Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Mally or Alsatian wolf dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd"
Compare Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd. Which is better: Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
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| Name | Alaskan Malamute | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  United States |  Germany |
| Group | Sled Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 59 | 2 |
| Reviews | 3 | 21 |
| User Ratings |
| Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by? |
Mally Mal |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Alaskan Malamute and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Large | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Alaskan Malamute and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier? | Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Is an Alaskan Malamute taller than a German Shepherd? | Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
| Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Alaskan Malamute and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more? | $1200-$1500 | $800-$2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
|---|---|---|
| Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements. | Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels. | Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors. | Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Alaskan Malamute and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ? |
Playful Dignified Friendly Affectionate Loyal Devoted |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd? | Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd? | Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting? | Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies. | Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy. | The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
| Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs. | Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed. | It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels. | Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. | German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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| Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? | Alaskan Malamute dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies. | Moderate ⏺ The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. |
|---|---|---|
| Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
| Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans. |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances. | Prefers cold weather The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
| Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Alaskan Malamute and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier? | The Alaskan Malamute is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. |
| Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd? |
Average The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
| Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd health problems comparison: |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Chondrodysplasia Hemeralopia Inherited Polyneuropathy |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels. | Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? | Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks. | Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
|---|---|---|
| Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs. | Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness. | No See more. | No See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors. |
Black Gray Red White |
Black Tan Red Silver |
| Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs. | Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts. | The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
| Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels. | Low 🔽 The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Alaskan Malamute and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types. |
Dense Rough Thick Weather-resistant | Fuzzy |
| Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Do Alaskan Malamute dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs? | Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness. | Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Alaskan Malamute dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? | Alaskan Malamute dogs are not cat-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Can an Alaskan Malamute and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Alaskan Malamute dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs? | Alaskan Malamute dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd? |
Yes Alaskan Malamute dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
| Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Alaskan Malamute is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Alaskan Malamutes are usually recommended for elderly people. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
| Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. |
| Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. |
| Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Alaskan Malamute or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| Military Service Background
Compare military history between Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background? | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters? | 4-10 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
| Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. |
|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in? | Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
| Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized? |
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. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club |
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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
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