Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Mally or American Akita or Little Blue Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Alaskan Malamute and Akita. Which is better: Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Alaskan Malamute	Akita	Australian Shepherd
Origins	United States	Japan	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Sled Dogs	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	59	47	17
Reviews	3	9	7
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Mally Mal	American Akita Japanese Akita Great Japanese Dog	Little Blue Dog Aussie
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?	Large	Large	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Akita? Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd weight comparison:	Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)	Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)	Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 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: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg)	Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd? Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:	Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 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: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd? Which is more expensive?	$1200-$1500	$800-$1200	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd intelligence:	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd trainability comparison.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train. See more.	Akita dogs are easy to train. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?	Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd? Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Dignified Friendly Affectionate Loyal Devoted	Dignified Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Docile Faithful Vigilant Willing	Active Loving Protective Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Good-natured
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd?	Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:	Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed. See more.	Akita dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed. See more.
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. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
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. See more.	Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd playfulness comparison:	The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd?	Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks. See more.	Low: The Akita barks none to minimal. See more.	Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Akita 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 Australian Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian 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.	Australian Shepherd 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.

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Akita bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Moderate ⏺ The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd mouthiness comparison:	Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd?	The Alaskan Malamute is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Chondrodysplasia Hemeralopia Inherited Polyneuropathy	Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Sebaceous Adenitis	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Deafness Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Distichiasis Collie Eye Anomaly Detached Retina Nasal Solar Dermatitis Osteochondrosis Dissecans Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Veterinarian Visits 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.	Average The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Alaskan Malamute, Akita and Australian Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd?	Prefers cold weather The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers cold weather The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd? Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd energy level comparison:	Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.	Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?	Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.	Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?	Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.	1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd coat comparison:	Dense Rough Thick Weather-resistant	Fluffy Dense Waterproof Straight	Feathered
Colors What are the original Alaskan Malamute, Akita and Australian Shepherd color?	Black Gray Red White	Black Red White Brown Fawn	Black Red Blue Merle
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd? Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd grooming comparison:	Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort. See more.	Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd? Alaskan Malamute or Akita or {name3 shedding:	Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Akita dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd?	Low 🔽 The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Alaskan Malamute dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.	Akita dogs are generally with other pets.	Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?	Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?	Alaskan Malamute dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd?	Alaskan Malamute dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd?	Yes Alaskan Malamute dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Australian 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 Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Australian 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.	Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.	Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian 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. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Alaskan Malamute or Akita or Australian Shepherd? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd?	Not really Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Australian 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. See more.	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. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian 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 Malamute and Akita and Australian Shepherd have?	4-10 puppies	3-12 puppies	6-9 puppies, average 7
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Alaskan Malamute vs Akita vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds 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?	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. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Australian Shepherd Club Of America

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