Many owners cannot clearly distinguish the differences between Samoyed and Japanese Silver Fox dog. Indeed, both dogs have white fur, and some Samoyeds that are not well-developed can have a body size very close to that of the Japanese Silver Fox dog. The faces of the two dogs are also not easy to quickly differentiate without careful observation, especially when they are young. The prices of the two dog breeds may be similar, but if the owner finds out after purchase that the dog is not the breed they originally liked, it usually causes discomfort. Here, the editor will teach you how to distinguish these two dog breeds.

Samoyed Dog (detailed introduction)

　　1. External Features of the Samoyed Dog
　　1. Head is wedge-shaped
　　The skull is wedge-shaped, broad, with a slightly arched but not round top. The line connecting the center point between the eyes and the brow ridges forms an equilateral triangle.
　　2. Facial expression display
　　Having a “smiling” expression is very important. When the dog’s attention is focused on something, its eyes seem to speak, showing vivid and lively facial expressions. When alert, the ears stand erect.
　　3. Well-developed limbs
　　The neck is sturdy. The Samoyed has strong muscles and proudly holds its head high when standing at attention. The neck and shoulders form an elegant arch.
　　4. Chest is deep and expanded outward
　　The chest is deep. The ribs expand outward from the spine and flatten out at the sides, not affecting shoulder movement, allowing the front legs free movement. It should not have a barrel chest. The ideal depth reaches the elbow, the deepest part behind the forelimbs.
　　5. Tail length is moderate
　　The tail length is moderate. If the tail droops, the tailbone length should extend to the hock. The tail is covered with long hair, curling over the back or to one side when alert, and sometimes hanging down when resting.
　　6. Dense and soft coat
　　The Samoyed has a double coat, covered with a layer of short, dense, soft, fluffy undercoat closely attached to the skin, with coarser, longer guard hairs standing upright on the surface. The coat must never be curly.
　　7. Color is pure white
　　The Samoyed is pure white; white with very light cream or cheese color; overall light cream. Any other colors are disqualified.

Japanese Silver Fox Dog

　　2. Body Size and Characteristics of the Japanese Silver Fox Dog
　　1. Medium body length
　　The size of the Japanese Silver Fox’s head is proportional to the body length, appropriately broad and round. The forehead of the skull is well developed, with the widest part at the back of the skull. Toes are distinct. The nose is small, round, and black. The muzzle is pointed, its tip slightly rounded and very balanced. Lips are tight and preferably black.
　　2. Teeth are white and strong
　　Teeth are white and strong, with a scissor bite. Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, slightly slanted, dark-colored, with black eyelids.
　　3. Shoulders are positioned relatively high
　　The neck length is moderate, with well-developed muscles. The shoulders are positioned high. The back is straight and short. The waist is broad. The chest is broad and deep with naturally expanded ribs. The abdomen naturally folds upward.
　　4. Well-developed hind limb muscles
　　The shoulders slope naturally. The front legs are straight with tight elbows. The hind limbs are muscular, with joints and hocks appropriately bent. The feet resemble cat paws. Paw pads are thick and preferably black along with the nails. The tail is set high, of proper length, carried over the back, with a lively and brisk gait.
　　3. Summary
　　It can be said that the Samoyed and Japanese Silver Fox dogs are two breeds with completely different temperaments. The Japanese Silver Fox is a relatively new breed, steady and smart, and more alert to the environment; the Samoyed is lively, active, and very affectionate towards people. It is okay if you cannot distinguish these two dogs at first sight. However, owners should understand their breed characteristics clearly because the difference in their food intake is significant, and feeding errors caused by breed confusion could result in overfeeding or underfeeding.