Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Mally or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd?

"Find similarities and differences between Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Alaskan Malamute and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Alaskan Malamute or Shetland 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	Shetland Sheepdog
Origins	United States	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Sled Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	59	24
Reviews	3	6
User Ratings

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Large	Medium
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between an Alaskan Malamute and a Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is heavier?	Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)	14-27 pounds (6-12 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)	20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height Which is taller, Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? Is an Alaskan Malamute taller than a Shetland Sheepdog?	Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)	13-16 inches (33-41 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)	14.5 inches (37 cm)

Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland 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.	Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare training requirements.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shetland 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 a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare alertness levels.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare territorial behaviors.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of an Alaskan Malamute and a Shetland Sheepdog. How do their temperaments differ?	Playful Dignified Friendly Affectionate Loyal Devoted	Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog?	Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: Shetland 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 Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:	Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland 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.	Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks. See more.	A lot: Shetland 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 a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare play drive and energy.	The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare living space needs.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adaptability levels.	Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Shetland 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 Shetland 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.	Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare average lifespans.	11-15 years The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland 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 average to cold weather conditions The Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland 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.	The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Average The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Chondrodysplasia Hemeralopia Inherited Polyneuropathy	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Epilepsy Heart Problems Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Collie Eye Anomaly Haemophilia Trichiasis

Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare activity levels.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.	Shetland 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 Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog?	Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.	Shetland 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 Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare daily food needs.	Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Alaskan Malamute and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare breed colors.	Black Gray Red White	Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare drooling amounts.	The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare natural smell levels.	Low 🔽 The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between an Alaskan Malamute and a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare fur types.	Dense Rough Thick Weather-resistant	Dense
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare bathing frequencies.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? Do Alaskan Malamute dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdog dogs?	Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare kid-friendliness.	Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are 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.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?	Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most 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 Shetland Sheepdog?	Alaskan Malamute dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? Can an Alaskan Malamute and a Shetland Sheepdog be friends? Do Alaskan Malamute dogs get along with Shetland Sheepdog dogs?	Alaskan Malamute dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog?	Yes Alaskan Malamute dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shetland 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.	No Shetland Sheepdog 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.	Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland 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 a Shetland Sheepdog? 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.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland 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 a Shetland 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 a Shetland Sheepdog? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shetland 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 Shetland 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 Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Alaskan Malamute and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has larger litters?	4-10 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Alaskan Malamute and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Alaskan Malamute and Shetland 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 Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Alaskan Malamute and Shetland 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 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Alaskan Malamute and Shetland 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Alaskan Malamute and Shetland 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 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 Canadian Canine Registry

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