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?
Name | Alaskan Malamute | Shetland Sheepdog |
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Origins | United States | Scotland |
Group | Sled Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 59 | 24 |
Reviews | 3 | 6 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Mally Mal |
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd Sheltie Shetland Collie Toonie Dog Miniature Collie |
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Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred |
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison
Size
Which dog is bigger, Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog?
Is the Alaskan Malamute bigger than the Shetland Sheepdog breed?
Is an Alaskan Malamute smaller than a Shetland Sheepdog? | Large | Medium |
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Weight
Which is heavier, Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog weight comparison: | 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
Which is cheaper, Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Alaskan Malamute and Shetland Sheepdog? | $1200-$1500 | $800-$1000 |
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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
Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog smarter? Which is best? Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog intelligence: | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. | |
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Trainability
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog trainability comparison. What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog? | Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. | |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? | Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. | |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog?
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. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | |
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison: |
Playful Dignified Friendly Affectionate Loyal Devoted |
Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle | |
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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. | Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | |
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. | High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | |
Social Needs
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison: | Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. | |
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. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | |
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. | 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. | |
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison
Playfulness
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog playfulness comparison: | The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed. | Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. | |
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog? | Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks. | A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. | |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? | Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed. | It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home. | |
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog 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. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary. | |
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Biting Potential
Is an Alaskan Malamute more dangerous than a Shetland Sheepdog? | Moderate ⏺ The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. | |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog mouthiness comparison: | Alaskan Malamute dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison
Health Issues
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog? | 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. |
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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 |
Veterinarian Visits
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. |
Life Expectancy
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do Alaskan Malamute and Shetland Sheepdog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Alaskan Malamute and Shetland Sheepdog? |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years |
12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog? | Prefers cold weather The Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. | 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. |
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison
Energy Level
Who has more energy a Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog?
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog energy level comparison: | Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | |
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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. | |
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? Does the Alaskan Malamute breed eat more than the Shetland Sheepdog breed? | 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. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison: | Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity. | Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. |
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog coat comparison: |
Dense Rough Thick Weather-resistant | Dense | |
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Colors
What are the original Alaskan Malamute and Shetland Sheepdog color? Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog color comparison: |
Black Gray Red White |
Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle | |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog grooming comparison: | Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. | |
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. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. | |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | |
Hypoallergenic
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | No See more. | No See more. | |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? | Low 🔽 The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. | |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog? | The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog 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. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | |
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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. | |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? | Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | |
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 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
Which one could be a service dog? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Alaskan Malamute or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is better for autism? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
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. |
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. |
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog? | Not really Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Fighting Dog / Military Dog | 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
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can Alaskan Malamute and Shetland Sheepdog have? Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog litter size comparison: | 4-10 puppies | 4-6 puppies |
Alaskan Malamute vs Shetland Sheepdog 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 1911 as a Herding breed. |
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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 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. 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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