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Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Mally or Golden Flat Coat?

"Find similarities and differences between Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever" Compare Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Alaskan Malamute Golden Retriever
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland
Group Sled Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank593
Reviews316
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever. What other names are these breeds known by?
Mally
Mal
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Alaskan Malamute and a Golden Retriever. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Alaskan Malamute and a Golden Retriever. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 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: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever? Is an Alaskan Malamute taller than a Golden Retriever?
Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 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: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Alaskan Malamute and a Golden Retriever. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1500 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? 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: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare training requirements.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare alertness levels.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare territorial behaviors.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Alaskan Malamute and a Golden Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever?
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? 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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Alaskan Malamute and a Golden Retriever. 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.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever?
Average
The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever? Compare breed colors.
Black
Gray
Red
White
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare drooling amounts.
The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Alaskan Malamute and a Golden Retriever? Compare fur types.
Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever? Do Alaskan Malamute dogs shed more than Golden Retriever dogs?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Alaskan Malamute or a Golden Retriever? 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 Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever. Which has larger litters?
4-10 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever. 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 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever. 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Alaskan Malamute and Golden Retriever. 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
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

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