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Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mally or Golden Flat Coat or Japanese Spaniel? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin" Compare Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever or Japanese Chin?
 
 
 
Name Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever Japanese Chin
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland Japan flagJapan
Group Sled Dogs Gun Dog Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank593108
Reviews3164
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin breeds.
Mally
Mal
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Japanese Spaniel
Chin
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 4-15 pounds (2-7 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: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 9.5 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever or Japanese Chin? Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin height comparison:
Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) 7-11 inches (18-28 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: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) 9 inches (23 cm)

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1500 $1000-$2000 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever or Japanese Chin?
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which is easiest to train?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which breed is most alert?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which breed is most protective?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Playful
Loving
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Japanese Chin dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin?
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Japanese Chin dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin social needs comparison:
Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Japanese Chin dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Japanese Chin dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Japanese Chin dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which breed is most playful?
The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Japanese Chin dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever or Japanese Chin?
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.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Japanese Chin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Chin has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which uses mouth most during play?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Japanese Chin dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Chin bite force: Weak.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which has fewer health issues?
The Alaskan Malamute is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Japanese Chin is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Japanese Chin should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Entropion
Heart Disease

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which breed is most active?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever or Japanese Chin? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Japanese Chin dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever or Japanese Chin?
Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Japanese Chin has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which needs most food?
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. 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
Red
White
Golden
Light
Black
White
Sable
Lemon
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Japanese Chin requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which drools least?
The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The Japanese Chin is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Japanese Chin has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever or Japanese Chin? Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Japanese Chin dogs shed moderately.
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Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which is best with kids?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs are not the most 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.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Japanese Chin dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever or Japanese Chin? Which dog is more friendly?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever or Japanese Chin?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever or Japanese Chin?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin?
Yes
Alaskan Malamute dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Japanese Chin 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.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Japanese Chin 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.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Japanese Chins are not the best breed for elderly people.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Japanese Chin breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which has most puppies?
4-10 puppies 5-10 puppies 1-3 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever vs Japanese Chin Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Alaskan Malamute, Golden Retriever, and Japanese Chin. Which has most recognition?
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
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

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