• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Comparison – Which dog is better Mally or Sheepdog?

"Find similarities and differences between Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie" Compare Alaskan Malamute and Border Collie. Which is better: Alaskan Malamute or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name Alaskan Malamute Border Collie
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Sled Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank5938
Reviews313
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Alaskan Malamute and Border Collie. What other names are these breeds known by?
Mally
Mal
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Alaskan Malamute and a Border Collie. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Alaskan Malamute and a Border Collie. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 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: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Alaskan Malamute or Border Collie? Is an Alaskan Malamute taller than a Border Collie?
Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), 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: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Alaskan Malamute and a Border Collie. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1500 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Alaskan Malamute or Border Collie?
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare training requirements.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare alertness levels.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare territorial behaviors.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Alaskan Malamute and a Border Collie. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie?
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie? Which can be better for hunting?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Border Collie 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.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare play drive and energy.
The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
See more.
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare living space needs.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Alaskan Malamute or Border Collie?
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.
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare biting tendencies.

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers cold weather
The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Alaskan Malamute and a Border Collie. Which breed is healthier?
The Alaskan Malamute is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Border Collie 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: Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie?
Average
The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Border Collie 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 Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare activity levels.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Alaskan Malamute or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Alaskan Malamute or Border Collie?
Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Alaskan Malamute and Border Collie? Compare breed colors.
Black
Gray
Red
White
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare drooling amounts.
The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Alaskan Malamute and a Border Collie? Compare fur types.
Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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 Border Collie? Do Alaskan Malamute dogs shed more than Border Collie dogs?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare kid-friendliness.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very 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.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Alaskan Malamute or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Alaskan Malamute or Border Collie?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Alaskan Malamute or Border Collie? Can an Alaskan Malamute and a Border Collie be friends? Do Alaskan Malamute dogs get along with Border Collie dogs?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie?
Yes
Alaskan Malamute dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Border Collie 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
Border Collie 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.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Alaskan Malamute or a Border Collie? Compare draft work capabilities.

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Alaskan Malamute and Border Collie. Which has stronger military background?

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 Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Alaskan Malamute and Border Collie. Which has larger litters?
4-10 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Alaskan Malamute and Border Collie breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Alaskan Malamute and Border Collie. Which needs longer recovery?

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 Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Alaskan Malamute and Border Collie. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Alaskan Malamute and Border Collie. Which groups are they in?
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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Alaskan Malamute and Border Collie. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association

Rate This Comparsion - Alaskan Malamute vs Border Collie

Reviews