Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Mally or Canis Islandicus?

"Find similarities and differences between Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog" Compare Alaskan Malamute and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which is better: Alaskan Malamute or Icelandic Sheepdog?

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	Icelandic Sheepdog
Origins	United States	Iceland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Sled Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	59	144
Reviews	3	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Alaskan Malamute and Icelandic Sheepdog. What other names are these breeds known by?	Mally Mal	Canis Islandicus Friaar Dog Iceland Dog Islandsk Farehond Islenskur Fjarhundur Icelandic Spitz
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between an Alaskan Malamute and an Icelandic Sheepdog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Large	Medium
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between an Alaskan Malamute and an Icelandic Sheepdog. Which breed is heavier?	Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)	20-30 pounds (9-14 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)	25 pounds (11.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Alaskan Malamute or Icelandic Sheepdog? Is an Alaskan Malamute taller than an Icelandic Sheepdog?	Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)	12-16 inches (31-41 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)	14 inches (36 cm)

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between an Alaskan Malamute and an Icelandic Sheepdog. Which breed costs more?	$1200-$1500	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Alaskan Malamute or Icelandic Sheepdog?	Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Icelandic Sheepdog is easier than average to get.

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? 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.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare training requirements.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare alertness levels.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare territorial behaviors.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of an Alaskan Malamute and an Icelandic Sheepdog. How do their temperaments differ?	Playful Dignified Friendly Affectionate Loyal Devoted	Agile Energetic Alert Inquisitive Cheerful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog social needs comparison:	Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog?	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 Icelandic Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog? Which can be better for hunting?	Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare play drive and energy.	The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed. See more.	The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare living space needs.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Icelandic Sheepdog breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare biting tendencies.	Moderate ⏺ The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare average lifespans.	11-15 years The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? 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 cold weather The Icelandic Sheepdog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between an Alaskan Malamute and an Icelandic Sheepdog. 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.	Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog?	Average The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Frequent The Icelandic Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Chondrodysplasia Hemeralopia Inherited Polyneuropathy	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Eye Problems

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Alaskan Malamute and Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare breed colors.	Black Gray Red White	Black Gray Red Cream White Fawn Chocolate Gold
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare drooling amounts.	The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Icelandic Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare natural smell levels.	Low 🔽 The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between an Alaskan Malamute and an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare fur types.	Dense Rough Thick Weather-resistant	Dense Soft Wavy Thick Straight
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare bathing frequencies.	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Alaskan Malamute or Icelandic Sheepdog? Do Alaskan Malamute dogs shed more than Icelandic Sheepdog dogs?	Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog Good With Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Icelandic Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare service capabilities.	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 Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare therapy capabilities.	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
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare scenting abilities.	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 & Rescue Potential Which is better for search and rescue: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare SAR abilities.	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.
Maritime Work Ability Which is better on boats: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Icelandic Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: an Alaskan Malamute or an Icelandic Sheepdog? 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 Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Alaskan Malamute and Icelandic Sheepdog. Which has larger litters?	4-10 puppies	4-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Alaskan Malamute and Icelandic Sheepdog breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Alaskan Malamute and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Alaskan Malamute and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 2010 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Alaskan Malamute and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Alaskan Malamute and Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc.

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