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Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Husky or Mally or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd" Compare Alaskan Husky and Alaskan Malamute. Which is better: Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Alaskan Husky Alaskan Malamute German Shepherd
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany
Group Sled Dogs Sled Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank495592
Reviews3319
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Husky Mally
Mal
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Cross Breed Purebred Purebred

Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
Medium Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or Alaskan Malamute? Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg), Female: 35-48 pounds (16-22 kg) 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: 50 pounds (22.5 kg), Female: 41.5 pounds (19 kg) 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 Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd height comparison:
20-24 inches (51-61 cm) 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?
22 inches (56 cm) 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 Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$1500 $1200-$1500 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd trainability comparison.
A slightly harder to train than average.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
Alaskan Husky dogs are average watchdogs.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Alaskan Husky dogs are average defenders.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Agile
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Powerful
Sensitive
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?
Sensitive: Alaskan Husky dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd?
Average to High: Alaskan Husky dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Alaskan Husky dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Alaskan Husky dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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German Shepherd 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 Husky dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Alaskan Husky is a highly playful breed.
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The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd?
Average to High: The Alaskan Husky is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Husky breed.
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 Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Alaskan Husky dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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 Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Husky bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Moderate

The Alaskan Husky has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Alaskan Husky dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd?
Alaskan Huskys tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hyperthyroidism
Laryngeal Paresis
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
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
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Alaskan Husky should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
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).
Life Expectancy
Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Alaskan Husky, Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Husky: 12 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd?
Prefers cold weather
The Alaskan Husky can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:
Alaskan Husky dogs are high-energy dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Alaskan Husky dogs need a lot of exercises.
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 Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
Alaskan Husky dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Alaskan Husky has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Alaskan Husky, Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd color?
Black
Gray
White
Blonde
Orange
Black
Gray
Red
White
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The Alaskan Husky requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or {name3 shedding:
Alaskan Husky dogs shed moderately.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Hypoallergenic
Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd?

Medium

The Alaskan Husky has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Alaskan Husky is an average drooler.
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The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Alaskan Husky dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
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 Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Alaskan Husky dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
Alaskan Husky dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
Alaskan Husky dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
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 Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd?
Alaskan Husky dogs are very dog-friendly 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 good for the first-time owners: Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd?
No
Alaskan Husky dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
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 Husky is not the best dog breed for office environment.
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 Huskys are commonly okay with elderly people.
Alaskan Malamutes are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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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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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd?

Not really

Alaskan Husky breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Alaskan Husky and Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd have?
4-10 puppies 4-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

Alaskan Husky vs Alaskan Malamute vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. 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 Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Not recognized by FCI. 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.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
Dog Registry of America Inc. 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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