Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd
Working · Large vs Herding · Large
Alaskan MalamuteLarge
An affectionate, loyal, playful arctic freight dog — bigger and stronger than the Husky, equally fluffy.
Weight: 85 lbsLifespan: 10–14 years
German ShepherdLarge
A confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed.
Weight: 65–90 lbsLifespan: 9–13 years
Quick take
- • Alaskan Malamute is the larger breed at 85 lbs (males) vs 65–90 lbs for the German Shepherd.
- • The Alaskan Malamute typically lives longer (10–14 years).
- • The German Shepherd has higher daily energy needs.
- • The German Shepherd is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Alaskan Malamute | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Herding |
Size | Large | Large |
Origin | USA | Germany |
Height (male) | 25" | 24–26" |
Height (female) | 23" | 22–24" |
Weight (male) | 85 lbs | 65–90 lbs |
Weight (female) | 75 lbs | 50–70 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–14 years | 9–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
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) | Very High (5/5) |
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 German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed. Originally from Germany, this large herding breed typically weighs 65–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years. Breeders describe them as confident, courageous, smart.
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Alaskan Malamute health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Hypothyroidism
- • Bloat
German Shepherd health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Degenerative myelopathy