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Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Comparison – Which dog is better Mally or Japanese Shiba Inu?

"Find similarities and differences between Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu" Compare Alaskan Malamute and Shiba Inu. Which is better: Alaskan Malamute or Shiba Inu?
 
 
 
Name Alaskan Malamute Shiba Inu
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Japan flagJapan
Group Sled Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank5945
Reviews39
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Alaskan Malamute and Shiba Inu. What other names are these breeds known by?
Mally
Mal
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Alaskan Malamute and a Shiba Inu. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Alaskan Malamute and a Shiba Inu. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 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: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Alaskan Malamute or Shiba Inu? Is an Alaskan Malamute taller than a Shiba Inu?
Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 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: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Price and Availability Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? 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.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare training requirements.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
See more.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare alertness levels.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare territorial behaviors.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Alaskan Malamute and a Shiba Inu. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu?
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu social needs comparison:
Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu?
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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu? Which can be better for hunting?
Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare play drive and energy.
The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare living space needs.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Malamute breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Alaskan Malamute or Shiba Inu?
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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Moderate

The Alaskan Malamute has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu?
Average
The Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare daily food needs.
Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Alaskan Malamute and Shiba Inu? Compare breed colors.
Black
Gray
Red
White
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare drooling amounts.
The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare natural smell levels.

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Alaskan Malamute and a Shiba Inu? Compare fur types.
Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? 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 Shiba Inu? Do Alaskan Malamute dogs shed more than Shiba Inu dogs?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
See more.

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? Compare kid-friendliness.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
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.
Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Alaskan Malamute or Shiba Inu? Which dog is more friendly?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Alaskan Malamute or Shiba Inu?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Alaskan Malamute or Shiba Inu? Can an Alaskan Malamute and a Shiba Inu be friends? Do Alaskan Malamute dogs get along with Shiba Inu dogs?
Alaskan Malamute dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu?
Yes
Alaskan Malamute dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Alaskan Malamute is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shiba Inu 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.
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Alaskan Malamute vs Shiba Inu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? 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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? 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 Shiba Inu? 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 Shiba Inu? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Alaskan Malamute or a Shiba Inu? 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Alaskan Malamute and Shiba Inu. Which has larger litters?
4-10 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Alaskan Malamute and Shiba Inu breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Alaskan Malamute and Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Alaskan Malamute and Shiba Inu. 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 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Alaskan Malamute and Shiba Inu. 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 Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Alaskan Malamute and Shiba Inu. 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

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