Alaskan Malamute vs Finnish Spitz
Working · Large vs Non-Sporting · Medium
Alaskan MalamuteLarge
An affectionate, loyal, playful arctic freight dog — bigger and stronger than the Husky, equally fluffy.
Weight: 85 lbsLifespan: 10–14 years
Finnish SpitzMedium
A friendly, faithful, alert fox-red Finnish bark-pointer — national dog of Finland, hunts by yodeling.
Weight: 25–33 lbsLifespan: 13–15 years
Quick take
- • Alaskan Malamute is the larger breed at 85 lbs (males) vs 25–33 lbs for the Finnish Spitz.
- • The Finnish Spitz typically lives longer (13–15 years).
- • The Finnish Spitz sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Alaskan Malamute | Finnish Spitz |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Non-Sporting |
Size | Large | Medium |
Origin | USA | Finland |
Height (male) | 25" | 17.5–20" |
Height (female) | 23" | 15.5–18" |
Weight (male) | 85 lbs | 25–33 lbs |
Weight (female) | 75 lbs | 20–28 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–14 years | 13–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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About the Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, loyal, playful arctic freight dog — bigger and stronger than the Husky, equally fluffy. Originally from USA, this large working breed typically weighs 85 lbs and lives 10–14 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, loyal, playful.
About the Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is a friendly, faithful, alert fox-red Finnish bark-pointer — national dog of Finland, hunts by yodeling. Originally from Finland, this medium non-sporting breed typically weighs 25–33 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, faithful, alert.
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Alaskan Malamute health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Hypothyroidism
- • Bloat
Finnish Spitz health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Patellar luxation
- • Epilepsy