can decide which of the two options is best for you.
For more comparison between male and female Samoyeds, watch this video:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Samoyeds Calmer?
Female Samoyeds are calmer than their male counterparts. In general, they are less playful and not as energetic as males.
However, neutering your male Samoyed may eradicate this difference, making them as calm as female Samoyeds.
Are Male or Female Samoyeds More Affectionate?
Male Samoyeds are more affectionate than females, especially when it comes to children. They thrive on constant human attention, while females are less so.
Furthermore, males are less prone to distance themselves from attention and will accept whatever amount of affection you can give them.
Are Male or Female Samoyeds Easier to Train?
Female Samoyeds tend to show a bit more focus and interest during training. They also mature faster than male Samoyeds, making them easier to teach than male canines of the same age.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between male and female Samoyeds may be the final consideration of how a potential pet parent chooses their new companion.
In terms of physical features, they apparently differ in their reproductive organ, size, and appearance.
When it comes to the personality and capability of Samoyeds, gender may not be the most essential factor that influences them. In fact, Samoyeds are shaped by a variety of factors, including training, socialization, and environment.
Overall, regardless if you get a male or female Samoyed, you can expect years of love and entertainment from them. If you have any additional advice on how to choose between male vs. female Samoyeds, feel free to comment below!
